Written by: Ruby Her
Your new guide to dressing for the cold, while looking (and feeling) like yourself.
There are two types of people in Madison during November: those who pull out their winter coats in the first week, and those who are still convinced their favorite denim jacket and hoodie will help them make it through another week.
For students arriving at UW-Madison from warmer states, the transition from fall to winter can be humbling. You might have packed your favorite sweaters, a few cute jackets, and enough outfits to last you the semester. Or so you thought. But once you walk across campus with the wind chill across your face, the truth settles in.
Getting dressed in the winter times requires a little more planning and strategy than one would think. Because your morning outfit has to survive the walk to class, maybe a quick coffee run, and whatever weather-related surprise Madison decides to hit you with that day. But what’s to say that looking good can’t still be on the agenda?
THE COAT
Consider this your best friend for the next few months. It will accompany you to lectures, grocery runs, late-night study sessions, and the occasional walk down State Street.
This is not the time or place to prioritize appearance over function. That lightweight jacket that looked incredible in October may not offer much comfort when January arrives. A properly insulated coat, ideally one with plenty of coverage over your body is a much better investment. Look for a secure zipper, a hood, and enough room to accommodate a sweater underneath.
But practical doesn't have to mean boring. Oversized puffers, long quilted coats, and more structured silhouettes can all work beautifully. Consider choosing a neutral color that pairs easily with your existing wardrobe, or make your coat the statement piece of an otherwise simple outfit.
THE ONION THEORY
You may have heard of the sandwich method, but have you ever tried dressing like an onion?
Layering is the secret to surviving a day that starts at a freezing bus stop, continues in a heated lecture hall, and ends with an afternoon spent studying at Memorial Library.
Think in layers. A thermal shirt underneath your usual top, a sweater or cardigan over that, and your winter coat on the outside. Thermal leggings can also be worn underneath jeans or trousers without changing the overall look of your outfit. The beauty of layering is that there is always flexibility. You can take something off when you're indoors and put it back on when you head outside. It's a small adjustment, but it makes a surprisingly big difference.
And don't underestimate the power of a good sweater. Chunky knits, fleece pullovers, and cardigans are practically winter wardrobe celebrities. They provide warmth, work with just about everything, and make it look like you put more thought into your outfit than you probably did.
A LOVE LETTER TO YOUR FEET
Snow turns into slush. Slush turns into puddles. Puddles somehow find their way into your socks. It's a vicious cycle, and one that a good pair of winter boots can help prevent.
Look for water-resistant materials, sturdy soles with traction, and enough room for thicker socks. You don't need to wear enormous snow boots every day, but having a dependable pair for snowy and icy conditions is essential.
This is also where you learn that fashion and function occasionally need to negotiate. Maybe the shoes you planned to wear aren't the safest option for the weather. Maybe the boots might win today. Because there is no shame in choosing a little stability over a potential viral fall.
AND, ACCESSORIZING…
There is a reason you start seeing beanies everywhere once the temperature drops. Not only are they warm, but easy to style and significantly more useful than they look. The same goes for scarves and gloves. Think of these as the supporting cast. They don't always get the attention, but the entire production would fall apart without them.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when preparing for winter is assuming that your wardrobe has to become entirely functional. It doesn't. You can still wear the pieces you love. You just have to get a little more creative with how you wear them.
At the end of the day, winter accessories are proof that practicality doesn’t have to come at the expense of personality. A simple beanie, an oversized scarf, or a pair of statement gloves can completely change the feel of an outfit while keeping you comfortable enough to enjoy wearing it. So, don’t be afraid to play around a little. Go beyond what you have read.
Your first Wisconsin winter might come with a few questionable outfit choices, some unexpected purchases, and at least one morning when you seriously consider skipping class because of the weather. But you'll get the hang of it. After all, winter dressing is about figuring out how to make your personal style shine in the cold. If you’re going to brave a Madison winter, you might as well look good doing it.
Edited by: Claudia Rothberg
