As the cold weather settles in and we store away our summer sandals, shorts, and swimwear, it’s time to pile on the layers. Chilly temperatures provide us with just another way to accessorize (and in excess, if we so choose!) — so bring on the heavy knits and silky cashmeres! Here are our top twenty favorite winter accessories from head to toe.
Hats
Faux Fur Earmuffs, Asos.com, $21.56
Keep your ears toasty in the quintessential earmuff — these black faux fur earmuffs are one part cuddly and one part wild, so they work with every personality. Dress them up with a peacoat or go casual in a parka — either way, you’ll be braving the weather in style.
Braided Cable Knit Ear Warmer, Urban Outfitters, $24
Headbands aren’t just for bad hair days any longer! The braided pattern is a classic, and the headband-style ear warmer will keep your head snug without deflating your hair the way most hats do. Choose a neutral color to go with several outfits, or select a bright color to be the it-piece of your outfit.
Deena & Ozzy Felt Floppy Hat, Urban Outfitters, $34
Already miss that big, floppy hat you wore to the pool every day this summer? Transform the look into a winter piece with a floppy felt hat. The thick material will maintain body heat while taking on the glamorous shape of that beachside accessory. Plus, you’ll be surprised with how versatile the hat is — wear it with your double-breasted coats, trenches or chunky knits.
Leopard Hat, J.Crew, $38
Be practical without sacrificing style with this leopard print beanie-style hat. The wool-nylon-cashmere combination makes for super soft headwear and the wild print lets you show off your wilder side. Pairing it with too many prints will only make your overall look seem messy, though, so keep the rest of your outfit simple with solid colors.
Cream Fairisle Faux Fur Trapper Hat, Topshop, $50
When it gets unbearably chilly out, trapper hats are the way to go since they combine hats and earmuffs, covering your entire head. Though the classic trapper goes with almost any outfit, if you’re looking to be fashion forward, look for one that’s a little more unique. This full faux fur trapper gives the impression of being a knit hat with its zig-zagged pattern, but an up-close look shows that’s not the case, making it different from the everyday, practical hat.
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Scarves
Robin Ruffles Infinity Scarf, ShopRuche.com, $21.99
Sometimes when you’re bundled up tight, it can be hard to let your feminine side show through. Choosing the right accessories is key, and this ruffled scarf adds a girly flair to any outfit. The brick color is reminiscent of fall’s popular orange hue, and goes with numerous colors, from neutrals to darks.
Faux Fur Snood, Asos.com, $26.96
Fur, faux or not, is one of the most luxe trends this season so bring it into your look via cold weather accessories! Let it be your statement piece by pairing it with solid colors, or make your whole outfit pop by dressing in this season’s tribal trend. Either way, the fur will add an element of complete glam, so don’t be afraid to stand out!
Counting Clouds Circle Scarf, Madewell, $55
Circles scarves are the it-item this season, whether you’re wearing sheer meshy scarves, jersey scarves or thick knit ones — and if European girls are doing it, you know you’re on point. This one features two colors, meaning it’s versatile enough to work with both light and dark colors. Let the scarf hang low for a slouchy feel or keep it wrapped up for that cozy, bundled look.
MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘Metallic Zipper Infinity’ Scarf, Nordstrom, $68
Multicolored scarf not unique enough? Update the piece with a zipper! This circle scarf features a hint of metallic for that luxe shine with a zipper that adds a bit of edge. The oversized loop lends itself well to be worn comfortably and casually, but paired with a peacoat and your favorite fall boots, this scarf can look perfectly chic.
Jacquard Pattern Scarf, Zara, $89.90
Fashion is constantly changing, so wearing the same scarf every day isn’t helping you win “Most Fashionable.” Solve that problem with a scarf like this one, which features a different pattern at the ends as it does the center — meaning that each time you wear it, you can alter the look of the piece. Wrap it one way so that you see both colors or tie it a different way so it looks all light or all dark!
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Shawl Collar Cape, Nordstrom, $150
Tribal is in this season, so bring it into your accessories with this artsy patterned cape. The buckles at the top bring a rustic tone to the piece, making it look a little more lived in — just how you want your cozy knits to look and feel. Wrap yourself up indoors or wear it as outerwear so that no matter where you are, you’re showing off your fabulous sense of fashion.
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Gloves
Long Cable Knit Fingerless Gloves, Gap, $24.95
The worst part about gloves and mittens is when the thick knits make your fingers more or less nonfunctional (easy access to texting? Yes please!) — so solve the problem by eliminating the fingers! The length of these classic cable knit gloves keeps your forearm warm while leaving enough exposed to allow any busy collegiette™ to carry on without going glove-on, glove-off.
Aran Convertible Mitten, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $35
A rendition of the fingerless glove, let your fingertips in on the toasty with a convertible mitten. Slip the tips off to expose your fingers and cover them back up when you’re heading outside on your way to your next class.
Leopard Print Cuffed Leather Gloves, Lord & Taylor, $54.99
Leather gloves are a must-have for any classy collegiette™. The classic leather glove can look a little dated, however, so keep it youthful with a leather glove that features a unique feature, such as a patterned cuff. Others can include gathered wrists or a leather bow on the back of the glove, so find one that fits your personality.
Olivia Gloves, Club Monaco, $59.50
A patterned arm warmer can serve as a functional piece or a fashion statement! Wear them under your outerwear for added warmth or over a fitted long-sleeved shirt to add texture to your outfit. These are a must-have because they’re neutral enough to be paired with anything but patterned enough to be a stand-alone piece.
Isadore Sweater Gloves, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $78
When it gets particularly chilly out, a long knit glove is the way to go. Wear them pulled up to your elbows to stay cozy or scrunch them down for a casual and slouchy look. A dark, textured knit like the one pictured makes your gloves stand out from your solid basics without looking out of place or too specialized to wear with just any outfit.
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Socks
Eliza Stripe Slipper Socks, Topshop, $12
It’s amazing what a simple smile can do, and the smiley, kiss-y face on these thick striped socks is no exception! Let your fun side show as you lounge around in your dorm or apartment in these cozy slipper socks.
Fair Isle Over-the-Knee Sock, Urban Outfitters, $14
Cold weather means it’s boot season, and if you’re still stuck with last year’s boots, dress them up this year with a pair of knee-high socks. Choose a pattern that isn’t too attention-grabbing, otherwise the socks will shorten your legs by drawing attention to a particular sectioned-off bit by your knees. The red and gold pattern is a good match for brown boots. If you wear black boots, try a grey sock instead.
Textured Tall Sock, Free People, $24
The slouchy look is all the rage, and the perfect way to keep your toes warm! While knee-high socks are best worn with tall boots, socks meant to slouch look great with shorter booties. Scrunch them down by the ankle, right above the top of your booties — it’s like the effortless bedhead look, but for your feet!
Gwendi Slipper Boots, Lucky Brand, $69
So you’ve had the same furry pink slippers since junior high and whether you like it or not, venturing out of your dorm room in such worn-with-love footwear isn’t high on your list of things you want to do in college. Instead, invest in a pair of comfy and cute mukluk-style slipper boots to wear without taking everybody in your hall down memory lane.
Though we already miss our fading tans as the cold sets in, the key to looking cute during the chill is to layer, layer, layer. Her Campus has got you covered head to toe with our 20 coziest accessories, so how are you going to pile them on?