Living in Patterson Hall, the hub of party-going freshmen girls, I see far too many “downtown” outfits that just make me shiver. Girls decked in flowy tanks, short dresses, or sheer tops…you look great, but it’s not summer! I watch their faces cringe when they hit the crisp, winter air. By the end of the night, they are drunkenly huddled together with frost bitten faces, hailing a cab.

Everyone can agree that it is often difficult to find an outfit that is stylish and sexy, yet conducive to the recent Antarctic weather. Are you supposed to walk into the bars wearing a parka and mittens? Unfortunately, there are no coat checks at Pavs. We need a solution! Here are my tips for styling weather-friendly outfits on your night out:

• Blazers, blazers, blazers! This should be an investment piece for every college girl. A fitted blazer pairs perfectly with almost any look- skinny jeans, skirts, dresses. This key piece is very flexible and will sophisticate any outfit! It also provides the perfect amount of warmth to survive outside, but won’t burn up in the bars. Blazers come in a variety of styles and fits that you can find at almost any women’s store. I suggest checking out H&M or F21 for the best deals!
• Tights- not pantyhose. If you dare to expose your legs, at least show them some love. Wearing a mini dress or skirt in February can be a borderline fashion faux pas if it’s not paired with a winter touch. Tights add length to your legs, as well as hide the fact that you probably haven’t seen sun since September. Not to mention, they are easy to come across and inexpensive!
• Find a badass jacket. Along the same lines of a blazer, a fitted jacket adds shape and style to your winter wardrobe. Leather has been making a comeback this season- take advantage of it in this weather! Icons like the Kardashians can give you inspiration for how to rock these great fitted pieces. You will drop jaws walking into the bars with a chic leather jacket over a bright blouse and a pair of skinny pants.
• Modest toes, please! I’ll be blunt- summer wedges are NOT okay in the winter. Try to limit the exposure of your foot as much as possible- at LEAST your toes! Boots- especially knee highs- are very in! Take it to the next level with a pair or bootie wedges. Target sells some adorable pairs for under $40!
• Sleeves don’t always mean warmth. Wearing a long sleeve sheer blouse might as well be a tank top- the wind cuts right through you! Pair your blouses with one of the jackets I talked about above. Don’t be afraid to wear long sleeve shirts- a body hugging v-neck draws attention to your curves and can be very flattering.
• My secret weapons… When it’s cold out, anything goes. If you have long hair, wear it down to provide your upper body with some extra warmth. When times get tough, I like to think of my hair as a blanket. Another sneaky way to bundle up is to wear a pair of tights or leggings underneath your jeans. You’d be surprised how much of a difference it makes- not to mention, it adds a little more booty in the pants!

Ladies, do not underestimate the walk to and from the taxi. You might think that you can survive these seemingly short distances outside, but there is nothing more unbearable than the winter winds cutting through you like ice…literally. Most importantly, keeping your outfits in-season will make you stand out from the sea of girls in denial that tailgating ended months ago.

Image Source: http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/they-wear-cold-chic/

As the semester comes to a close, it becomes increasingly difficult to find time to work out when finals are the only thing that inhabit your mind.  For those of you who fear sitting around countless hours full of anxiety and stress leading to packing on pounds, don’t fear, there’s hope!  If you allow yourself a 30-40 minute study break per day, you can work out in the comfort of your own home or an easily accessible gym with these helpful tips: