He’s here already! We’re not buying the “experts” that say the first day of winter is December 21, 2010.

A quick look at a weather map will look pretty enough with its blue and purple hues spread across our great nation.  Still, look at the corresponding temperatures and you’re sure to shiver, even if you’re sporting a Softwear with Stretch top and legging under your pantaloons, inside, under an electric blanket.

Usual suspects such as Buffalo, Milwaukee and Chicago already have received the joy of their first big snowfall, but now even those Southern hotspots where we usually migrate for at least a winter weekend are learning to successfully pair their car’s defroster with a windshield scraper. This week, it dropped below freezing from the Northeast all the way down to North Florida!

But with this chilly weather comes unexpected fun. Hey, it’s not every day you can build a snowman with your kids, and let’s not forget about that fire pit in the backyard that toasts marshmallows to perfection.

We know it’s not easy to look cool when you can’t feel your teeth or tell if your nose is running, but it is possible. Try coupling tweed winter shorts with a Softwear with Stretch legging when you’re grabbing hot chocolate with friends.  Add a knee-length coat, insulated boots (at least for the commute and car cleaning!) with a faux fur trim, a cute winter hat with ear flaps, some mittens and a smile.  You’ll stay warm, look hot and feel like a kid again – actually enjoying the cold a bit!

Earlier this month I vacationed in Vancouver, British Columbia and the Gulf Islands. While it was in the high 90s in sweltering New York where I live, the temperatures on my trip rarely climbed above 60 degrees with lows in the 40s and 50s. Let me remind you it was July, and I confess I didn’t bring any Cuddl Duds.

If had I been planning ahead — instead of living in denial about the cold summer forecast — bringing a set of Softwear would have made a whole lot of sense! While part of our trip was spent in the city, we also ventured off to Salt Spring Island (shown in the photo above) where we stayed at an electricity-free cabin. It was breathtakingly beautiful and had a rustic calm to cure any high-strung New Yorker’s stress, but we had to build a fire to stay warm at night. In July. A puffy vest around the campfire and a triple layer of sleeping bags on my bed could’ve both been avoided had I packed my Cuddl Duds! And after a dip in the refreshing lake with a chill in the air, again, I could’ve used a set to warm up in.

So if you’re planning a trip to somewhere that might still be chilly even though summer is in full swing — taking an Alaskan cruise, touring through the Australian outback or even traveling to South Africa (where World Cup soccer stars dressed warmly) for example — pack smart! Even though your first thought might be to pack an extra parka or puffy vest, those winter staples will take up a lot of room in your luggage. However, a simple set of Cuddl Duds can slip easily into your carry on and add warmth to your summer styles.

Whether you’re training for a 5K or running for fun, the brightening skies and climbing temperatures of spring provide plenty of motivation to get outside and hit the trails. But even when it’s warm enough for sandals and sundresses mid-day, the times when you’re most likely free to run — think early morning and in the evening after work — are often chilly.

Smart layering can keep you comfortable and keep you warm so you’re not shivering during your warm up and cool down. Since you’re not dealing with freezing temperatures, you can leave the heavy sweat pants and fleece zip-ups at home. In fact, you’ll probably only need a layer of Cuddl Duds on the top or on the bottom instead of wearing a full set.

On the bottom, Cuddl Duds Activewear Lightweight Pant can double as running tights. For added, humble, coverage slip a pair of running shorts or a running skirt over the pants. Or go for a warm shirt. On top, wear a Cuddl Duds Activewear Lightweight Crew Neck Longsleeve underneath your favorite running short-sleeve tee or a lightweight jacket. Both of these running outfits will keep you light on your feet and help you stay warm so you can enjoy your run.

With budding trees and blooming flowers, spring is a beautiful time to go camping. But as you indulge in spring fever, remember that even if it’s sunny and 70 degrees during the day, temps will likely dip to the 50s or even 40s at night. Unless you plan to sit around the campfire eating s’mores ‘til the sun comes up, you’ll need to layer on warmth—luckily that doesn’t mean you need to grab a pack of that dorky thermal underwear at the camping store.

Cuddl Duds are the perfect early spring camping base layer. Pack two sets with you so you’ll have one for sleeping and one for activities. Before you snuggle into your sleeping bag for the night, slip into a set of Climatesmart Cuddl Duds. If it’s really cold, you can layer a hoodie or sweatpants over top, too.

When you wake up and want to go for pre-breakfast hike, the Activewear Lightweight collection is the right way to go. Layer a fleece or puffy vest over a long sleeve Cuddl Duds top. If you luck out with good weather, you’ll be able to ditch your Cuddl Duds for most of the day for tees and tanks, but when the sun sets, we bet you’ll want those warm layers again!

In New York City, we’re just getting our first taste of cold weather and I know many parts of the country have already felt a chilly blast. For fans of outdoor winter sports and activities, that means finding ways to stay warm now that the mercury has dropped.

One of my favorite ways to stay warm during outdoor activities is to layer on warmth with Cuddl Duds. If you’re not familiar with Cuddl Duds, it’s the nation’s top selling warm underwear brand, offering long underwear leggings and snug fitting tanks and tees all made to layer in super soft fabrics.

From temperature regulating Cuddl Duds Climatesmart tops and bottoms to sweat-wicking and breathable Cuddl Duds Activewear, adding a layer of Cuddl Duds to your outfit can help you stay warm so you don’t have to head in with the “I’m cold” excuse before the fun is over. Here’s how to dress warm for winter step-by-step:

How to Dress Warm for a Winter Run

Even though it’s cold, you’ll surely sweat when you run so the key to staying warm is to choose moisture-wicking fabrics.

1. Wool socks
2. Cuddl Duds Activewear Midweight Long Pant
3. Sports Bra
4. Cuddl Duds Activewear Midweight Crew Neck Long Sleeve
5. Zip-Up Fleece
6. Glove liners or thin fleece mittens
7. Wool hat or ear band

*For temps below 30 degrees add wind pants, a windbreaker and a neck gaitor.

How to Dress Warm for a Winter Sports

Downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating are only fun if you’re not freezing, but you can turn up the heat deep beneath your outwear just enough to keep you warm until you get moving.

1. Wool socks
2. Cuddl Duds Activewear Lightweight Long Pant
3. Waterproof Snow Pant
4. Cuddl Duds Activewear Lightweight Crew Neck Long Sleeve
5. Fleece pullover
6. Lightweight jacket or softshell
7. Wool hat
8. Mittens or gloves

How to Dress Warm for a Winter Walk

Whether you’re walking your dog or simply using your own two feet to get from here to there, the key is to stay warm on the go, and not overheat once you get to your destination.

1. Wool socks
2. Cuddl Duds Climatesmart Long Pant
3. Jeans
4. Cuddl Duds Climatesmart V-Neck Short Sleeve
5. Wool sweater
6. Winter jacket
7. Scarf
8. Hat
9. Mittens or gloves

How to Dress Warm for a Sledding with Your Family

As you’re bundling up your little ones, don’t forget to bundle up yourself because you know you’ll end up taking a few snowy spills together before you head in for hot chocolate.

1. Wool socks
2. Cuddl Duds Activewear Lightweight Long Pant
3. Waterproof Snow Pant
4. Cuddl Duds Climatesmart Mock Neck Long Sleeve
5. Waterproof winter jacket
6. Scarf
7. Wool hat or ear band
8. Mittens