I have always had a problem dressing for the cold weather. Wearing bulky sweatpants regularly is awkward and ugly, and who wants to go out at night looking like a football player – unless of course, you are one?
The first secret for keeping warm during these colder months is layering, and both men and women can benefit from this technique. American Apparel, a Los Angeles-based sweatshop-free company, is a great place to find layering basics; unfortunately you’ll have to shop online if you don’t live in a major city, and I recommend ordering clothing one size larger than you usually would.
For women, leggings and tights can be worn daily. They can be layered under skirts, shorts, dresses and even jeans – bonus points if your pants are ripped. If you get hot or want to work out, all you have to do is stuff the outer layer in your backpack or purse, and it’s Pilates chic.
Thick, brightly colored or lace-trimmed socks, the higher and woolier the better, can be worn either by themselves or over leggings for additional warmth. Do not underestimate the treasures you can find in your dad’s sock drawer.
Thermal long-sleeve tees are essentials for men and women during the winter. Men can wear them under T-shirts, polos, vests or flannel shirts. For women, keep wearing that cute tank top from summer; just layer it under or over a sheer long-sleeve T-shirt or sweater – who knows when the inside heat will cause you to sweat and strip.
Dark denim is making a comeback in both men and women’s fashions. If the skinny leg is getting a bit too tight, or if you never liked it in the first place, choose a wide-legged trouser or jean. Donate or pack away gaucho pants, if you even owned them in the first place. This trend is over, for now.
Sarah Stormberg, Arts & Sciences junior, said her signature item for winter is her Marc Jacobs coat because she has to wear it everyday. When picking out a coat, make sure it fits your function. I prefer the classic look with a pea coat or long (faux) fur-trimmed, hooded coat that can be worn with casual or formal wear for several years. My last pea coat lasted me five years. If you ski or snowboard buy a coat that will fit those needs. A good coat is an investment and should be re-worn.
Alison Dunning, a sales associate at Von Maur, said that for women three-quarter length, cropped-waisted coats have been selling well (but keep in mind these hoodless jackets with shorter sleeves and waist will be chilly and impractical to pull off in the snow).
Other winter gear like gloves and scarves should be chosen not only for warmth but for personal style as well. Gloves and scarves are often lost and can be replaced inexpensively from year to year. Stormberg likes to throw a scarf around her neck every morning after she gets out of bed. I like to wrap a scarf around my head like a hat. Take a chance and go with patterns and bright colors for scarves and gloves, while sticking with a neutral coat color. Houndstooth, plaid and geometric prints are all ‘in’ this season. Even floral prints are safe, as long as they don’t look too “Little House on the Prairie.”
While walking to my car in the parking lot the other day, I stopped to pick up a piece of paper on the ground. It turned out to be a slip from a fortune cookie that read, “Be yourself, and you will always be in fashion.” If you follow this mantra, the rest is just dressing yourself.