Fashionable Winter Wear

Come wintertime, girls in Madison face the ultimate dilemma: the dilemma of being fashionable while staying warm. When days tend to hit the single digits, and seeing “0 degrees” on your weather checker is a commonality, staying warm becomes an issue. An even bigger issue is when staying warm translates into bulky jackets, heinous hats, gloves that make texting impossible and snow boots that are impossible to move in. And I’ve learned firsthand what wearing Uggs in blizzards can do to a girl. When in one day I slipped and fell by myself in the Humanities building, on the sidewalk, and in my apartment building lobby – dropping my bag and spilling my stuff all over the place – I realized I needed to do something about this winter ensemble issue. But, good news, it is possible to stay warm, stay standing and be fashionable all at once.
 
Jackets

The key to rocking a fashionable coat in the freezing cold is the fur hood, as well as a longer length. The longer length doubles as fashion and warmth. The fur hood is stylish and can help you on those days you’re running out of your dorm room or apartment and forget your hat. When the weather gets a little less frigid, and bearable, pea coats are the way to go. Military pea coats are in style and best when the weather outside isn’t so frightful.
 
Hats

Yes, hats can be fashionable. You can go two directions in this department, either the trapper or the slouchie beanie. In terms of warmth, the trapper is a better choice because it has flaps that cover your ears when the awful Madison wind comes into play. You can make it even warmer by getting a fur one. The slouchie beanie is a great fashionable choice, especially paired with aviators when the days are a littler sunnier. And when the weather is nicer and the wind and snow disappear, go fedora or go home.
 
Gloves

Gloves are easy to make fashionable. You don’t need to wear the ones with the part for four fingers and the solo spot for the thumb that we all wore during the sledding days. Get suede, leather or fur lining gloves and you’re all set. Minimize the bulk as much possible, and when worst comes to worst, stick your hands in your pockets. Just make sure that all five fingers have their own spot!
 
Boots

Clearly, as I very well learned, Uggs don’t function as well as they do during the fall. What I’ve thankfully learned is that Hunter boots are the best boots in the snow. They can even double as rain boots. Make them fashion with changeable liners, including, but not limited to, animal print, knit, and solid colors.

 
All in all, it is quite easy to function in the wintertime and still remain fashionable – just make sure not to wear Uggs, unless you want to end up on the floor like I did.