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Layer Up: New England Fall Survival Fashion

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Harvard chapter.

I’ve lived in Boston since I was three years old. That’s over seventeen years of experience with Indian summers, freak snowstorms, and learning the true meaning of the expression, “If you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” But if you think that means I’m used to the cold or the humidity, you’re wrong. All it means is that I’ve finally (almost) figured out how to dress for this time of year: biting winds and constant light precipitation outside, overworked radiators and drafty classrooms inside. The solution? The keyword that has graced packing list tips and fashion magazines alike: layering! I’m here to give you three easy ways to layer without looking bulky and still protect yourself from Boston from November to April.

1.     Button-downs under sweaters are a golden combination. To prevent it from looking really bumpy, make sure to use a button-down in a soft, thin material and a finely knit sweater. The combination will be warm even if the individual pieces aren’t!

2.     Your outermost layer should be a little more oversized during the colder months. You want to make sure all your layers fit comfortably under your coat and without being either stiff or drafty.

3.     In terms of footwear, (and this is obviously the New Englander in me…) duck boots are your best bet. If you can’t get on board with the world’s most convenient shoe, look for something that is water resistant (even if not waterproof) and roomy enough to wear with thick knit socks.

Only 6 months until summer! Until then, stay warm and enjoy the peppermint mochas while they last. 

Zoë is a senior at Harvard studying English, French, and Classics. She is an active member of the theatre community as one of the few specialized stage makeup designers and artists on campus. When not in the dressing rooms and at the makeup tables of the various stages available at Harvard, she is reading anything she can get her hands on, drinking endless cups of tea, and exploring new restaurants in the Boston area.
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