We all know just how drastically St. Louis weather can change from one day to the next. It was up to the 70s just a couple of weeks ago, and now it’s in the 30s. It doesn’t make sense, but it’s the life we live so we might as well roll with it. Here are 6 must-have items to help you to [fashionably] survive the wind, the snow, and the blistering cold.
1. Fuzzy socks: They’re not just for lounging around the house. I’m a huge fan of Free People’s high socks, particularly those of the fuzzy variety. These socks are so cozy and look adorable peeping out from your boots. They’re particularly useful for rainy winter days when you want to wear your rain boots and you need a warm, thick lining.
Free People Raffel So Soft Boot Sock ($14, Freepeople.com)
2. Fleece-lined mittens: Regular mittens just aren’t good enough. They need to be lined with some kind of fleece or fur-like material because why not? Notice I also suggest mittens over gloves because they allow your fingers to snuggle while gloves isolate them and make each poor, little finger fend for itself.
Superdry Hyper Herder Mittens (£25, Bankfashion.co.uk)
3. Turtlenecks: That’s right, ladies… they’re back! At first, even thinking about wearing a turtleneck took me back to my awkward days in the third grade when I wore one from Limited Too. It had short sleeves. No comment. I somehow got over the trauma of looking back at old photos and have adopted turtlenecks as a staple in my winter wardrobe. They’re both chic and extremely warm, and can easily be dressed up or down. Bottom line: it’s a sweater and scarf combined. How can you go wrong with that?
Soft Joie Alex Turtleneck Sweater ($188, Shopbop.com)
4. Knee-length sweaters: From leggings to jeans, no bottoms are warm or thick enough to shield your legs from chilling St. Louis gusts. That’s where long sweaters come in. Knee-length cardigans are easy to throw on under your coat and they pretty much go with everything, especially if you choose a neutral color.
BDG Open-Front Cable Cardigan Sweater in purple ($148, Urbanoutfitters.com)
5. Thick beanies: You might be thinking you can’t pull one off, but you can. I initially thought they were more for looks and less for warmth, but then I wore one on a cold day and my head was incredibly happy.
Esprit Chunky Knit Bobble Beanie Hat ($47.38, Asos.com)
6. Pajar winter boots: These are a nice change-up from the usual Sorel boots that we see on the feet of every girl on Wash U’s campus, let alone all campuses. These boots come in several colors, heights, and patterns, and while they are a bit pricier than Sorels, they are high-quality and will last you for several winters, no matter how many inches of snow you’re trekking through.
Pajar Women’s PSBL- Alice Boot in black ($195, Mochico.com)