In spite of hearing weather alerts, news stories, and friends’ facebook posts about the New England snowstorms over break, you may have been shocked to arrive on Skidmore’s campus to find snow piles taller than you are. Your instinct? Wear the most ugly, frumpiest, yet practical winter gear you have until the frost wears off. But let’s be honest. We could be waiting until Fun Day for Spring. Instead, here are some warm and stylish compromises to get you through the sludgy walk to class.
The most important piece of a winter outfit is the right pair of shoes. Instead of opting for your ballet flats, go for a pair of boots that allow you to wear your woolies, or to double up on socks. Most body heat is lost through your feet, hands, and head, so keeping those especially warm is crucial for a -20 degree walk to an 8 a.m. class. Though cleared of snow, the paths are spotted with ice, so you need shoes with traction. Many Skidmore girls are wearing practical, sometimes shearling-lined snow boots to take on the harsh weather. The 90’s style is making a
small comeback in trends, so chunky footwear, even chunky heels, could be a short-lived revival. Some boots that would fit right in include these two from L.L. Bean: shearling-lined and original. The Bean Boot, or the Maine Hunting Shoe, is extremely popular at Skidmore this winter, as is Ugg’s Adirondack boot.
You can also look at online sites like amazon and ebay for more unique, and often less expensive footwear. This vintage unisex pair from etsy.com is a chic example.
If, however, you don’t want to cash out for a pair of shoes you can only wear during one season, consider the rain boot. Because of the harsh weather, and because you will use these boots year-round, it’s worth the value to invest in a good pair of well made boots. With a slender shape, the rain boot is more classic than the above examples. And no rain boot is more classic than the Original Hunter Welly boot, as seen here.
Equally as crucial as the shoes are the coats. To keep the snow off, invest in a puffer coat. While pea coats and leather jackets could keep you warm, they won’t hold up as well for sudden snow flurries. A bright white, or dark-toned puffer jacket will keep you warm and dry, and many are wearing theirs with a faux-fur trim around the hood. As always, layer your cute sweaters, jackets and vests underneath for extra warmth and style.
The easiest way, however to add style to your winter wardrobe is through accessories. Scarves, hats and gloves come to mind of course, but non-winter related accessories could also boost an outfit’s charm. Don’t neglect barrettes, bows, and headbands – yes, like the ones you wore when you were five. Check out these options from Top Shop for inspiration.
And as for those winter-related accessories, keep to water resistant gloves instead of cotton. Leather gloves will keep you both fashionable and warm, especially when gripping that freezing steering wheel. Oversized, triangle scarves will drape enough to pull over your nose for warmth while still covering your neck. Finally, to prevent your hair from even more winter fret, try ear warmers or ear muffs instead of a hat. When you take it off indoors, it will cause less static and hat hair, and looks especially cute with a ponytail.
Winter Fashion Dont’s:
1. Don’t wear metal jewelry. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings will all feel icey against your skin. Instead, try cloth, plastic, or pearl accessories.
2. Don’t wear pointy heels. I can’t ask you to give up heels all together, and luckily the 90’s are coming back. So, enjoy the trend and try a thicker heel. Your feet will thank you.
3. Don’t sport exposed zippers. Not only is this trend going out of style, but also the cold zipper will feel freezing against your skin in spite of all your thoughtful layering.