Cold Weather Fashion Tips

By Broadside Staff Writer Amanda Svec

With the cold weather making its mark, walking around campus can be brutal. These few items will help you cope with the cold and look great while doing so.

Jackets are a must, but finding one with versatility is the key. Some days are colder than others. Look for a jacket that has a removable shell, which basically gives you a two-for-one deal. The shell is lighter, but is still meant to keep you warm. Also, many jackets come with removable hoods and some even come with removable sleeves, which provide you with both a jacket and a vest.

Earmuffs are not the most stylish winter wear, but cold ears during the winter are the worst. Ear warmers are the same concept, but minus the furriness and that they don’t go over your head like a headband. Instead, they sit around the back of your neck. This is a plus for women because you will never have to worry about messing up your hair.

Women tend to steer clear of hats in the wintertime because of one thing: hat hair. Hats are a difficult item to pull off in the winter, because many of us don’t want to take it off when we get into class. My secret is to wear a hat that goes with most outfits, such as a knit newsboy cap. Washing your hair every day strips it of its natural oils, so the next cold morning, leave your hair alone, throw on a cute cap, and don’t worry about hat hair.

Gloves also have the ability to be versatile. What bugs me most about gloves is that you can’t do anything when wearing them. Now there are gloves available that have the fingers cut out, but with a flap of material that will cover your fingers, causing them to resemble mittens. They keep your fingers warm while you’re walking, but give you easy access when you need it.

No one likes cold feet. In my opinion, they are the thermometer to the body; if your feet are cold, it usually means that you are too. Don’t fret. Invest in a good pair of boots this winter. Get a pair that resemble snow boots. You want to look for labels that say waterproof, water resistant or all weather. You can get some with a cute wedge or ones that resemble sneakers. My tip is to get them higher.

Tucking your pants into your shoes will prevent pants from tearing and fading at the bottom from the salt and ice on the ground and will guarantee you dry feet.

Layer, layer, layer! Everyone knows how horrible it is to bundle up when you leave your dorm or apartment, walk to class, get inside and you start to sweat. When you are getting ready in the morning, take that into consideration. Wear a light long sleeve shirt with a zip-up over it. If one of your classes tends to be hotter than the other or vice versa, you will always be prepared and comfortable. It’s hard enough to keep our eyes open in class, but being warmer naturally makes you sleepy. Layers just may help you stay more alert in class.

Don’t be afraid to match. Sets for your scarves, hats and gloves are a good way to look clean and polished in the cold weather. A lot of crazy colors come out every winter season. My recommendation for winter sets is buy one neutral color set and one vibrant color set. Your neutral set will work with your not so neutral jackets, and you can add some spice to your black, brown and cream jackets with your colored set.