Dear Glimmer,

It's hockey season! I have to admit that I am all too often that frumpy mom who usually ends up at the rink in oversized hoody, yoga pants and sneakers. Any suggestions on something comfy and warm that looks good while I cheer on my favourite NHL hopefuls?

Thanks,

Frumpy Hockey Mom

Dear Hockey Mom,

This coming weekend there will be a multitude of fashion sins being committed in arenas all over Toronto. This my friends is Puck Drop Weekend for the "G" - short for GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League). While Hockey Mom's are dusting off their cow bells and getting into hockey mom high gear, the temps outside still remain pretty warm, meaning that what you're wearing for the day...might not necessarily be appropriate once you enter the arena. There is nothing I hate more than being cold while watching my son play. Trust me...I have been a victim to many arena fashion crimes, the worst being inappropriate foot wear, but it's too soon to pull your Uggs out of the closet. I think you should stick with your sneakers and socks. (You are at a sporting even after all). Not socks up to your knees (no no no), it's ok to let your ankles peek out from your jeans, but little no-show socks will make a big difference in keeping you warm. See the photo below? That's me...in an arena a few days ago freezing my ass and my feet off. Not good at all. Lesson learned! 

The next key to keep warm is to layer your clothing. If you're appropriately layered, when you leave the area and head out for post game lunch/dinner/drinks, you can shed a layer or two and are still dressed for the temperature outside.  Great layering pieces for fall include denim jackets over short or long sleeve tee's, ponchos or wraps (over the denim jacket) and light weight ski jackets (no need to layer over top).  Skip the sweats and wear jeans or cargo pants. Both look cute with running shoes. Also, take a pass on leggings, they really don't keep you warm when you sit on a cold bench.  Grab your fingerless gloves from winter storage so you can provide family with up to the minute game stats and definitely bring along a light weight blanket for either the benches or your lap. Even better - share the blanky with your favourite hockey mom. :)

So Hockey Mom, follow those few simple rules and I can promise you'll be fashionably on fleek for the start of the hockey season!

Good luck!

Glimmer

P.S. I tackled a question similar to this last year. You can find my answer here!  

P.S.S. Here are some cute and affordable layering pieces from The Gap I liked!