The cool New York City chill means two things for Columbia students: finals are here and it’s time to start layering up before leaving the dorms. However, the winter season presents a unique challenge for us: our outfits must sufficiently keep us warm in the freezing temperatures while also ensuring not to deviate from the classic Columbia-Barnard superior sense of style. With higher-than-usual expectations for snowfall this winter in New York City, it might become especially tempting to trade a stylish outfit for a hoodie with sweatpants and a few extra cozy minutes in bed. However, you don’t have to be destined for that fate! Take note of these five winter fashion staples and you’ll have endless low-effort outfit combinations to choose from this season.
Tall Boots
Keep your feet toasty this winter with some tall boots! Tall boots of all kinds are in fashion right now, but some viral styles are knee-high chunky platform boots, engineer boots, and cowgirl boots. These are the perfect versatile shoes to add to your wardrobe; you can dress them up with tights, a skirt, and a leather jacket for a night out, or pair them with your favorite jeans and an oversized sweater for an everyday look. Here are some options to try: Steve Madden Cypress Boots ($129.95), Dirty Laundry Go Girl Boot ($71.96), Steve Madden Rocky Brown Distressed Boots ($189.95), Ego Buckle-Up Now Chunky Sole Biker Boot ($67), Sun + Stone Bernarrd Cowboy Boots ($59.70), and Madden Girl Redford Western Boots ($62).
Leather bomber jacket
Trade in your classic leather biker jacket for a trendy leather bomber jacket this season! It’s the perfect outerwear to keep you warm and stylish. A leather bomber is great to throw on and complete an everyday outfit without the dressiness of a coat, the ruggedness of a biker jacket, and the bulkiness of a puffer jacket. If you’re looking for some extra flare, opt for one with a shearling collar! Here are some options: Zara Faux Leather Bomber Jacket ($79.90), A&F Winterized Vegan Leather Bomber Jacket ($160), Target Distressed Faux Leather Bomber Jacket ($40), and Aeropostale Faux Leather Bomber Jacket ($24.99).
Leg Warmers
No, the ‘80s aren’t back in style just yet—but balletcore is! Leg warmers are an absolute staple for a New York City winter. Throw them on over a pair of knee-high boots for an extra layer of warmth, wear them over tights and a skirt for a night out, or wear them over leggings with a sweater for an everyday look! Rock whatever style your heart desires, but if you want to stick to the trends, opt for neutral-colored leg warmers instead of colorful or neon ones. Here are some options to get you started: UO Out From Under Ribbed Long Leg Warmers ($19), Free People Arebesk Vintage Leg Warmers ($30), lululemon Ribbed Knit Merino Wool-Blend Leg Warmers ($68), and H&M Ribbed Knit Leg Warmers ($12.99).
Earmuffs
A set of fluffy earmuffs is the secret to elite cozy winter fashion. They’re the easiest way to upgrade a simple outfit and are also great in functionality (no more red ears from the cold)! For those like myself, whose worst enemy in winter fashion is sweaty plastered-down hair from beanies, earmuffs are the greatest winter accessory. They’re extremely versatile too—you can find a pair to fit just about any aesthetic. There are big earmuffs, small earmuffs, sherpa styles, velvet styles, styles with animal ears—you can even find Bluetooth earmuffs if you’re a chronic music listener. Here are some styles to look at: Free People Smitten Faux Fur Earmuffs ($48), Express Teddy Earmuffs ($12), UO Fuzzy Star Earmuffs ($25), Kate Spade New York Shoelace Bow Earmuffs ($68), Zara Faux Fur Animal Print Earmuffs ($15.90), and Ugg Wireless Sheepskin Earmuffs ($115).
Pops of red
While this trend isn’t a specific article of clothing you can purchase, that’s the beauty of it: there are countless ways to incorporate classic pops of red in your wardrobe! Elevate a neutral-toned or minimalistic outfit with a subtle red piece anywhere in your outfit – ribbon in your hair, a jacket, gloves, a belt, shoes, etc. It’s the perfect way to add some personality and flair to your outfits. You can go about this trend any way you’d like, but here are some of my favorite pieces to get you started: Charter Club Cashmere Lined Leather Tech Gloves in Port Red, Gap Ribbed Scarf in Modern Red ($14), Athleta Cozy Does It Headband in Clover Berry ($35), Edikted Halley Faux Leather Bomber Jacket in Bordu ($82), A New Day Opaque Tights in Burgundy ($9), and Ninety Union Link Boot in Red ($119.98).
Of course, these trends aren’t the only way to dress fashionable and cozy this winter, but they’re a great way to get started! Be sure to take advantage of all the holiday sales throughout the New Year and don’t forget about thrifting to stay fashionable on a budget! Many of these trends are circling back after they were in style years ago, so you’re guaranteed to find some unique pieces if you scour a couple of secondhand and vintage stores. Happy shopping!