How to Dress for the Cold Like a French Person

Today I did not follow these steps.  Instead I dressed for the cold like an idiot and almost froze, even though Paris really isn't that cold.  The cold here has that damp, insidious quality that sinks into your bones...Heed my cautionary tale and follow these guidelines :

• Neatly wrap and tie your scarf around the collar of your jacket.
• Layer unexpected things, like tights with leggings.
• Wear boots, heels encouraged. (re: ice : beauty is pain, pain sometimes caused by slipping)
• Let your chunky knit scarves, sweaters, and fingerless gloves explode out of your coat, obscuring the bottom of your face if possible.
• Find a sophisticated, unique, but not too quirky hat to pull low on your brow.
• Do not let your cigarette catch aforementioned knits on fire. Not chic.

Warmly,
Maria