Unless you’ve been hibernating, the unfortunate drop in temperature is something that has recently (and painfully) been thrust in your face. After a week of rare, mild January weather, waking up to a mini snowstorm last week was less than exciting.
My initial instinct when I saw snow was to default to one of several long-enough-to-go-over-leggings thick shirts, aforementioned leggings and Uggs. But then I stopped myself before I began to descend into a dangerous spiral of shapeless, fleecy clothes. Our Evanston winters are long. Sporting frump from the beginning means many weeks of ignoring your real wardrobe in favor of obvious ways to stay warm under your parka.
In the winter, students’ genders become indistinguishable under ground-length puffy coats, hats and an effort to keep any exposed skin safe from the threat of frostbite. But just because you have to suit up to brave the elements when you’re outside doesn’t mean you can’t be creative under your puffy coat.
In the cold, layering is key, but you don’t have to reach right for the half-zips. Layering your more stylish clothes keeps you just as warm and can help you beat the winter wardrobe blues that can result from months of alternating between your three favorite hoodies. And cute doesn’t mean surrendering comfort, either. If leggings are your winter go-to, that’s fine! But instead of wearing and re-wearing that rugby shirt you got at Beck’s as a prospie, try throwing on a thermal under a chambray button down worn open and adding a long, wooly cardigan to complete the look. Roll the sleeves and add some bracelets, a watch or both to dress it up.
It’s hard to avoid a type of snow boot, especially when sidewalk conditions border on treacherous, so let your socks peek out over the top of the boot to add some personality to what becomes more than repetitive footwear.
Another way to keep things fresh in the cold is playing with colors and unexpected color palettes. It’s one of the only ways to stay sane while mixing and remixing your clothes for winter. Contrast the dreary winter landscape by pairing a springy colorful print with a more muted sweater, like gray or black. The layering required by sub-zero wind chill allows you to use more of the clothes you have and combine them in all different ways. It’s the perfect time to experiment with color and texture.
If you’re struggling with different layer combinations, you can always revert to the easiest fix: accessories. Whether it’s a scarf (which is obviously functional as well), a long necklace or an arm party of bracelets and watches, accessorizing will do wonders for dressing up an outfit on a dreary day. Take that extra five minutes to think out your look. Getting yourself out of your favorite sweats will wake you up and make these chilly winter weeks that much more bearable.
