As the UK braces for a severe cold snap with temperatures predicted to drop as low as minus nine degrees Celsius, a woman from Russia has stepped in with some frost-defying fashion advice, claiming many Brits "don't know" how to dress for the cold.
Anastasia Ova's three essential winter rules
Anastasia Ova took to TikTok to demonstrate her method for staying warm, drawing on her experience from Russia's notoriously harsh winters. Her guidance comes as the Met Office issues snow and ice warnings across the country for early January 2026.
Her first and most crucial tip is to eliminate any gaps where cold air can penetrate. "Number one tip, there should be no air," Anastasia explained. She advises wearing tight-fitting clothing and tucking loose garments into boots to create a seal. She specifically warned against ankle socks, which leave skin exposed to biting winds.
Layering is non-negotiable
Her second recommendation focuses on strategic layering. She suggests wearing fleece tights under trousers and emphasises that keeping your lower half warm is vital. "Bottom is very important," she stressed, also advising a coat long enough to cover your bottom for added insulation. She humorously noted, "It's not a season to be sexy, you can do that in the summer."
The final step in her winter armoury is to always wear a warm hat and gloves. For extra neck protection, she recommends knitwear that covers the neck or a scarf. She compared the ideal outfit to a scuba suit, where sleeves are tight against gloves, leaving no room for cold air to circulate.
Mixed reactions from a global audience
The advice sparked a lively debate in the comments, with viewers from other cold climates offering their own perspectives. One person from Sweden contested the "no air" rule, stating, "The air is a part of the insulation. Wear layers and keep air in between. It's NOT supposed to be tight." A Canadian viewer recommended mittens over gloves for better warmth.
However, some in the UK questioned the practicality of the advice for British winters. One key objection centred on the UK's overheated indoor spaces. "This would work if every building in the UK didn't have the heating set to tropical hell level," one comment read, highlighting the challenge of dressing for both the outdoor freeze and indoor heat.
In response, a viewer from Norway suggested a practical solution: "Layers. We do that in Norway as well: Have the office-appropriate clothing under our practical outside wear. And have an extra set of shoes there." Others pointed out the climatic difference, with one user remarking, "You realise we don't have the same winters as you right? Like worst case scenario for us is zero Celsius."
Despite the debate, Anastasia Ova's tips provide a focused strategy for the extreme cold forecast to grip the UK. With temperatures set to plummet and warnings in place, mastering the art of layering could be the key to staying safe and warm during the January freeze.
