Looking good and staying warm by our own UNH Fashionista

Let me level with you: it is infrequent that I go out in Durham. This could be due to many factors, some being that I have increasingly become a homebody and I reside in Dover, it is cheaper to buy a six pack of PBR tall boys than four fancy mango-infused vodka concoctions, and I already have back problems. I cannot sleep on my friends’ tile floors in the Mills. However, I find it increasingly difficult to go out in Durham because I am someone who gets cold through osmosis, and seeing girls in two -foot-long dresses (shoulder to hem) gives me frostbite, and next thing you know I am sprawled on the sidewalk outside of Libby’s hallucinating like Emile Hirsch in “Into the Wild.” Do not mistake me, I understand pants discrimination, I prefer a skirt or dress over jeans any day! However, skirt doesn’t mean loincloth, and 15-degree weather does not mean “girls, I’m bare-legging it tonight!”

While the idea of “how much clothing women should wear” has a lot of social and societal contexts that deserve a lot of credence and consideration. This article is aimed at making one point: if you live in a cold climate and are interested in looking sharp, dressing appropriately for the elements must be a focal point. Furthermore, for those of us who will (hopefully) be joining the workforce come the end of May, image and planning your wardrobe around presentability is crucial.

Skirts are never out of the question, but wearing a skirt that covers somewhere in the middle of your thighs is ideal at college, and required in the majority of the workforce. In the warmer months, sans leg wear is appropriate and expected, but for now layer on a pair of tights or thick leggings. You can get them anywhere from Target to EMS, and in an array of colors. While I like to go with blacks, dark blues and reds, I dream to one day wear acid green leggings and pretend that they are apple jolly ranchers. You see? Layering is fun!
Now, I know that sometimes when we think of the word “sweater” a montage of people’s lumberjack grandfathers and your aunt’s favorite Easter cardigan with pom poms and rabbits on it might come to mind. Perhaps you also know that sweaters can look sexy. While you are wearing that middle-of-the-thigh skirt with maroon tights, try slipping on a simple, long-sleeve cotton shirt with an oversized cable knit piece. Although this may not sound “sexy” the entire point is that it is wholly expected for people to bundle up in the winter - it makes sense. Furthermore, wearing a sweater layered over a shirt means that if you get overheated, you can shift clothing layers accordingly.

Textile choice and accessories also can add interest to an outfit that is more covered up. Most everybody wants what they wear to be noticed, and people notice ornate jewelry and funky patterns. Try brocade-printed metallic pants with metal-detailed black boots and chunky knits. Mix leathers with cable knits and spandex with coarse wool. If you choose to wear a monochromatic outfit, accent the “sameness” of color (or lack thereof) with bold jewelry pieces or a structured bag with spikes. When people look at you, they will be interested in the intricacy of your clothing, and you can take credit for putting such a detail-oriented and unique outfit together. And on the bright side, resuscitation due to lack of blood flow will not be necessary because of the layers that you are donning.