8 Fashionable Ways to Keep Warm This Winter

Though the weather outside may be frightful, what you wear shouldn’t have to be! As tempted as you may be to wake up and grab that old hoodie you’ve been wearing since high school and throw on that mismatching frumpy coat, don’t do it! And for those of you running as fast as you can from class to class to avoid the cold because you’re clinging onto those thinner outfits from fall and summer, it’s time to end those mad dashes! Just because the temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean you have to drop your sense of style or the comfort of warmth. Her Campus has eight creative ways to keep you looking hot even in the cold.

Extra! Extra! Ear All About It: Earwarmer Headbands

Long gone are the days of puffy earmuffs. Earwarmer headbands are what are trending this season! They wrap around your head rather than over, reminiscent of those hippie headbands from summer. And yet, they usually come knitted and thick enough to cover the ears and keep them warm, making them a practical and stylish choice for winter. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Big Bow: Bows have been making a big comeback, so this earwarmer headband is a particularly popular one this season. Its size makes a bold statement and allows your ears to stay fully covered.

Pop of Color: Winter can sometimes feel dreary with a lot of grey days, so a pop of color can really help you stand out and bring a little cheer. Jennifer Dayan, fashion expert and founder of I Found a Secret, says, “Wear bright colors! Everyone tends to wear dark colors when it’s cold. Be different!” 

Adorable Animal: Me-ow! You will be adorably irresistible in a cute animal earwarmer headband. Stylist Elizabeth Kamm says, “I’ve noticed a few trends in staying fashionably warm this winter, but my favorite is the animal trend. It sounds silly but these items are easy to find and they are so much fun to wear and are especially compliment-worthy as a novelty item for your wardrobe this winter.”

Tribal Print: This hipster look is definitely not only for those summer months, so to add a little color and warmth to your wardrobe, get a tribal print earwarmer headband. Its fleece lining will be sure to keep you hot like summer even in the cold of winter.

Be Smitten With Mittens (Or Gloves)!

According to stylist Noelle Cellini, “[G]loves (or mittens) are a must in the cold, but this is the perfect opportunity to have fun and express your sense of style. Don’t think they have to match each other or your coat! Mix it up with colors. Think color blocking: like red and pink or add an animal print like leopard.” Adding these dashes of color and texture add the perfect accent to a well put-together outfit. Here are some suggestions:

Better with Leather: Kamm says, “Leather gloves offer an opportunity to polish a more dressed up look.” They are a great complement to the textures of peacoats and have a more formal look to them, making them a great option for special occasions. Kamm loves opera-length leather gloves because of the functionality of their length. Harper Yi, a sophomore at the College of William and Mary, likes lined leather gloves for extra warmth.

Fingerless and Free: These mittens from Forever 21 are just perfect for functionality and fun! They have useful pockets that fold back so you can easily use your phone. Their length also adds extra warmth acting as tight arm warmers to keep that bitter air from getting in through the sleeves of your coat. And who doesn’t love stripes of neon pink to remind you of summer in these duller days of winter?

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Layers on Layers on Layers

Collegiettes across the country love layers! Layers are a great way to take what you already have to make new, warmer outfits. The key is to don complementary layers. The last thing you want is to end up looking frumpy and mousy. Here are some of favorite ways of layering:

Fur-tastic: Kamm suggests investing in a fur or faux fur vest. She says, “Besides looking cool by itself over a shirt and jeans, the vest can be layered over denim, a thin puffer, an anorak jacket and even looks amazing over a leather jacket. Another way to use a fur vest is to wear it under a jacket to make your jacket look fur-lined, which is both cozy and cool.”

Long and Lovely: Kamm says, “Long sleeves with blazers are a good staple; in the winter, I like to wear my wool blend fitted blazers with long sleeve crew fitted tees.” Cellini likes the look too, but recommends staying away from long-sleeved turtlenecks. This particular look with a pink DKNY shawl blazer adds a nice, bright tone as opposed to opting for the basic black look. Don’t be afraid to try new colors! It’s all about exploring outside of your comfort zone this season. The stripes on the sleeve also add a nice contrast to the solid blazer.

Borrowed from the Boys: Boyfriend cardigans are like the oversized sweater version of cardigans. Their generally longer length and bigger size really help warm up and add a nice touch to complement almost all kinds of outfits, especially your summer ones!  Think: shirt and jeans or dresses. When worn with dresses, they can be belted for a more figure-flattering look. Their loose nature and versatility to go with different outfits make them an essential piece for your wardrobe this winter!

Sweaters: The Bigger the Better!

This season, a regular sweater won’t cut it—go big or go home! Oversized sweaters and sweater dresses are in. The best part is that they are incredibly comfy and provide so much warmth. I personally have been stealing old sweaters from my dad’s closet to get this look for free, but there are many stores that offer them in different selections and styles.

Snuggle Me Pretty: This sweater is great because it’s both comfy and stylish. You can also layer underneath because it’s so roomy. Paired with tighter leggings or pants, the flowy top and tight bottom make a sophisticated contrast.

Calling All Curves: Who says you can’t show off your curves under a thick sweater? This sweater dress allows for just that and is a much warmer alternative than those sundresses you’ve been trying to make do with. Accentuate your hips and embellish the look with a stylish belt. The turtleneck also keeps your neck wrapped and protected from the biting cold of these winter days.

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Get a Leg Up This Winter!

I’ve seen girls on numerous occasions run between classes in their dresses with bare legs and boots or even flats in the middle of winter. This is a big no-no! Not only do you look weather confused, but you’re bound to get yourself sick with all that exposure to the cold. Leggings and tights are a great alternative! Kamm recommends finding winter weight leggings instead of thin, 100% cotton options. She says, “They’re actually pretty easy to find; stores will have this variety in their concurrent seasonal collections.” Harper from The College of William & Mary loves fleece lined ones for when it’s really cold out. She says, “I like that I can still wear skirts and dresses even when it’d normally be too cold, or stay warm on windy days where the cold air would normally cut through my skinnies.”

Trying colored tights or leggings and color blocking or tribal print leggings are also great ways to make more fun outfits that are more practically daring than showing off skin when it’s below freezing!

Some collegiettes mentioned they liked wearing leggings or tights under their pants or jeans, but Kamm thinks that this isn’t the best way to go. She says, “[S]o many pants and jeans are designed specifically to be worn against a bare leg, so it will only create bulk and discomfort. I am, however, a fan of silk long underwear because it is so warm, and really thin so it’s great for layering.” She also found them to be really helpful on a ski trip.

Kamm also believes leg warmers can be a great addition on top of tights and leggings. They look great peeking out of boots, and even retro when fully exposed whilst wearing tennis shoes or ballet flat, reminiscent of the quirky ‘80s.

Coats With Room to Spare

There’s a way to bundle up without looking like a marshmallow in a puffy jacket. This season’s hot, cold weather trend is roomy coats and jackets. They have lots of space for thicker, layered outfits underneath. Kamm says, “The cape coat, and boxy shaped oversize coat are trends this winter, but many are wary to partake just yet. If you can find your niche within this trend, in design, color, fabric, and know how to make this look work for you, it’s a very smart choice.” For example, she says, “If you have always bought black coats in the past and want to try this new style, you don’t have to buy it in red or emerald green. It is sure to stay warm in your closet. Instead, buy it in black, and you’ll feel more comfortable wearing this new design.”

Cellini says that cape coats are great, but aren’t always the warmest option because they’re a little looser. They’re great for slightly cold days, especially those of transition between winter and spring or fall and winter when you need a jacket but not an extremely heavy one. Its shape is adorable and looks elegant with leggings and heeled ankle boots. Check out this lovely red one from Etsy ($109.99).

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That’s a Wrap: Scarves!

Cellini also believes that scarves are a must in the cold! Snug around your neck, they protect the otherwise exposed skin their from the cold air and wind. They’re also the perfect winter accessory to really make a statement with to complement your winter wardrobe’s outfits. 

Cashmere Cool: Kamm says, “During the winter, our summer tans are long gone leaving our faces looking pale and colorless. A scarf can change all that. Her favorites are the cashmere printed ones from Yarnz. The different ways you can style cashmere scarves and the color and patterns available make them a definite versatile must for your winter wardrobe.

Infinity Scarves: These circular scarves are so on trend this season and can be worn with virtually any ensemble. If you purchase an extra long one, it can be doubled for a layered look. Once again, going for different colors and textures is key to standing out.

To Cap It All Off

Did you know that the more temperatures drop, the more heat we lose from our heads? Keeping them warm with versatile hats that work with different outfits can really make a big difference! Although beanies are the common go-to, there are better ways to style them and other alternatives as well! Whether you’re going for a classy or casual look, there’s the right kind of hat for every occasion. Here are our picks for different outfits:

Oui, Mademoiselle!: For a chic Parisian look, wool berets work best. Their shape allows you to wear them at different angles, the most popular being a little to the back or off to the side. Be sure to try different colors to add some pop to your outfit. And for those looking for a more toned-down, casual look with a beret, knit berets are a great alternative. They’re made of softer, more flexible fabric than wool berets, perhaps the more casual American way to try the Parisian look this winter.

Entrapment: Stylist Elizabeth Kamm says, “Trapper hats are great hats that feature a touch of fur for warmth and offer great coverage from the elements. They are very stylish as well, and some even come adorned with animal ears.” From faux fur to plaid, you can choose one that fits your personality. They are perfect for an everyday casual look and for days you might be spending a lot of time outdoors.

• winter fashion