Both Elisabeth Janoson, freshman, and Ian Rees,The start of a new year brings below freezing temperatures and new emerging fashion trends. But as students make the trek across campus in the bitter cold, a question of style arises: Is it more logical to have a fashionable or functional wardrobe? fashion and merchandising student, are excited about wearing boots and different layers this season.
"Don't be afraid to overdo it with layering and wearing different colors and patterns," Rees said, giving advice to guys wanting to be more fashionable.
Rees said some of the trends he sees becoming more prominent this winter are inspired by Lady Gaga, with more pieces featuring gothic designs and leather.
Black lace tops and ripped, distressed jeans are also popular this winter, although lace tops are not feasible for extremely cold temperatures, said Chaos boutique owner Terri Barnes.
"[Black lace] is something you would probably not wear to class," Barnes said. "You might wear your ripped jeans but that top would be more for going out, going to a party."
While her boutique sells many dresses and tops made for going out on the weekends, Barnes also sells styles better for the winter cold. She recommended velour hoodies and faux-fur line hoodies, some with designs printed on the back.
Her favorite piece for winter is the open cardigan, which she says can be incorporated into any look — whether it's with jeans or with a skirt and boots.
"The first ones I got in sold out in three days," she said, explaining their popularity.
While Barnes sells fashion-forward pieces in her boutique, she has confessed to getting stuck in looking toward more functional but not necessarily stylish pieces, such as what she calls ‘Uggly' boots.
For students who must also succumb to the elements, she suggested one key piece that is both functional and fashionable — the scarf.
"If you have to be all bundled up like the Michelin Man and you have your UGG boots on, at least put a cute scarf on," Barnes said. "If you can wrap a really cute scarf around that winter jacket that looks like something you would wear in Alaska … at least that's going to glam it up a little bit."
Barnes also said a coat in a fun bright color would be more fashionable, but most people tend to stick to the darker colors because they will not show as much of the dirt over the years. If a dark coat is the only option, she once again turns to the scarf.
"If you can just brighten it up a little bit with a fun scarf, that would be the way to go," Barnes said. "It would be cheap and easy and the scarf can keep you warm."
Flat Winter Boots:
Pair tall, low-heeled dress boots with skirts when you have to do a lot of walking. These can be casual or dressy and are typically more wearable than heeled boots
Buckled, belted winter boots:
Belts, laces, ties, wraps and other strappy things are on everything from urban styles with flat heels to ultra-feminine high heeled boots.
Top trends for winter boots:
•Embellished Boots
•Suede Boots
•Furry Details
•Ruffles and Bows
•Western Style
•Ankle Boots
•Boots With Buckles
•Slouchy Styles
•Flat Boots
•Wedge Boots
•Lace Up Boots
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