As a native Atlantan, I have received a plethora of questions, text messages, and frantic snapchats asking me what to buy to survive winter in Atlanta. Friends from San Diego are confused about why it isn’t snowing and friends from Boston are reaffirming their choices to come to Emory for the weather. But, contrary to popular belief, there is a winter here! It generally lasts from the end of December to February or March and rarely gets below 25 degrees. The problem with the fall semester is that no one knows what the weather will be like the next day. So here is a basic survival kit to the Atlanta winter.
Long sleeve, cotton t-shirts
From September to December the weather is so unpredictable that no one knows what to wear out of the dorm. A classic hi-lo tee, like this one from Tobi, will last you through the sunny days at sixty degrees and the cloudy thirties. Depending on how the day is looking, layer it with some of the outerwear staples listed below and your favorite skinnies. Throw in some accessories and you’re ready to go!
Fleece lined tights
I have recommended tights to everyone I know. The best things since sliced bread, fleece lined tights are a quintessential winter accessory. If you are constantly freezing, like this fashionista, you can layer them with shorts, skirts, and dresses so that you don’t need to sacrifice your girly side when the thermometer starts losing color.
Tip: Have backup tights. Runs and holes are not classy if they’re not purposeful. The punk era ended in the 80s and no one wants to relive grunge.
Pullover sweaters
Worn with your chambray (my quintessential transition piece), a pullover perfectly sums up my idea of fall fashion – layering. On the right day, this will keep you warm enough to walk outside, but can easily be removed in a muggy building. Try this one from Shopbop with a good pair of jeans or leggings.
A sturdy jacket
In all honesty, Atlanta by no means requires a puffy coat. There is a reason we do not go to school in the tundra known as the northeast. However, it is always good to have a staple coat for the winter months. This shearling lined one from Nastygal is a favorite of mine, but a good quality camel coat, pea coat, or classic toggle jacket is more than acceptable.
Boots
This one is fairly obvious, but I will mention it anyways. Make sure you have a solid pair! Check my last post for some guidelines.
Fall and winter in the south are never predictable, so your closet needs to be able to adapt to the everyday variety. Obviously the aforementioned items are simply the basics. It is up to you to bring your own style into it and layer up for the cold.