Winter Essentials: Petite Fleece Tights + Thermals

When writing my annual roundup, I realized I haven’t been giving enough love to my plain, non-exciting but highly functional layering basics. Below are two of my winter must-haves that I rely on every week for staying warm, but sometimes forget to mention since they’re not always visible. Sorry the photos here are a little blurry – they’re screen grabs from my “get ready with me video,” which you can view here!

Fleece lined tights

Note: If you don’t see your size (i.e. Petite) it may mean it has sold out, but they restock very regularly!

I own a variety of fleece lined tights in a range of thicknesses, but the pair I reach for the most has been this lighter weight style called Berkshire Cozy Hose. They have a soft terry-like interior and are definitely warmer than my regular black tights, but not as thick as tights that are truly fleece lined. I like these since they fit well, don’t get too warm while indoors, and also layer easily under jeans and pants because they’re not very thick.

I also love that these come in Petite and Tall sizing, and all the classic neutrals (black, navy, gray, and chocolate). According to their size chart on the item page, Petite is recommended for customers 5’0 – 5’3″ around 100-125 and fits me decently well.

Uniqlo Heattech “Ultra Warm” collection

I’m late to discovering these (credit to Nick) and don’t know where I’d be this winter without the turtleneck, crewneck, and leggings! Previously I only owned their regular, thin Heattech tops as undershirts, but the Ultra Warm collection is leaps and bounds better for Boston winters. It’s very lightly lined in fleece and feels soft, cozy, and substantial – enough to wear normally as a regular top, not just an inner layer. Sometimes I’ll layer the regular thinner ones under an Ultra Warm top if needs be.

The black turtleneck is my #1 most worn thermal top because it’s more of a cross between a mock neck and turtleneck. I have a short neck and usually need to fold most turtlenecks down 1-2 times, but this neckline is perfect for a clean look without any folding needed or feelings of restriction. I wear this by itself all the time as a classic top tucked into the waist of skirts, jeans, and trousers.

Regarding their Heattech Ultra Warm leggings, I’m about 5′ tall 96 lbs and found the kids size 11-12 leggings (24″ inseam) fit me a little better than the womens xxs (27″ inseam). On the contrary, their kids Ultra Warm crewneck top was too baggy in the torso for me, so I much preferred the slim fit of the womens top in xxs.

PS if you’re placing an order at Uniqlo, I recently got this blazer to try on and liked the xxs for a relaxed boyfriend fit! Cute paired casually slim jeans or ankle pants.