I am going to Montreal next week and need to know how to dress. I am from Mississippi and don't really have cold weather clothes so I need help! Help! Please don't flame me!

The trick is to dress in layers. How could you not have cold weather clothes? (I live in So. Calif. and I have them.) You might have to do some shopping when you get there then, because you will need a big heavy coat, wool sweaters, and layers for the underneath such as turtlenecks, or long underwear. Montreal is VERY cold (at least to my point of reference) at this time of year.

I have sweaters but they are cotton and not wool. I have a coat, but it is more of a car coat than a warm winter coat etc. Should I splurge and get a long wool winter coat?

Sue,
Your cotton sweaters will be fine, just wear a mock turtle neck or whatever under them. I would advise you to get a warmer coat than a car coat. I understand your not having any cold weather clothing, but you need to ready yourself for your trip. Dressing in layers is best, but a warm coat is a necessity. Don't forget gloves, hat, warm socks and shoes perhaps boots.
Go shopping.

Went to Montreal for Thanksgiving 2 years ago, and the high temp was 18 degrees F. I'm also a southern girl (spent 6 years in Alabama), so I understand your lack of cold weather know-how.

The one thing that really saved me in Montreal was tights. I think I might have even worn 2 pair at a time! They provide great warmth and are an easy fit under pants. I also wore knee-high socks for extra warmth...you might even want an extra pair of regular socks over that. Layering is definitely key.

Bring -
your long-sleeved t-shirts
your heaviest sweaters
your warmest pants
tights
Boots with a thick sole

Buy before you go -
a waterproof coat with a warm zipout lining
a wool hat
wool gloves, or leather gloves with fleece, cashmere or wool lining
cashmere-blend wool socks (one dark pair - you can wear them every day over the tights)
A soft wool scarf

You'll want to buy things that are made for cold climates; visit online LL Bean or similar store rather than patronizing your local stores.

I'd start by asking friends and family for loaners. It is very expensive to buy quality clothes, but if you skimp you'll suffer from the cold!

Thanks for the great advice everyone! I have been out of the south (17 different countries actually) but stay at home during the cold weather months. I will layer, buy the warmer coat, wear tights under my pants, and get a scarf, gloves, and a hat.

Sue,
See if you can find some silk underwear (tops & bottoms) to wear under your clothes. It's very light, but very warm too, so the bulk isn't there.
However, Montreal has a great underground city so unless you're going to be outdoors a lot, you can do with the layers.
I'd add a fleece shirt/jacket under your coat too.

If I can see one thread on this site without sarcasm, It'll be a miracle I think....I think some of you have some New Year's resolutions to think about.

Anyways, back to the thread....I would wait til you get to Montreal, and get yourself a nice winter coat and accessories since they will all be on sale (plus the exchange rate is good). You could get away with wearing your car jacket with a heavy sweater, scarf, hat and gloves...but I wouldn't recommend it if you'll be outside for more than 10 minutes at a time.

I'm from the Northeast, and I've skied for years, so I'm acclimated to cold weather. I can't recall ever being as cold as I was when I spent a late January weekend in Montreal. It was brutal!

Be prepared for an average tempature of about 15 degrees. Definately follow the advice to dress in layers. I'll add that you should make sure you have something to cover your ears and thermal socks.

A small flask with your favorite spirits can't hurt either!

Fortunately it is a good time of year to buy winter clothes on sale. You have received much good advice above. One thing I can add is to make sure the outer coat/layer is a synthetic, wind-resistant material - wear the wool underneath, but this type of material is better at blocking wind. (In the same way you might wear a windbreaker in a warmer climate when it is windy.)

Now you will have an excuse to go outside when it is colder or to travel to colder climates. My brother lives in south Florida and we live in Boston - he finds nothing funnier than to see us at the beach when the natives are wearing long sleeves. We bought him a winter coat that he keeps here for when he visits October-May.

I would agree with those who suggested you wait until you get to Montreal to buy a warm coat. The exchange rate will benefit you hugely, and there is probably a much greater selection up here in Canada where we wear these things 6 months out of the year. Besides, it will be a great souvenir of your trip! I'm from Toronto and I found the cold weather in Montreal to be astonishing. My hair actually froze at one point. Make sure your ears are covered - they can get frostbitten and you might not even notice at the time. Have a great trip!