Surprising cold weather style tips from Iqaluit

One of the biggest misconceptions about dressing for extreme cold is that your clothing has to be big, bulky, and heavy — even in the Arctic. In reality, it's better to wear several lighter layers — they just have to be the right ones. And it doesn't have to be all black and utilitarian; there are lots of ways to incorporate your own personal style while also being mindful of climate needs.

After more than four years of Iqaluit's sub-zero temperatures, I've learned a thing or two about extreme cold weather fashion. Here are the items I've found are best to keep you looking hot, even in the cold.

1) Base layers. Be they Merino wool or synthetic, base layers are a game changer when it comes to cold weather style. You can essentially wear whatever you would down south, just with the added coziness of fleece-lined leggings or Merino tights under skirts, dresses or jeans.

Pro tip: Merino is great if you're planning to be active in the cold, because of its antimicrobial and moisture-wicking features. If you're just walking and not likely to sweat, save a bit of cash and opt for a synthetic base layer instead.

2) Down sweater. These super-thin jackets are thin enough to fit easily under a variety of coats, and their down filling offers an extra layer of warmth. My favourite is the down sweater from Patagonia.

Here's a life hack for you: slip one of these down mid-layers under a wool coat for a city chic look that is still warm AF.

3) Fashionable yet functional accessories. "Nice mitts," is a pretty common way of greeting people up here, because we do, in fact, tend to wear nice mitts, and hats, and boots, often handmade in Nunavut. My favourite cold weather accessory has to be a sealskin headband by Victoria's Arctic Fashion (pictured in the header photo above). It's warm, it's hella cute, and it uses a seal, which is an important part of the local culture and economy.

4) Custom parka. You can always recognize a newbie or visitor in Iqaluit by their massive red parka. Would it surprise you to know that most Nunavummiut do not wear $800 store bought parkas? No — what keeps me warm during winter (ie. October to June in Iqaluit) is a three-layer coat that — wait for it — I made myself, thanks to a course I took in Iqaluit. Custom-made means a great fit and a unique, recognizable style, all based on Inuit innovation and design, which also renders these homemade parkas distinctly Northern.

But what if you're not in Iqaluit? No fear — you can order a bonafide Nunavut parka from the comfort of your home, thanks to the aforementioned Victoria's Arctic Fashion.

Want to catch more secrets of life in Canada's North? Watch True North Calling Fridays 8:30 on CBC!

Anubha Momin is a blogger, freelance writer, and producer who splits her time between Iqaluit, Nunavut and Toronto, Ontario. Her blog, Finding True North, covers everything from how-to guides to interviews with the Prime Minister to Northern music reviews, taking a hyper-local approach that appeals to her Nunavut base as well as national readers.