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Fall and Winter Fashion

November 17, 2008 : Jennifer Gelar

For college students who live with a tight budget, overhauling the wardrobe for fall and winter just can’t be done.  And for those who lived in warmer climates, shopping for the right clothes for the cold season can be hard. So how do you stay warm and still look good?

Observe the layers. Keep it simple.

You don’t necessarily have to wear thick fabrics and end up looking gigantic. You don’t need bulk if you’re layering and mixing and matching is fun.

When layering, first wear an undershirt. If you’re always freezing, silk is a good choice because it is a natural insulator.  

If it’s a little chilly, make sure to add a cozy sweater. A wool or fleece cardigan is a must have for fall and winter. Turtle-necks are also great. There’s one caution for women: be careful not to wear belts over a lot of layers!

When it’s windy, add a scarf. A scarf can add color to any simple outfit. They are a big help if you don’t want goose bumps on the back of your neck when the cold wind hits you. When it gets too cold, you can also use your scarf to cover your nose and mouth so you can breathe in warmth and avoid a runny nose! 

Don’t expect to keep warm if you leave your feet exposed. The cold weather will make your feet dry and prone to cracks, so keep them toasty with wool socks. Thicker socks don’t necessarily make them warmer, but like silk, wool is a natural insulator.

Further avoid cold feet by investing in a good pair of boots. A black or a brown pair will match with almost anything. Make sure you don’t wear too thick of socks or your boots will cut off your circulation, making your feet cold!

Another essential is a classic long winter coat. You can wear one with just about any outfit and it looks great over a nice dress or suit. 

Gloves and mitts are allowed to be a little fun, but avoid frumpy hand-wear which will take away from the rest of your ensemble.  The leather driving glove is a classic option.

When the temperature is below freezing, it’s a good idea to invest in a hat to keep you warm. When it comes to hats, avoid pom-poms that will make you look half your age. Every face looks different under a hat, so if you don’t know which one is best for you, why not just try on every hat on the rack? A fedora looks good on almost everyone.

Keep your accessories in the same family when it comes to color, texture or style but avoid cloning all your gear from head to toe.  If you’re going for funky, avoid over-the- top matching with mitts/gloves, hats and scarves.

In fall and winter, you can never go wrong with charcoal, red, black, white and other natural colors. Find out which classic color best compliments your skin tone. It is nice to follow current trends, but if you want to wear your clothing for many more cold months to come, go for classic, practical choices and you’ll always be fashionable, comfortable and warm!