Your Guide to Going Out in the Cold

As the seasons change and the warmth of summer slowly fades into the bitter chills of fall and winter, girls on campuses across the country struggle to find the proper going out attire. Instead of buying a new wardrobe for handling the cold, there are many easy ways to work with what you already own without spending too much money on new items.

Warm weather allows us to wear mini skirts with cute flats or heels, but wearing the same skirt on its own in the winter can be quite dangerous, and usually results in widespread numbness. There is one simple trick for making the mini work in the winter: patterned tights. Patterned tights come in a variety of colors and materials, so finding a pair to match any outfit is never an issue. For colder weather, try finding a pair of tights with a thicker material. The woven texture of the pattern causes part of the tights to be much thinner in many areas, so the sturdier the thickest part of the tight, the better. Keep in mind that warm, patterned tights can be worn with dresses and tunics, as well as skirts. (phtoto courtesy of Forever 21)

The next step to making it out in the cold is finding the right pair of shoes. Standard heels are cute, but stilettos and snow do not mix. Wider, thicker heels are still OK for winter, especially when paired with a cute boot. The best boots to buy are mid-calf to knee-high boots of a sturdy leather material. They tend to keep out water and are easy to clean. Try finding two decently priced pairs for the cold-weather seasons. Owning one pair in black and one pair in brown can be a huge addition to any wardrobe, because color variety ensures that clothing and shoes match.

The last important addition to any winter wardrobe is the right coat.  The safest, cutest option for any college girl is a pea coat of a simple print with neutral colors or a solid print of any color. Although the coat is an essential piece of any winter outfit, it is also the only piece that gets removed when arriving at new locations. There are easy ways to keep track of your belongings without the risk of theft! Below is a chart comparing what you SHOULD do instead of what most girls tend to do…

Going out in the winter can sometimes be a struggle, but by dressing properly and keeping track of your winter gear, going out can still be fun!  Finding the right clothes and accessories for the cold can help any fashionista show off her style year round.  Although jeans or leggings are always an option, patterned tights are in demand this season and can allow you to keep wearing your favorite summer attire.  Finding the right boots and coats can truly complete a winter wardrobe and prepare you for handling the cold in the cutest way possible. The winter might force you to bundle up, but it doesn’t have to cover up who you are.  Stick to trends that you feel most comfortable with because all clothing has character.  A winter wardrobe, like any seasonal wardrobe, should express your personality. By being comfortable, warm and confident, anyone can stand out, even in the cold! (photo credit: TheSassyMinx)