Jim Sammons already did an experiment in his pool about drowning in waders I’m sure it’s on YouTube.
I do like fishing the squid beds and yo-yo yellows and seabass in the winter but I too do not love the cold weather. I will never forget this morning. I had never seen my truck display this temperature until this time. And I’ve seen it display 32 degrees so it must have been below that.
Mistakenly all I had on were stocking foot waders and a light waterproof jacket. I would listen to others suggestions on attire, but the waders themselves do help a lot since they do not let any water into your core, legs or feet. Just start chasing a few birds around for a mile or two and you’ll warm up.