Now that the days are getting colder and autumn’s leaves are disappearing, it’s finally time to pull out your layers, boots, jackets, and sweaters to stay warm and stylish this winter season! Along with the start of colder weather, many new winter trends are beginning to emerge and be seen all across campus. From staple sweaters to subtle accessories, all sorts of wintry pieces are being incorporated into the most fashionable students’ wardrobes.
One of the most prominent winter essentials that will never go out of style is boots. Whether it’s a pair of edgy combat boots, classic riding boots, or sky-high wedge booties, you just can’t go wrong. Combat boots and other moto styles are perfect for pairing with jeans, leggings, or textured tights for an effortless daytime look or a casual night out. Sophomore Journalism and Government/Politics major Liz McKelvy considers her black Steve Madden ‘Troopa’ combat boots her most versatile and comfortable winter shoes. “I wear my combat boots with so many different types of outfits and situations. Throwing them on for class is so easy and I can always walk all over campus in them without ending up with sore feet at the end of the day.”
Another effortless yet fashionable choice is the riding boot. Many college students rock the quintessential riding boots made by the nearly 150 year-old company, Frye. What was once a small shop that made long-lasting boots for factory workers in Massachusetts, the Frye company is now a symbol of American culture and style. Their mission is still to make “the best-looking, hardest-working, longest-lasting shoes and leather goods.” Sophomore Business major Ayla Rasmussen said, “My Frye riding boots are essential in my winter wardrobe. They’re really versatile and I can wear them with something casual and comfortable or I can easily dress them up.” There is also an array of stores and websites that sell Frye-inspired riding boots at a much lower price. Gojane.com is a popular website for cheap and trendy footwear.
Another huge trend that is making its way from the runways to College Park is cobalt blue. According to Vogue, “An ocean of azure washed over the catwalks, making a bold statement for winter where elsewhere traditional autumnal hues of forest green, earthy burgundy and midnight navy dominated.” Whether you are sitting in your lecture hall or out on the weekend, you are sure to see some of this bright statement color. It’s the perfect way to mix in vibrant, standout pieces to pair with the black leather leggings and jackets that are also everywhere this season. Ayla Rasmussen agreed, “Cobalt blue is everywhere, from basic tank tops and sweaters to jackets and accessories. I love it because it brings out my eyes and adds color to my more neutral winter staples.”
For the more daring college fashionistas, wild patterns are making a huge comeback this season. Animal prints, Aztec designs, wintry floral patterns, and even galaxy themed clothing are all among the many trending looks for winter, and they can be incorporated into an outfit in all sorts of ways. If you prefer simpler looks and want to reveal just a hint of pattern, a thin leopard-print belt or an outer space bandeau are perfect options to pair with solids. If you’d rather stand out with a more substantial piece, then opt for leopard print pants or a floral top. Ayla agrees that these prints are making a revival again this season. “Leopard and floral are still huge as accent pieces. I personally wouldn’t wear a leopard print blouse or pants but I definitely like to incorporate it into my wardrobe in smaller ways, like belts and scarves.”
Unfortunately, since many of us college students are so busy and may not even have a car on campus to make it to the closest mall, online shopping has become the best way to shop…and procrastinate! There are many online-only stores that offer great discounts and lots of trendy clothes. Tobi.com, for example, offers new members 50% off their first order, and the new daily arrivals are all 30% off. All you have to do is sign up through Facebook. Nastygal.com began as an e-Bay store that sold vintage finds, but now it is an international source selling both new and vintage unique clothing, shoes, and accessories. “I do a lot of online shopping not necessarily to buy everything that I find online but to kind of get a sense of what is fashionable and what will flatter my body. I look at Tobi and Nasty Gal a lot, and other online stores like Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters,” Ayla said.
So amidst all of the end of the semester work, don’t forget to pull out your winter styles, and be sure to check out the latest looks online!
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Top photo: Tobi’s “Space Age Bandeau” in purple – $20
Middle photo: Nasty Gal’s “Blaze Peplum Skirt” – $38
Bottom photo: Ayla: “I love layering and I love being able to combine different fabrics and colors, which is more difficult to do in the summer… I also live in striped sweaters during the winter season; they’re super easy to throw on but they also create a put-together everyday look.” “