COLUMN: Dress up this winter with coats, scarves and hats
Winter is here! The mornings are chilly, lawns are covered with frost, and there is a noticeable increase of steaming coffee mugs around campus. This can only mean one thing … it’s finally time to replace light sweaters with heavy winter coats. There is no use in delaying the inevitable.
Although some Aggies are thrilled about the coming winter months, for others (mostly those of us who have yet to make friends with the great outdoors) it means saying goodbye to our fun summer threads and trudging across campus looking like a walking snowman.
The thought of navigating campus in a bulky coat while balancing books in one hand and carrying a mug full of boiling-hot liquid in the other is enough to make you want to hibernate!
Although staying stylish during winter months seems impossible, it isn’t. With a few pointers, and a little shopping around, its easy to maintain your style, whatever it may be, year round.
One of the most important rules to keep in mind is to make fashion meet function. There are plenty of ways to stay warm and toasty, without sacrificing style.
So what are the steps to ditching the ‘snowman look’?
– Opt for a tweed or wool coat, instead of a ski jacket – save that for the mountains.
Look for: High waists to add some curves; over-sized collars to keep your neck and face warm and add a little interest; fur details, buttons, ruffles and rich hues which will add femininity and help create a softer look.
– Add some scarves to your wardrobe! A scarf can not only keep you warm, but it’s also a fun and inexpensive way to change up your look. Try tying them in different ways. There are hundreds of tutorial videos on YouTube.
Look for: A variety of fabrics, colors, and prints. Knit scarves are the most common during winter, but a long cotton scarf that can be wrapped around various times will keep you just as warm.
– Ditch your bulky sweater and wear layers instead. Layers are great for two reasons: if you get too warm you can always shed a layer or two, and you can mix and match patterns and colors. In a nutshell, it’s fun and it’s functional.
– Stock up on gloves. Regular knit gloves are probably the most inexpensive fashion accessory out there! If you’re feeling daring, try different materials, patterns, or lengths. Elbow length gloves are in this season and make any outfit a little ‘50s chic.
Look for: Fun patterns, colors, and styles; details like buttons, contrasting stitching or zippers to add a little spunk to your outfit.
– Wear a hat. Going hat-less during cold Logan winters can not only be well … cold, but this season, it’s also unfashionable – heaven forbid, right?
Look for: Fur or fur-lined hats (opt for synthetic, it will be easy on your wallet and on our furry animal friends); berets with embroidered details; knit hats in fun colors or patterns; fedoras with brooches or feathers.
– Wear thick tights or leggings. Don’t put your skirts in storage just yet. Skip the jeans and pair up a flirty skirt with a fun pair of leggings or tights and a pair of boots to keep you warm.
Look for: Interesting patterns, fun colors and thick knits.
Staying warm while keeping your individual style is achievable. It takes a little more time and effort than with summer and spring looks, but you also have a lot more pieces to work with per outfit. By keeping these steps in mind, and mixing fun prints and colors, you’ll keep the winter blues away while staying warm and cozy!
– jimena.h@aggiemail.usu.edu