I have a problem. It seems really inane and kind of random, but here goes...
What do you wear when you go out and it's cold? Really cold. By really cold, I mean it's so cold I'd rather spend my last five dollars for alcohol on a .3-mile taxi ride from bars to my apartment and then run from the taxi to my door with my hands in the front pockets of my jeans just like I'm from that '80s "Breakfast Club" poster.
What to do, what to do...
You don't want to look frumpy in a million layers, but at the same time you want to be able to feel your extremities. Catching pneumonia doesn't sound too enticing, either. After all, you don't want to miss out on fun weekend activities. Or your favorite classes, for that matter.
What are the options?
Let's see...
Fur is a great way to stay warm. I know what some of you are thinking, though. Killing animals isn't cool. (Bear in mind, however, eating steak is basically the same thing as wearing a fur of some sort, no?) There are tons of great faux renditions of the fur craze. There are faux (and real) fur collars (like a pashmina, but chicer), capelets, cropped jackets and fur trimmed sweaters and vests ... even fur trimmed snow boots.
I'm obsessed with pashminas (read: basically big rectangles of cloth that you wrap around your neck). They're a classic way to protect yourself from the chilliness. Pashminas come in a million colors and a million materials. Jewel tones brighten up a pale wintry complexion, and pastels/earthy colors soften a dark winter coat. They're traditionally made of cashmere and sometimes come in a cashmere/wool blend.
There's this really cool Nepalese guy that sells pashminas on the pedestrian walk on the Downtown Mall for $10 each. Even though they're made of either polyester or rayon, they still do the trick. Try wearing the pashmina just like a regular scarf by wrapping it around your neck a couple of times. Or try folding it in half to form a loop and then passing half of it through the loop (it's hard to visualize, I know). Pashminas look really great when worn as shawls over dresses or little tops. Pinning them with a big brooch looks cute, too.
You know what a lot of people are wearing right now? Earmuffs. Go ahead, get them out of your basement closet and relive your childhood days. I'm personally not a huge fan, but many times I find that it would be really nice to be able to feel my ears, and earmuffs aid in this endeavor.
The only thing about earmuffs is that they're not the greatest accessory for a night out. Pashminas and fur, on the other hand, are. If earmuffs don't really do it for you, try wearing a smaller cut pashmina tied as a head scarf. Add some dark sunglasses for a look that hearkens back to the days of Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy.
Vests are fun because they allow you to layer without looking like a marshmallow, and show off most of your outfit, unlike a bulky coat. Right now, the Corner Outlet has some on sale. Down is super warm and keeps your core nice and toasty without restricting arm movement (imperative during a dance party).
Mother knows best. When she tells you to layer, that is. Layering is definitely underrated. Try wearing a dress over jeans to keep your legs warmer, then add a cropped sweater and a blazer. The layers will keep you warm, but since every piece is a slightly different length, you won't be adding too much bulk to your frame. You could even add a long scarf and a chic hat to ward off hypothermia when walking down Rugby or 14th Street.
Everyone (well, to be honest, not everyone ... but many) loves a black North Face, right? Alas, I have a problem. Looking like every one around you is fine when walking by Cabell on the way to class, but the whole "I'm not unique" thing isn't so awesome when going out. How, you may ask, can you still wear your North Face (i.e., security blanket) to bars, parties or get-togethers?
By wearing one in a nice color (other than black).
I just recently saw North Faces in turquoise, baby blue, pinkish purple and light green. They look a lot better than plain old black, and they'll be just a little bit harder to lose when you're not exactly in the best state of mind.
Whether battling the winter blues with this season's bright pashminas, fluffy ear muffs or colorful North Face jackets, one thing is certain: A little layering goes a long way ... especially when you just spent your taxi money on a late-night little something at Littlejohn's.
Demetra can be reached at fashion@cavalierdaily.com.
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