Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but your fashion sense is delightful. And since we’ve got school and snow, let your outfit show, let it show, let it show!
Being from Chicago, I was raised on cold weather. So when I came to Mizzou last year, I laughed at my friends from Texas who thought 20 degree weather was cold. If you’re like them and still haven’t mastered what to wear in the winter, have no fear. There are so many ways that you can look cute on campus while not looking like a walking marshmallow! Here are some tips on how to keep warm while still looking cool.
**Layering**: Layering is one of the most important tips to staying warm. The question is: how do we make it look like we aren’t 30 pounds heavier than we actually are? Easy! Wear an Under Armour long sleeve underneath your sweatshirt or top and some Nike or Lululemon running tights underneath your jeans or sweatpants. These two articles of clothing will help lock in that body heat while still allowing you to dress cute! They won’t make you look chunky because they are skin-tight. Plus, you can add on a thick sweater and you’ll be snug and stylish.
**Hats**: Ears are cool. We use them to ignore people when they talk to us and listen to T-Swift. That being said, we don’t want those babies to freeze! My all-time favorite way to keep my ears warm is by using cold weather headbands. Not only are they adorable but super affordable, too. My favorite one is from Target and only costs $12, I’ve had it for about two years now. Earmuffs are ugly and although those floppy hats are adorable, they don’t keep your ears warm at all. While beanies are definitely the cause of some bad hair days and sometimes have the tendency to fall off your head, there are some cute crocheted ones available for low prices at Forever 21 and H&M.
**Boots**: Please, please, please get rid of those Uggs already. Yes, I’ll admit it. I am guilty of owning those crochet, comfy slipper-like shoes too, but they are NOT meant for snow. I recently bought Sorel winter boots, and they are life-changing. Not only are they warmer than Uggs, but also the quality is better and they are actually meant for trudging through the snow. Although they are a little pricey, they’re worth it and made to last! Some other great brands are The North Face, L.L. Bean. If you’re ballin’ on a budget, Target and Old Navy have a great selection of cute boots that can keep those feet warm and stylish.
**Coats**: Once upon a time, we all thought that The North Face jackets were the best thing since sliced bread. Let’s clear the (brisk) air: they are not cute, nor do they keep you warm. The bubbly long coats are what’s hot right now and keep you insanely warm by only showing a couple inches of leg. The space between your snow boots and coat becomes minimal and those Lululemon leggings are sure to keep those calves warm. While buying a more expensive and enduring coat can be a good long-term decision, that doesn’t necessarily mean that buying a cheap coat is a bad choice. On a budget, Burlington Coat Factory has high-quality bubble coats in all colors for under $40. If that isn’t your style, finding a coupon from RetailMeNot.com can usually garner a huge discount on most big-box stores.
Last but not least, don’t be afraid to add your personal style to these winter tips and tricks. Whether it’s a bright, red coat or yellow snow boots, wear them with confidence. Even in this Columbia weather when it’s hot one day and snowing the next, you’ve got to be prepared for anything and still look cute while doing it.
