Students have always prepared themselves for winter when November rolls around, but usually they prepare in ways that include bringing in outdoor furniture for storage, putting snow tires on their cars, and buying a stockpile of soups and cold medicine because a winter flu is inescapable. But planning ahead doesn’t have to be so boring. In fact, it can be the perfect time to refresh and get excited about a new season of styling your looks. The cold air brings an endless amount of options for different ways of bundling up, and besides, isn’t sweater weather the better weather? It’s important to make sure you’re stocked up on all the right winter trends and there’s no time like the present to make your way to your favorite stores to buy cuddly sweaters and wool socks. I love winter, and to many people’s surprise, it’s my favorite season to dress for. But don’t just take my word on how many wonderful style options winter brings; take a look at my favorite winter items to add to your closet and decide what you need to add to your closet yourself.
1. Knee-High Cable Knit Socks
They keep your feet cozy in your favorite pair of riding boots while you’re out and about, but they also keep your feet nice and warm when walking on the cold floors of your apartment. Who needs to invest in good carpeting when you can just buy a bounty of fuzzy socks?
2. Blanket Scarves
Blanket scarves are the closest things we have to a socially acceptable Snuggie. Wrapping yourself up in one of these bad boys assures you that you will stay warm and comfortable throughout all of your classes.
3. Patterned Sweaters
When the cold weather makes all of your surroundings look a little dreary, wearing a sweater that has a pop of color will help brighten your mood. Plus, it’ll help you from blending in with the white of the snow or the gray of the bare trees.
4. Flannel-Lined Coat
One of my biggest pet peeves is sliding my arms into a coat and getting chills since my arm makes contact with the cold waterproof material that most coats are made out of. This problem is easily solved with a flannel-lined coat. Not to mention it almost feels like a personal secret having another pattern incorporated into your outfit that isn’t extremely noticeable.
5. Denim Jacket
Denim jackets are warmer than you’d think, and they’re a closet staple that goes with almost anything you already own. If you haven’t already, go to the GAP and invest in a good denim jacket that’ll last year after year.
This year I challenge you to embrace the cold winter months and to try a little harder to use the blistering wind as an excuse to layer on your favorite items. Winter doesn’t have to be as hard as you make it out to be.