Scarves, leather and strong denim: fall closet staples

Unless you’ve skipped every class in the past few weeks, you should have noticed the significant drop in temperature. If your wardrobe is still filled with summer flip-flops and shorts, here are a few key staples that will keep you warm during the harsh winter to come.

A pea coat: This is your gift from the fashion gods. Pea coats are incredibly functional and, once in possession, will be a part of your everyday ensemble. Traditionally made out of wool or a thick twill, these jackets are as versatile as they are warm. The simple and flattering cuts, the muted color palette of black or navy blue and the array of different styles can only be rivaled by the equally adaptable trench coat. A pea coat is a timeless staple that will work seamlessly into any closet. From the traditional double-breasted coat with large lapels and thick buttons to the longer, belted jacket, a pea coat is essential for surviving cold weather. 

A stronger jean: The last thing you want in a downpour is soaked-through jeans. Your resolve: think darker, thicker and more fitted. An ideal weather-proof jean is made in a dark denim and should have some thickness to keep the bottom half of your body comfortable and shielded from the sharp wind. Also, it is best to have fitted jeans that do not trail off onto the sidewalk, because nothing can look more unflattering than loose jeans with torn-up and messy-looking hems.

Leather shoes: Be it in the form of boots, booties, boat shoes or sneakers, you need shoes that are durable and don’t allow for any type of rain or snow seepage. A thick, preferably leather (do NOT buy suede) shoe in any form, depending on your personal preference and taste, will effectively protect your feet. For the ladies, jeans tucked into long boots with a chunky heel pulls an outfit together. For the men, as long as you are not wearing canvas, you can look stylish and composed with any type of leather footwear. Keep in mind that one pair of boots can last you more than one season, so keep your shoes tasteful, timeless and practical. On a side note, rain boots are always a great accessory to splash around with; but to keep your boots from being dated, stick with solid colors like primary yellow, olive green or navy.

Sweaters and hoodies: American Apparel’s vast range of solid-colored sweaters, cardigans and hoodies are a great model for how to dress in the cold. The key to winter dressing is layers. The ability to build up or dress down an outfit based on the specific temperature conditions is what keeps you comfortable from the classroom to the sidewalk. A safe bet is to have a sizeable wardrobe of basic-colored sweaters and lightweight jackets, which can be paired with practically anything. When pairing an outfit, remember to be minimal (in look, not in amount of clothes) and think color-blocked.

Winter accessories: This may be an obvious item, but one pair of gloves can make the difference between comfort and frost-bitten fingers. Scarves should be wide enough for wrapping around the neck in various ways. They can either be classic with large cable-knit or extremely urban with the checkered, Middle-Eastern inspired scarves. Glove fabric can range from leather to knit and can differ in look from fingerless to full-blown mittens. To protect your sensitive ears, don’t just stick to traditional earmuffs. Take a technological spin by having headphones installed in the ear covers, or try a stretchy, knitted cap that can be pulled over the ears. For women, wearing wool tights under dresses or simply underneath your jeans is a trendy option that gives you that last extra bit of warmth. Accessories for the cold weather should represent individual style, but should be strong enough to brave the conditions.

When shopping for the looming cold, look through your closet and see if you have the basics. If you are a freshman or a new transfer student who is utterly confused about what will keep you warm, comfortable and ultimately stylish, buy items that will become staples for your next four years. Limit your winter wardrobe to essentials to a basic color palette that will keep you looking put-together from now until graduation.


Mychal Lopez is a staff writer. E-mail him at fashion@nyunews.com.

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