16 Smart Cold-Weather Buys From Nippy To Polar Vortex

It seems that Mother Nature was ready to shake out of her own winter doldrums by raising one hell of a freezing ruckus across the country. No one asked for this snow parade, but it's come to town — so let's put on our parkas, lace up our boots, and deal with it. No matter which state you live in, you're likely experiencing some force of colder-than-usual weather. And since the chill has come in more like a wrecking ball than a gentle snowflake, you might not have been exactly wardrobe ready.

To make sure your arsenal of clothes includes functional pieces that truly keep you warm and protected against the elements, we've rounded up the best coats, boots, clothes, and accessories that promise to do just that — all neatly arranged according to winter weather zones. From, "a little bit nippy," to, "full-on polar vortex," these are the pieces worth investing in before Mother Nature's next big icy bash.