Cool-weather clothes

[skinimini]

It's still summer here in the south, but I'm trying to think ahead for fall and winter. Especially for the southern TE girls, what are the cycling clothes that you find to be favorites/necessity?

Currently, I have arm and leg warmers, a light windbreaker vest and jacket, and one synthetic long-sleeved jersey. For colder days, I have no clue. I see that many people love the smart-wool. Is that too much for warmer climates? We do get cold weather here in Atlanta, just not for months on end.

Any help will be most appreciated!

[Eden]

For cooler weather I like light long fingered gloves, and if it isn't going to warm up, a long sleeve jersey in place of arm warmers.

If it is cold (or cool and wet) I like tights, shoe covers, heavier long finger gloves, wool socks, a hat and a base layer if it is really cold.

[Crankin]

Toe covers might be an option, most of the time, instead of booties, although I have been in Atlanta in the winter and it was cold and rainy.
Lightweight wool layers/wicking base layers, and a good windproof jacket will probably suffice.

[GLC1968]

I lived and rode in North Carolina and wore quite a bit of Smartwool & Ibex back then. It's actually really well suited to winter riding in the south because it breathes and yet still keeps you warm when you aren't moving (stoplights and such). I was comfy in a lightweight wool baselayer or jersey under a wind-breaking type jacket almost all winter.

[KathiCville]

I'm in Virginia and wear Smartwool or Icebreaker tops as light layers under a jacket on really cool or cold days.

One thing you might want to keep in mind as you're planning a winter cycling wardrobe is the value of ZIPPERS on your underlayers. My wool tops are mostly lightweight mock turtleneck 1/4 or 1/2-length zip-ups. The zippers allow me to dial in just the right amount of ventilation. Being able to adjust as I go along makes an amazing difference in comfort on a long ride.

[OakLeaf]

I have several wool base layers for winter in central Florida.

[redrhodie]

The thing that I can't leave home without in winter is a buff. Depending on how cold it is, I either wear it around my neck, or like a balaclava. Even though I'm in the north, I wear a summer weight one year round. I just happened to get that kind, and it's been fine so far, even into the 20s.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm reading that the typical daytime winter temps for Atlanta are in the mid 40's to mid 50'sF range- so we are not exactly talking Antarctica here.
Still, an early morning ride starting out at 35 or 40F would be worth wearing some warm tights for, and a thin merino base layer. Hands and feet tend to get colder than anything else, so don't skimp on the socks and gloves.

[Cataboo]

I'm reading that the typical daytime winter temps for Atlanta are in the mid 40's to mid 50'sF range- so we are not exactly talking Antarctica here.
Still, an early morning ride starting out at 35 or 40F would be worth wearing some warm tights for, and a thin merino base layer. Hands and feet tend to get colder than anything else, so don't skimp on the socks and gloves.

If you're used to warm temperatures, 35 or 40 feels cold because you're not acclimatized. I have friends from northern canada who won't break out a jacket until it's under freezing, because as far as they're concerned it's not cold...

However....