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Signing UpStep 1A brief history/physics/textiles lesson
Before going into how to keep yourself nice and toasty while riding through the frightful weather outside, a quick diversion into what you need to stay warm in high wind.
Normally clothes keep you warm by trapping an insulating layer of air next to your skin- this is why many layers are better for warmth and the best undergarments (thermals or old-fashioned string vests etc) are actually mostly made of air. In windy conditions (for instance, sitting on a bike at 55mph), the wind blows straight through your clothes and removes this insulating layer, which is why you don't see many Harley owners wearing cardigans.
For warmth in cold and windy conditions, therefore, the best combination is an insulating under layer with a windproof layer over the top. Think about early aviators wearing sheepskin-lined leather jackets, or arctic-dwelling peoples wearing furs with the fur on the inside. Insulation underneath, windproof layer on top will be a recurring theme in this Instructable.
Normally clothes keep you warm by trapping an insulating layer of air next to your skin- this is why many layers are better for warmth and the best undergarments (thermals or old-fashioned string vests etc) are actually mostly made of air. In windy conditions (for instance, sitting on a bike at 55mph), the wind blows straight through your clothes and removes this insulating layer, which is why you don't see many Harley owners wearing cardigans.
For warmth in cold and windy conditions, therefore, the best combination is an insulating under layer with a windproof layer over the top. Think about early aviators wearing sheepskin-lined leather jackets, or arctic-dwelling peoples wearing furs with the fur on the inside. Insulation underneath, windproof layer on top will be a recurring theme in this Instructable.
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Depending on the weather, I will wear a thin polyester sock underneath a wool hiking sock in addition to a bootie, or a combination of the three.
I rarely ride now without some sort of headgear under my helmet, even in sweltering weather. A simple cotton bandana works great for keeping sweat from pooling above your eyes, and doesn't add much more heat than a head of hair.
In my experience, even with driving, soaking rains, not too much comes down through the vents in the helmet (granted, my helmets have never had more than 20 vents, your mileage may vary) at least not more than the above balaclava/bandana/hat/other wicking headgear can handle. All that foam in the helmet keeps the top of my head pretty warm, toasty even with a base layer of some sort.
My only gripe is that we seem to have gone into a 'easy on/easy off' phase with specialized clothing, which means zippers more often than not. Zippers leak, even it they are flatlocked. I use ordinary canning wax rubbed over the zipper to seal them somewhat better, and I couldn't be happier.
Thats what you want right there. The down side its veeeerrrrry expensive.
the only danger is that when you start biking or even just sitting indoors is that you start to sweat. Then when you stop moving the sweat can cause hypothermia.
The goal is not to keep you toasty but comfortable. (like say a 60°F A/C would in the summer)
For winter footwear you might want to check out "Bog" boots. They are neoprene like a wetsuit with a rubber outer sole.
I have been using them for 3 winters now and find them good to very low temperatures. The pair I have even have fairly good grip on ice.
http://www.amazon.com/Bogs-Mens-Classic-Mid-Boot/dp/B000THFQ80/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_1
I have also found a helmet liner that is like a fairly thin bellaclava, not a total solution but it helps.