Step Away From the Uggs and North Face! How to Look Cuter Than Everyone Else
When Uggs and North Face jackets became popular in the mid-2000s, most people hoped these trends would blow over by next season. Obviously, they didn’t. They became more and more present with each passing winter until they reached the proportions of a true epidemic. The Uggs/North Face combo was fun for a while, but it’s high time we move on. When I wrote that I wanted to “rid the world of Uggs” in my Her Campus bio (see the sidebar on the right), I meant it!
Please, don’t let this be you. College campuses have been full of girls wearing slight variations of this exact outfit for years. By now, this look feels stale. Her Campus collegiettes™ are style-savvy and fashion-forward. We know you can do better than this! Here are three common situations where girls resort to Uggs and North Face jackets. We’ll show you easy alternatives so you can step away from these tired trends for good.
Problem #1: You have a super cute outfit, but you dress it down with a North Face and Uggs.
I can’t count the number of times I’ll see a girl wearing a fantastic outfit - like this adorable striped dress paired with leggings - but the overall effect is ruined because she tops off the outfit with Uggs or a North Face. Imagine making a salad with organic, fresh, delicious vegetables and dumping a cup of gross salad dressing on top. The lettuce and veggies underneath are still good, but wouldn’t they taste even better with lighter dressing? The same concept applies to putting together an outfit.
Try swapping your generic Uggs for a pair of chic riding boots and trading in your North Face for a cute peacoat. These knee-high boots are lined with warm faux shearling, which is one of fall's hottest trends. The buttons up the side of the boots add a sophisticated twist on a classic shape. Rather than blending into a sea of girls all dressed alike, you’ll subtly stand out - in a good way! Don’t let warmth deter you, either; actually, a sturdy wool peacoat like this one is likely to be even warmer than a thin fleece jacket. If that’s not enough to convince you, let the price tags do the talking: The Uggs and North Face combo comes to a hefty total of $345, while the boots and coat featured on the right amount to $255. That’s $90 less than the first combo!
Problem #2: You’re running late for a 9 AM class and need a comfortable, quick outfit.
It’s 8:55 and you need to be across campus in five minutes to get to class on time. You grab the first things you see on your floor - a tank top and a cozy pair of denim leggings - and throw them on. Sure, it’s easy to pull on a hoodie and slide into a pair of Ugg slippers, but it takes an equal amount of time to get dressed in something a little more chic. Remember, casual and comfortable does not have to mean sloppy.
With the ease and comfort of a hoodie and the appearance of a nicer top, what’s not to love about cardigans? This Fair Isle tie cardigan looks especially cozy. Just tie and go! (And while you’re at it, enjoy the waist-cinching, figure-flattering benefits your shapeless sweatshirt doesn't offer.) Before you run out the door, pull on a pair of North Face lace-up boots. (There's a time and a place for North Face gear. This is it!) This cute lace-up pair is waterproof and lined with faux fur. Instead of looking sloppy as you dash across campus, now you’ll look put-together. These quick alternatives don’t take any extra time at all, but they make a big impact.
Problem #3: It's freezing! You need to wear something cozy and warm.
The base of this outfit – black skinny jeans and a slouchy sweater – are fairly warm by themselves, but you'll need an additional layer to brave the cold. Rather than resorting to a thin fleece and Uggs, opt for something truly made for cold weather. This American Eagle quilted puffer jacket is ideal for cold weather. The faux fur hood adds a glam (yet functional!) touch. These boots are shaped like Uggs, but the faux fur lining, lace-up front, and water- and snow-proof exterior make them twice as cute. Your feet will be toasty in these! No matter how you slice it, Uggs are the footwear equivalent of pajamas. You wouldn’t wear your PJs out of your dorm, would you? (Please say no.) Why should Uggs be any different? Put them away!
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About the Author
Biography
Originally from Boston, Hannah is now a freshman at New York University and loving life in the big city. She spends her days studying, writing, and spending too much money in coffee shops in Greenwich Village. Her favorite things include traveling, yoga, leopard print shoes, Frank Sinatra, and her little sister Julia. Hannah was Her Campus's first editorial intern in Summer 2010 and has since continued her involvement with HC as the High School Editor. She also writes for Washington Square News, blogs at Mademoiselle Hannah, and tweets from @hannahorens.
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Comments
Addict.
My biggest problem is that I live in Maine and when you wake up to negative degree weather, the last thing you want to do is think about what you're wearing. In Maine, it's function, not fashion. I bought a pair of UGGs when I was a freshman in college because of my poor circulation and now I can't stop wearing them with my leggings. I have started to branch out though, Sperry makes some amazing boots. I have a pair of their rainboots that aren't shiny like average boots (they're quilted) so it looks like I'm wearing a cute pair of army green boots.
As for a jacket, I've had a peacoat from Old Navy for six years now and it is AWESOME! It is very warm and heavy. The double buttons and the belted waist make it fashionable and functional.
Love this article! Now I have to have an intervention with my leggings!
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SOME Uggs...
I feel like the standard North Face Denali + Ugg classic is overdone, but I'm okay with differently-styled Uggs that are a little cuter. (My favorite is the Bailey Button Triplet, although their "non-Ugg" Uggs are even better! Nordstroms carries this really cute high-heeled clog with cute trim, and there are a few cargo boots, as well...) It's heartbreaking, since I grew up wanting the North Face + UGG combo, but by the time I can actually afford them, they're fading away. :'( But both brands have great selections that are beautiful and practical if you steer clear from their mainstays!
Also: props for mentioning AE jackets. I bought one three years ago and have been amazed at how warm it actually is! I live in Minnesota, and the weather here gets so cold, you lose feeling in your legs instantly (and this is from a native who's used to this). For a jacket to perform well - especially from a clothing brand that isn't specifically winter-wear - is impressive! The one thing I need to solve is how to keep my legs warm! Too bad thermal underwear isn't making a comeback, right?
Stay warm!
I have never own a North Face
I have never own a North Face jacket or a pair of Ugg boots, thank goodness! I cannot stand it when beautiful girls fall into this trend knowing there are so many better and comfortable options.
I'd love to know where you found the adorable striped, purple dress on the front page. It's super cute :)
Called it!
Without even glancing at the name of the author, I thought of you immediately! I'll admit, I'm guilty of this *sometimes*, but I'm making strides towards better warm, cozy, but NOT lazy outfits. (And I'm just straight up embarrassed to be walking around art school in UGGs.)
Took it to heart!
I read this article last night and totally took it to heart when getting ready for my 9 AM math lab. I don't really care if the weirdo with the walking stick thinks I look cute, but my boyfriend is going to think I look way better in my lace up boots, long sleeve and scarf than my old dirty Uggs and unflattering fleece when we grab lunch after class. Thanks Hannah and HC!!
I absolutely love this story
I absolutely love this story -- seeing girls in their Northfaces and Uggs all over campus always kills me, I wish they'd switch it up! Your suggestions are all great!
I constantly get told that I
I constantly get told that I look like I'm dressing up because I wear structured jackets and either ballet flats or a pair of 20-hole Doc Martens. It takes literally no more time for me to do this than it would to wear Uggs, and my Docs are basically there for ass-kicking. It's really easy to look like you tried.
For cheap, heavier outwear I try to go secondhand. My Goodwill (in podunk Georgia) had a London Fog trench the other day for $15--it's definitely possible to find good things if you look around.
I love my Uggs! I'm not going
I love my Uggs! I'm not going to lie--I'm not ashamed.
I go to school in Oregon where we're already hitting the low forties and thirties and it's FREEZING all the time. While I definitely do better than a Northface on top most days with a cute jacket or sweater/shirt combo, the Uggs will continue to be a stable for me. They're comfortable, quick, and I don't trip. Thank you Uggies!
UGGS
Hi Hannah,
I've never owned a pair of UGG boots before... and this is mainly due to the fact that I (also) have found the original UGGS to be a little blasé... However, having looked at the UGGSAUSTRALIA.COM website, I have found many UGG boots that look so much more stylish and versatile than the original UGGS we see so often around campuses nationwide. It's just too bad that the over-use of the original UGG boot soiled the brand name.
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