Weather here can be quite variable from day to day and even within a 24 hour period (like today, from below freezing to the low 50s), and depending on your activities.

Several thin layers under a thin shell is a practical approach. You can take things off, rearrange layers and never feel too hot, or too cold. Wear a hat. And don't forget that your legs, even under pants, comprise a large area of skin that cools you as a whole, so leggings/longjohns aren't out of the question, especially if you're outside for long periods.

And if you're coming from Chicago, our weather will probably seem balmy.

This is the greatest jacket I've ever owned - lightweight and really warm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BMLQYRT?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

https://www.rei.com/product/154226/rei-co-op-650-down-jacket-20-womens

Something like this from REI (REI Coop, Patagonia, etc) -- good quality and good companies, and decent prices this time of year. I've had an REI co-op version for a number of years and it's always warm enough. Also packs really small so it's great for vacations. Also, fuck amazon.

You might be able to find something used from the Trail Hut as well.

Eddie Bauer Cirruslite Down Parka (it’s so not a parka). It’s one of those light weight puffy coats.

I've had something similar to this for the past three years and you won't need anything warmer than that in RVA. If it gets EXTRA cold for a few days a year as it tends to here, I just put on an extra sweater underneath and I'm fine.

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I would actually advise not getting down - you’ll probably roast. Stores really crank up the heat here. So say you’re out running errands on a winter day - you go from warm car to brief outside walk in sunny 40 degree weather, than into a sauna store. Or if you’re longer outside, you’re usually walking, so again, you’ll be warmer. All that being said, I’ve been happiest in a fleece jacket, something like this: https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/120713?productId=1678613&attrValue_0=Arctic%20Blue&sku=1000102190&pla1=0&qs=3156271&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgIqb4e64-wIVzODICh2sbAoFEAQYASABEgItC_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds