By Avery Lokers
As the snowy season approaches, warm layers of clothing are a must. Winter is the perfect time to express personality, with the seasonal styles offering opportunities only obtainable in crisp conditions. Picture this – waking up on a crisp winter morning, the sky is dark, snow falling gracefully to the ground. The house is still and silent after a good night’s rest, and the excitement to get the day started is soaring.
Except, unfortunately, as a college student this is almost entirely rare. More often than not, I wake up exhausted and a bit out of order during the winter season. There are countless days where the seasonal sadness is in full swing and all I want to do is wrap myself in a dozen blankets and head to class as is. As college students, we’ve all been there.
The struggle of comfortably dressing for Michigan’s cold winters is only an added weight on the already burdened shoulders of a student. For a fashion fanatic like me, a bad outfit can further diminish the mood of a dreary day. On the flip side, knowing that I have a cozy and chic outfit planned and waiting for me is a great incentive. Luckily, with a little bit of extra planning and consideration, stylish winter dressing is obtainable.
According to legendary clothing designer Rick Owens in a Cortis article, clothing should feel “protective and empowering, imbuing the wearer with a sense of strength and confidence.” Take it from me, you feel your best when you step out in a good-looking and comfortable outfit. In anticipation here together, let’s lay out some inspirational armor to combat the cold for the oncoming winter.
Pieces to look for:
Tops – Lean into layers
The ultimate key to every cold-weather outfit is lots and lots of layers. For maximum warmth, turn to wool blends on top. A classic variation for me is a long sleeve base layer, with a chunky patterned sweater over top. Other staples include mohair sweaters or cardigans, fleece pullovers, and vests. In wardrobe preparation, I search classic brands such as Eddie Bauer, J.Crew and Anthropologie for good quality basics. For a flare of color and interest, Free People is a staple for more unique styles. For winter, I’d say the target pallet is a cool colored plaid print, or cool muted tones.
In men’s style, there is an uprising in the desire for Pendleton styles. Pendleton carries high-quality wool-blend, western-style and timeless pieces, among much else. With brightly colored geometric patterns and muted-toned basic styles, Pendleton brings a classy blend of put-togetherness and spunk to any outfit. Other good brands for quality men’s pieces are L.L. Bean, Ralph Lauren and GAP.
Bottoms – Keep it simple
For pants, I recommend opting for neutral-colored, thick options. A nice pair of denim jeans does the trick on most days, while wool trousers can spice up the look on other days. For those on the hunt for good jeans, Levi’s offers a wide range of styles and materials to cater comfort to everyone. If you’re lucky, you might find a pair of lined jeans, for extra warmth, of course. As for trousers, H&M offers the perfect clean look to pair wonderfully with a cropped cardigan sweater. For a feminine-feeling day, a long skirt or sweater dress can replace the need for pants. The beauty of a skirt or dress is that it adds an effortless element of interest to a look.
Coats – The toasty top layer
A good coat is a must-have for a Michigan winter. I usually lean toward a jean or leather-lined jacket on most casual days. Other options include chore, fleece, and trench coats. Good, long-lasting options often come from the brands North Face, Carharrt and Eddie Baur. Unfortunately, a good coat can be expensive, but luckily the second-hand market always offers a wide range of options. My go-to avenues are Depop, Grailed and local vintage markets. Through these means, it can be rewarding to find the perfect unique piece for less money, and already broken in! A unique aspect to look for is a patchwork or reworked article.
Footwear – Stride with a statement
Shoes are a great way to pull an outfit together as an extra point of intrigue. A trendy women’s style this year is a tall black boot, which doubles for comfortability and practicality. An interesting flare is also a warm furry boot to pair with a comfortable outfit. Outlets for good quality and affordable boots include North Face, Steve Madden and Doc Martens.
For winter days on the drier side, a great winter-style shoe is a Birkenstocks clog. Birkenstocks offer this style in many colors and textures, including greens, browns, beiges, and reds – the perfect winter palette – and in suede, leather and corduroy textures. They pair well with jeans or a casual pair of pants. More for non-boot styles, a durable pair of platform Mary Janes can quickly turn into a daily staple for a wet winter.
In men’s style, Birkenstocks are a go as well. More trendy styles in both men’s and women’s footwear are Blundstone boots and Gardenheir clogs. These waterproof shoes are perfect for outdoor adventures and everyday wear. For men’s trends, Red Wing boots and vintage hiking style boots are also clear hits.
Accessories – The cherries on top!
Not only a fashionable addition to any outfit, winter accessories are functional too! An obvious winter must-have is a pair of warm socks. They add an extra layer of warmth and a pop of color, as well. In the same way, a fun pair of tights contribute a similar effect. Opt for interesting patterns, shades, or stick with the classic black sheer tights under a classy skirt or dress outfit. For extra coziness, add a pair of wool-lined tights to your wardrobe.
Speaking of coziness, don’t forget about chunky scarves, fun gloves and mittens, and cozy headwear. Headwear can be a creative way to heighten your look, with options such as stylish hats, fluffy earmuffs, headbands and balaclavas. Popular hat styles of this season include knitted beanies, newsboy caps and warm scarf wraps.
Not to mention a Michigander’s favorite, the Stormy Kromer Cap. Founded by Michigan native George “Stormy” Kromer, these wool-cotton blend caps are made to withstand a Michigan winter and last for a lifetime.
Whether it’s the addition of a stylish jacket or a chunky wool scarf to a basic outfit, warmth in layers is the ultimate key to dressing for a cool winter. Now that we’ve gathered some trendy inspiration, hopefully, you’ve gained some creative insight to take to your own wardrobe. Of course, I hope you take these recommendations and put your own touches on them, as everyone feels their best when they dress true to themselves. That’s the beauty of fashion – everyone has their own take and personalized execution.
As the degrees continue to drop this season, I look forward to a continuation of inspiration gathering from all around me – on campus, at cafés, and everywhere I go. Good inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere.
