Professional Dog Walkers Reveal Their Secrets to Staying Warm This Winter

In ELLE.com’s series Unexpected Expert, we’re going straight to the source to find out which items are actually worth your hard-earned cash.

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It wasn’t long into the pandemic that a common balm for coping with quarantine emerged: walking. In cities and in suburbs, the relatively-safe outdoor activity (when masked and distanced from others) has been a haven, an excuse to get fresh air and break up your daily routine. But with winter on its way, the coming cold threatens to disrupt one of the only joys left in our COVID-19 hellscape. To get some expert advice on how to dress for the dreaded chill, ELLE.com asked 11 professional dog walkers—who know everything about battling the elements—for their best recommendations.Compliment-Worthy Coat

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Women’s Thickened Down Jacket

Orolay
amazon.com

$246.99

$149.99 (39% off)

“Because I’m outdoors in the coldest of weather, my all-time favorite cozy item is my Orolay coat from Amazon. I love fashion and utility, and this coat has it all. It keeps me warm and dry in all kinds of weather. I like the pockets, which can store my phone, purse, gloves, camera, and every other necessity for my job as a dog walker. I especially love all the compliments I get while wearing it. When I purchased this coat two years ago, I heard it was the new ‘it’ coat on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. I was instantly sold. Two years later, it’s still my favorite winter item.” —Jaime Dillon, owner of Happy Tails of Philly in PhiladelphiaLong-Lasting Leggings

Altitude Tight in Polartec® Power Stretch®

Athleta
athleta.gap.com

$98.00

“I love Athleta’s Polartec leggings. I’ve had four pairs for at least three years, and I literally wear them every day during the winter. They’ve held up and kept me warm! I wear them with a long, down jacket and tall winter boots, and they allow for flexibility and a less-bulky feel. On truly arctic days, I slip on a pair of wind pants or snow pants over the leggings.” —Megan Sellheim, owner of Come, Sit, Stay in Minneapolis–Saint PaulNo-Sweat Socks

Women’s Hiking Calf Socks

“I personally can’t get warm if my feet are cold, so good socks are a must. The problem…

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Source: elle.com