Living in Waterloo has made me realize that Canada is very similar to the North Pole… and at the same time, a very dark and isolated cave. The sun goes down before I eat dinner, I wake up and watch students get blown across the streets outside my window, and then show up to class red as a tomato with my nose dripping like a faucet – it is truly an experience! Happy winter?
With that being said, I thought I should make a guide for students who, like me, have no idea what to wear in this horrible tundra we all call home.
(^Waterloo every day?)
Here are some of my do’s and don’ts for dressing weather-appropriate this winter!
DO replace your Hunter’s with your Sorel’s, they are not the same…
Your Hunter RAIN boots may have been perfect for those two weeks of pretend fall weather but now that the snow has hit, you need to call in for backup. While they may not be the most fashionable, whip out your heavy duty winter boots, and your toes will thank you later!
I will not even begin to attempt to convince students that Stan Smith’s and checkered Vans are not like all-season tires…they are sneakers.
(^what it looks like when you try and combine two different seasons attire)
Do NOT cuff your jeans… it is November people
While relationship cuffing season may be upon us, jean cuffing season ended long before those ping pong tables and lounge chairs even got added to the Arts Quad. You may think one fold, or even two helps boost your outfit from a 7 to a 7.5 (and it probably does) but you will regret this as soon as you step foot onto campus. That little inch or so gap in between your, most likely weather inappropriate, shoes and the hem of your pants will freeze by the time you get to class and no one likes a red-hot ankle.
DO keep an extra pair of mittens, a scarf and a hat in your bag AT ALL TIMES!
Whether you run out the door without checking the weather, or are walking with a friend who forgot their pair – having extras truly saves lives. There is nothing worse than realizing you have to make the trek from AHS to SJ without your favourite fuzzy gloves.
Do NOT continue to order iced coffees…if you plan on keeping your hands
Most university students probably drink more iced coffee than water, and giving it up for the endless winter months at school seems like a daunting task. But, carrying an iced coffee while trudging through a snowstorm doesn’t seem very innovative, Warriors. Wink, wink. If you can’t seem to kick your caffeine craze, at least try switching to a hot drink that will keep your hands warm. I’ve gotten into making my coffee at home or taking it in a to-go cup – also saves a few $!
(^maybe even consider knitting a cute cup warmer like so!)
DO Layer up!
It’s hard to plan an outfit for the day when some lecture halls are kept below zero and others have you sweating like you’re in a sauna. Layer up so you are nice and toasty for your commute, then try and squish it all under the 30cm of desk space we are each given once class starts!
(^ outfit inspiration!)
Do NOT think you are immune to this weather, you are being silly
It’s Canada, it’s winter, pretty simple.
While I can say I rarely follow any of the tips on this self-made list, maybe I’ll start to follow my own advice and we can all try to get better at dressing for the weather this winter! Stay warm Warriors, and good luck on finals!