As winter slowly approaches, many of us are scrambling to find the right jackets, footwear, and outfits to stay cozy. Attending college in Upstate New York can sometimes limit what we want to wear, due to both budget constraints and the obnoxiously cold weather. But the good news is that building a stylish winter wardrobe doesn’t have to be as difficult or expensive as it might seem. Here are some tips to get your winter wardrobe ready, of course, on a budget!
Jackets: Deciphering between which jacket is best suitable for your look can surprisingly be complicated, especially as a college student. You want to make sure you are wearing something to keep you sheltered from the cold but also won’t suffocate you, or abruptly have you in a puddle of sweat once you enter the classroom. Here are some of my favorite, affordable, jackets that I think will definitely meet your expectations:
- Supre: 30% off Recycled Cropped Puffer Jacket – $30
- Amazon: Dokotoo Women’s 2024 Winter Full-Zip Hooded Puffer Jacket – $48.99
- Amazon: Calvin Klein Men’s Snap-Front Puffer Jacket – $67.98
Shoes: Believe it or not, footwear can be one of the hardest choices to make in winter, especially in the cold weather. When the winter pushes forward, and the snow fall seems to have no chill, wearing your everyday sneakers, begins to cancel out of your options. If you’re looking for a stylish winter shoe without spending over $150, check out these options:
- Amazon: Project Cloud Genuine Suede Ankle Boots for Women – $39.95
- Amazon: ANJOUFEMME Women’s Hiking Snow Winter Boots – $49
- Nordstrom Rack: Court Vision Mid Winter Sneaker (Men) – $79.97
Sweatsuits: During the dark, cold, blue mornings before class, I find myself wanting to just throw on a random pair of sweats, along with a sweatshirt and call it a day. Sometimes, it can get boring to wear the same clothing continuously and may even affect our moods. Rather than mixing and matching different pieces, consider coordinating with a matching sweatsuit. This way, you get the cozy, casual vibe with a bit of added style:
- Amazon: Trendy Queen Sweatsuits Women 2-Piece Outfit – $43
- Shein: EZwear 2pcs Casual Fleece-Lined Hoodie and Sweatpants Set – Pink, Autumn/Winter – $21.24
- boohooMAN: Oversized Boxy Bonded Scuba Hooded Tracksuit – $45
Other Affordable Options: In addition to the brands above, check out sites like 2Kwrld, Hey Dude, Nordstrom Rack, and DHgate for budget-friendly winter pieces.
Since online shopping can be tricky with the challenges of guessing sizes and hoping items look as good in person as they do online, exploring in-store options can be a smart alternative. Stores like Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Burlington, Target, and H&M offer budget-friendly prices and a wide range of trendy jackets, shoes, and accessories that you can try on before buying. Shopping in person can help you get a true feel for the fabric, fit, and overall look, making it easier to build a winter wardrobe you’ll love.
Ultimately, the best fashion choices are the ones that make you feel comfortable and confident, regardless of brand or price. So, stay warm, embrace your style, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your wardrobe this season. A little mix-and-match or an unexpected pop of color can make winter dressing a bit more exciting. Stay warm and stylish, and remember, it’s all about how you feel in what you wear!