In the South, no one is ever truly ready for the cold. It’s as if every day is hot until winter suddenly arrives overnight. Last year, Raleigh saw its first snow in nearly three years. This year, The Old Farmer’s Almanac released a winter forecast which suggested a similar drop in temperature.
Early morning walks to class are getting chillier and increasingly dreadful. But with the proper attire, you can stay warm, comfortable and still look put together on your commute to class.
First things first, everyone needs a durable outerwear piece. In the South, most people don’t own hefty winter coats due to the fleeting nature of the cold weather. But thin or impractical jackets won’t hold up when temperatures reach record lows, or when you have to walk to your 8:30 a.m. physics class in the snow.
Brands like The North Face and Arc’teryx give a minimal, outdoorsy look that is utterly timeless. They also pack a practical punch, with heavy-duty protection against wind and rain.
Unfortunately, this level of durability comes with a price tag that’s out of reach for many students. For a more budget-friendly option, mall brands like H&M offer their own collections of weather-ready outerwear at much lower prices.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to first consider thrifting or borrowing clothes to stay sustainable.
Those in need of inspiration or something new should try H&M’s Fine-Knit Cardigan. It’s great for a simple look, and the wool blend is great for staying warm. Thanks to its minimalistic design, this cardigan pairs easily with almost anything — from a basic pair of jeans to a classic plaid skirt.
However, it’s not just your outerwear that makes the look, but the accessories you pair with it. One of my favorite cold-weather trends is the skull cap beanie, which doesn’t even require winter weather to be a trendy part of your wardrobe. Its popularity amongst celebrities and overall versatility has made GQ believe it might soon overtake the classic folded beanie.
If you want to jump on the trend, the vintage store Baby Phat offers one of my favorite beanie selections. They usually come with a matching scarf, which adds an extra layer of winter warmth and 2000s nostalgia.
Sadly, Baby Phat has yet to restock its beanie selection following its 2020 relaunch, but their items can often be found on secondhand platforms like Depop and Poshmark, or at vintage markets such as Bull City Flea and For The Girls Vintage Market.
But, the most important factor for surviving the upcoming winter has to be UGG. For decades, the brand has survived through every new fashion era. UGG boots are classic and high-quality, so you can keep wearing them from winter to winter.
UGG boots allow students to stay stylish and warm with their range of unisex styles. On top of that, their wide array of collaborations bring even more exciting options and ensure everyone can find something they love. My personal rotation consists of the Coquette Slippers, the Classic Tall II Boot and the Classic Cardi Cabled Knit Boot.
Retailers like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and other discount department stores often offer these brand-name classics at lower prices. Similarly, stores like Target and Walmart offer non-name brand styles at much more affordable price points.
Surviving the unpredictable Southern winter comes down to having practical, layerable attire. Reliable jackets, footwear and warm accessories are the key components to avoiding frostbite and looking fierce during long walks to class.
