A college student's guide to winter going out outfits
By Neha Dheen
December 21, 2022
Image Credit: Inga Seliverstova for Unsplash
Yes, it’s cold outside. Freezing even. Putting together outfits to go out during the winter is undoubtedly a pain. We can sometimes end up looking bulky with oversized sweaters and sweatpants. But with a couple simple tips and tricks, you can protect yourself from the cold while looking classy and sexy.
Let's start with the basics. Thermal wear is a must. Layering these insulating lightweight long sleeve thermal tops under a simple sweater vest or a button up will protect you from the harsh weather. Do the same with your bottoms. Enjoy the feeling of a plush blanket wrapped around your legs with these fleece-lined tights. Junior digital media communication major Kimberly Syuardi and the face behind @umdfitcheck on Instagram said, “Layering with an under sleeve shirt and thin leggings underneath your top and jeans helps a lot.”
“The next big wave should be thermal undershirts and hand warmers. As dumb as they sound, they can be lifesavers when you’re freezing,” freshman biology major Nikki Faroughi said.
For more basic pieces, freshman neuroscience and dance major Rachel Chen recommends a few pairs of jeans such as a light and dark wash and black jeans. As for tops, she said long sleeve bodysuits are a must.
You could also turn heads with a mini skirt layered over thermal sheer pantyhose paired with a cropped sweater and combat boots. And of course, wear your coziest socks. Warm, sophisticated and eye-catching. What’s not to love?
Syuardi said, “If you want to wear skirts or dresses, I recommend getting leggings that have a fleece skin color for the illusion that your legs are showing.”
Classic white button ups are a must have. You can wear them over simple tank tops and add some gold jewelry for an extra layer of flair. Elevate the blouse look with patterns and a cinched waist. Materials like satin immediately ooze “effortlessly chic.” Channel Swedish fashion influencer Matilda Djerf with these classy essentials.
Layering will be your saving grace in the wintertime. Whether it be sweater vests over thermal long sleeves or cropped sweaters over satin maxi dresses or skirts, layering is a great way to build unique and practical outfits. For a more classy look, replace the sweater vests for these suit vests that are on everyone’s fashion pinterest board.
Cropped cardigans are also a must. They’re not tight-fitting, so you have substantial room for a night out dancing. Run, don’t walk, to H&M for these knit cardigans. Pair it with a simple tank underneath so in case you get too toasty, you can unbutton the cardigan and let some air in. For a more sophisticated look, pair a cream colored cardigan with a satin camisole.
Freshman computer science major Shreeya Venkatesh said boleros, a cropped shrug, are something that could be a cute staple in your going out wardrobe to pair over a tank or tube top.
Cropped sweaters and ripped tops (that aren’t bulky) should definitely be on the top of your shopping list for your winter wardrobe. “They can be so cute especially when paired with some cool statement pants,” Venkatesh said.
Yet upping your wardrobe for the winter doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank.. Even though the temperature is dropping, you can repurpose your spring and summer going out tops by layering them under jackets. Instead of puffers, sherpas or trenches, try some lightweight bomber jackets, fleece-lined denim jackets, and shackets for this look.
Faux leather is a staple when dressing up for the frigid winter air. Oversized leather blazers are on the rise and rightfully so. They’re elegant and immediately elevate any outfit. A bonus: they keep you warm. According to Vogue Magazine, “A leather jacket is the one fashion item that is the epitome of cool.”
Hit your local H&M, Urban Outfitters and Zara for eye-catching fashion for your winter outings. Online stores that you should definitely check out are Garage and Princess Polly. Abercrombie and Fitch is expensive, but the investment is worth it because their jeans are top-notch. They are long-lasting, comfortable and petite-friendly.
And of course, don’t be afraid to take advantage of your friends’ clothes. Borrowing going out tops from your friends is essential, especially in college.
Beauty doesn’t always have to mean pain. With these tips and tricks to winter going out fashion, you do not have to let the frigid temperatures stop you from having your fun at college.
Let's start with the basics. Thermal wear is a must. Layering these insulating lightweight long sleeve thermal tops under a simple sweater vest or a button up will protect you from the harsh weather. Do the same with your bottoms. Enjoy the feeling of a plush blanket wrapped around your legs with these fleece-lined tights. Junior digital media communication major Kimberly Syuardi and the face behind @umdfitcheck on Instagram said, “Layering with an under sleeve shirt and thin leggings underneath your top and jeans helps a lot.”
“The next big wave should be thermal undershirts and hand warmers. As dumb as they sound, they can be lifesavers when you’re freezing,” freshman biology major Nikki Faroughi said.
For more basic pieces, freshman neuroscience and dance major Rachel Chen recommends a few pairs of jeans such as a light and dark wash and black jeans. As for tops, she said long sleeve bodysuits are a must.
You could also turn heads with a mini skirt layered over thermal sheer pantyhose paired with a cropped sweater and combat boots. And of course, wear your coziest socks. Warm, sophisticated and eye-catching. What’s not to love?
Syuardi said, “If you want to wear skirts or dresses, I recommend getting leggings that have a fleece skin color for the illusion that your legs are showing.”
Classic white button ups are a must have. You can wear them over simple tank tops and add some gold jewelry for an extra layer of flair. Elevate the blouse look with patterns and a cinched waist. Materials like satin immediately ooze “effortlessly chic.” Channel Swedish fashion influencer Matilda Djerf with these classy essentials.
Layering will be your saving grace in the wintertime. Whether it be sweater vests over thermal long sleeves or cropped sweaters over satin maxi dresses or skirts, layering is a great way to build unique and practical outfits. For a more classy look, replace the sweater vests for these suit vests that are on everyone’s fashion pinterest board.
Cropped cardigans are also a must. They’re not tight-fitting, so you have substantial room for a night out dancing. Run, don’t walk, to H&M for these knit cardigans. Pair it with a simple tank underneath so in case you get too toasty, you can unbutton the cardigan and let some air in. For a more sophisticated look, pair a cream colored cardigan with a satin camisole.
Freshman computer science major Shreeya Venkatesh said boleros, a cropped shrug, are something that could be a cute staple in your going out wardrobe to pair over a tank or tube top.
Cropped sweaters and ripped tops (that aren’t bulky) should definitely be on the top of your shopping list for your winter wardrobe. “They can be so cute especially when paired with some cool statement pants,” Venkatesh said.
Yet upping your wardrobe for the winter doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank.. Even though the temperature is dropping, you can repurpose your spring and summer going out tops by layering them under jackets. Instead of puffers, sherpas or trenches, try some lightweight bomber jackets, fleece-lined denim jackets, and shackets for this look.
Faux leather is a staple when dressing up for the frigid winter air. Oversized leather blazers are on the rise and rightfully so. They’re elegant and immediately elevate any outfit. A bonus: they keep you warm. According to Vogue Magazine, “A leather jacket is the one fashion item that is the epitome of cool.”
Hit your local H&M, Urban Outfitters and Zara for eye-catching fashion for your winter outings. Online stores that you should definitely check out are Garage and Princess Polly. Abercrombie and Fitch is expensive, but the investment is worth it because their jeans are top-notch. They are long-lasting, comfortable and petite-friendly.
And of course, don’t be afraid to take advantage of your friends’ clothes. Borrowing going out tops from your friends is essential, especially in college.
Beauty doesn’t always have to mean pain. With these tips and tricks to winter going out fashion, you do not have to let the frigid temperatures stop you from having your fun at college.