Don’t let your impeccable sense of style prevent you from staying warm this winter. A fashionable belted trench coat or suede jacket may have been enough in North Carolina, Oregon, or wherever you’re from, but it won’t do here. Don’t worry though; you don’t need to end up in a puffer jacket so large you can’t help but waddle around like a penguin. Patagonia, Columbia and The North Face have some great coats that are both trendy and incredibly warm (such as Patagonia’s DAS Parka, Columbia’s Icelandite TurboDown Jacket and The North Face’s ThermoBall Eco Parka). They have coats as cheap as $100 (although the more expensive ones tend to be warmer), in all different lengths and colors. Price-wise, this is the winter item you should prioritize. When it comes to footwear, I advise looking into the UGG Adirondack III boots, as they’re likely the warmest and most versatile winter boots you’ll find. Don’t forget wool socks, gloves, a scarf, earmuffs and a hat as well (Amazon has thousands of cheap yet effective options for all of the above). Stick HotHands hand and feet warmers into your gloves and boots, and you’ll stay extra toasty for up to eight hours! It’s also important that you layer up (sweater, sweatshirt, jacket) instead of just wearing a few extremely heavy items, as this will allow you to remove layers when spending hours in hot places (such as the library or classroom).
The warmest most comfortable clothes can only do so much, and sometimes it will take all your energy not to moan as you walk back to your dorm in the frigid hours of the night with snow beating down on you. However, there is even a remedy for this: company. Walk home with either a friend or with your favorite artist singing through your earbuds. The conversation or music will help you pass the time and will be a great distraction from the bitter weather. And, although not for everyone, sometimes listening to winter songs (like “Baby It’s Cold Outside”) helps. The successful incentive to help you bear that long walk home will be the warm drinks waiting just for you.
That’s right, even hot liquids make a difference during Ohio winters. I recommend hot chocolate (Land O Lakes’ hazelnut hot cocoa is mind-blowingly delicious), hot apple cider or a comforting bowl of chicken soup (as we all know, chicken soup cures everything). If you’re a coffee or tea drinker, a steaming cappuccino or cup of green tea will do the trick.
Finally, stay active! Although the last thing you probably want to do when your fingers are frostbitten and your nose mirrors Rudolph the Reindeer’s is exercise, moving around will boost your circulation and warm you up. If you won’t even think about going for a winter run (which I completely understand), consider doing strength training or HIIT workouts inside. Even yoga will get your blood pumping!
Wear warm clothes, layer up, walk with company, drink hot liquids and stay active, and you’re good to go!