As cold weather creeps across campus, many students struggle with the transition from fall to winter fashion.
However, sophomore Luke Speicher said low temperatures are no reason to forget about style.
“Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to let your style go,” said the theatrical studies and elementary education major. “People still can see you.”
Although Speicher said he believes fashion is still important in the winter, he said it can be difficult to keep an outfit warm and stylish.
“I always try to use color to keep my winter wardrobe from seeming dull or bland,” Speicher said. “Instead of reverting to my blacks, browns and grays for winter, I keep all of the color to not lose any variety in my wardrobe.”
Valerie Birk, an instructor of apparel design and fashion merchandising, said she knows it is time for winter fashion when she has to pull out the fake fur.
“I like fake fur, but I also winterize by going to heavier coats and heavier jackets, heavier weight scarves,” Birk said. “I transition by transitioning the fabric.”
Though playing with color or fabric is a good way to make a smooth transition, Alex Sollman, a sophomore apparel design and fashion merchandising major, said boots are a must-have transition piece that work in both fall and winter.
“I think that everyone needs a good pair of boots that are both stylish and comfortable,” Sollman said. “Whether they be ankle boots, combat boots, desert boots or riding boots — I think that they are necessary.”
Thought Birk, Sollman and Speicher all have different winter styles, they all agreed that boots like UGG boots were a definite “don’t” this winter.
“My winter wardrobe pet peeve has always been, is and probably always will be, UGG boots,” Speicher said.
Sollman elaborated on why she frowned upon UGG boots.
“I hate UGGs, especially the ones with sequins,” Sollman said. “How can you make UGGs more ‘UGGly?’ Add sequins. It is just too much. I know they are common around campus and are warm, but I just do not like the lack of design aesthetic and chunkiness of them. People might think they are being fashionable by wearing them but I cannot stand them, and I will never be caught in them.”
Birk suggested another trend to follow this season.
“Anything in terms of outerwear can be stepped up a notch by adding a puffed winter coat or a fall trench coat,” Birk said. “But the fall trench coat should be lined.”
Though Birk said puffed coats are “in” this season, the style does not always work for everyone.
“Puffed coats don’t look good on every body type.” Birk said. “When looking for a puffy coat, you should think about the level of puffiness or play with adding a belt.”
Speicher said he prefers a different style coat.
“Obviously everyone needs a coat,” Speicher said. “More specifically, I think everyone needs a charcoal pea coat. It’s the most versatile of all coats. Whether you’re dressing up and going out or just getting from point A to point B, a charcoal pea coat is the classy choice.”
Though specific clothing can be used to transition through the seasons, Birk said she hopes students will continue with a tasteful mindset. The fashion trend she hopes will carry on is good taste.
“Don’t over sexualize your clothes.” Birk said. “Don’t wear things that are so low cut, too tight, things that are just sloppy looking or things that are way oversized.”
