Five Tips to Solve All Your Winter Fashion Woes

As 30-degree weather makes its way into Ohio, it is inevitable to want to throw on a pair of sweatpants and a down coat, slip on the uggs, and mentally prepare yourself for the grueling walk to class in the morning.  The cold weather has definitely taken its toll on all of us and our sense of fashion.  I can speak for most girls when I say that during this time of the year, warmth and comfort are more important than impressing the cutie in my Psych Lecture. 
 
But even though it’s easy to throw on your “winter (AKA boring) wardrobe,” it’s also just as easy to spruce your outfits up with small changes and additions!  Below I have five tips for how to make your outfit stand out and be super stylish while still maintaining the warmth/comfort you need to get through the walk to class.    
 
1.  Spruce up your coats with a bright printed scarf! 
Nothing says “look at me!” more than a bright pink scarf with a super fun pattern.  Most winter coats are darker, plainer colors such as black and gray, so accessorizing them with patterned scarves that compliment the coats is a great way to add some color and style to your outfit!
 
You can save your money and still get a quality, warm scarf in stores such as Forever21 ($5.90-$14.80), department stores such as Macy’s (Madonna’s Material Girl collection is my favorite!), H&M ($6.95-$17.95), and even stores like Target!
 
2.  Every girl loves a cute bootie! 
Of course Ugg boots are the warmest, easiest option and they are seen on many girls all over campus.  But lately, boots of all kinds have been becoming quite popular with collegiettes™ everywhere. 
 

(Going counterclockwise, starting left) The boot on the left is from Charlotte Russe and is made of leather and with fur on the inside: super convenient for harsh Ohio winters!  They can still keep your style and your feet warm!  Boot Number 2 is a very, very popular rain boot known as Hunters.  They come in a variety of different bold colors which again can make any outfit stand out!  For those who want a more subtle rain boot that can also handle a lot of snow and slush, Boot Number 3 from Kate Spade is a cute alternative.  After all, no one wants to ruin their Uggs stomping through dirty, slushy snow!  The last pair is a plain black zipper boot from Steve Madden—perfect to pair with jeans, tights, but definitely not sweatpants!
 
3.  Keep your legs toasty with sweater tights! 
Tired of the same old jeans and sweatpants everyday?  Who says you can’t wear a dress or a skirt in the winter?  Sweater tights are the perfect solution to both cold weather fashion problems.  They come in many neutral colors, such as tan, burgundy, and forest green, which are a tad different from the normal black tights.  Plus, they are a lot thicker than traditional tights, which allows them to actually provide warmth.  This is the problem-solving accessory that will let you wear that favorite dress you’ve been dying to pair all winter with your adorable new combat boots.
 
4.  A hat that doesn’t mess up your hair: the beret!
In the winter, a big issue for us is having “hat hair” and even worse, static-ky hair.  Berets are one of the best hair accessories: they can keep your head warm, you don’t have to take it off for class and when you add some sequins, you’ve got yourself a real winner.  Berets in colors such as black, silver, and even gold with sequins have been seen in many clothing stores this winter.  Overall they provide just enough sparkle to add a whole lot of spice to any outfit—and your hair can still look stunning while you wear it!
 
5.  Knot your Ordinary Sweater. 
A new fashion craze on campuses this winter is the crop sweater.  Crop sweaters hit the torso a little bit higher than the average sweater, but are still warm and perfect for the winter!  Crop sweaters come in a variety of styles and knits, all which can range in thinness/thickness; some are even “holey” and have large gaps.  Although many people wonder what would be the point of a sweater that doesn’t cover the stomach/has holes when it’s freezing outside, the secret to wearing these sweaters is to layer.  They are easily worn over dress slips and skirts; when you add some sweater tights, you’re bound to be cozy!  They can also be worn under thinner jackets depending on the thickness of the sweater, or can be used for just lounging around at home when you’re a little bit chilly.
 
By using these 5 style tips, you’re bound to make your winter wardrobe much more exciting and colorful this season!