Scarfs.
Flannels.
Leg Warmers.
Puffer Jackets.
As the temperature lowers and hot drinks start to become more appealing, a change, aside from the colder temperatures, becomes more prominent: clothing.
The prioritization of warmth through the stacking of sweaters, pants, and jackets has been one of the most tried and true methods of battling the cold.
“I just add more layers the colder it gets, I also am able to wear more from my closet whenever it is winter time or colder in general,” freshman Kaylin Lopez-Ferrufino said.
Some students use accessories like scarves or beanies to add another layer of cold prevention.
“I’ll always throw on a beanie. I know if anything, my head is important to keep warm. Less fever risk,” senior Martin Starkweather said.
Layering has become one of the most practical strategies that also fulfills a sense of style when facing colder seasons.
“I also like to layer clothing to keep myself warm, like if I wear a sweater I’m wearing two shirts underneath,” senior Cindy Guevara said.
Beyond preventing colds, many students see layering as a form of expression. The use of certain items has become intentional among many students, becoming ubiquitous during the colder months.
“I feel like it’s a no-brainer that layering long-sleeves on short-sleeves or a scarf on a nice jacket is a guaranteed win at keeping you comfortable through the cold and staying stylish,” Starkweather said.
Aside from adding pieces, some students have turned to the materials of their clothing to better battle the cold. Cotton-based clothing garments, in particular, have started taking over the hallways.
“[Cotton-based clothing is ] soft, super comfortable to wear and easy to style just because the texture already gives off a very cozy and fall vibe to me personally,” Clavijo said. “ I also use it as a base for any other outfit because of its comfortability.”
Regardless of the material, students have learned to blend comfort with style, ensuring warmth doesn’t mean having to sacrifice personal fashion.
“To balance between comfort and style, you really just need to find pieces that can either stick out and be unique without the addition of accessories, or that go well with various combinations of clothing,” junior Mikayla Nguyen said.
Nguyen, known for her expertise in thrifting as a Depop seller, typically seeks out practical clothing items that adhere to her style.
“I look out for jackets a whole lot in the colder months as it provides warmth and is just easy to throw on and off. I find many unique patterns and designs of jackets as I thrift so I have quite the collection.,” Nguyen said.
Popular seasonal pieces like flannel, knee high socks, scarves and leg warmers have continued to be staples throughout the school — an opportunity to add vibrant colors and textures to one’s outfit.
“[I] tend to dress in a more cuter and softer style in the winter to go alongside the season, holidays, and cold weather. I definitely reach towards leg warmers, tights, knee high socks, and fuzzy socks since I’m able to stay warm and still wear things such as skirts and shorts ,” Nguyen said.
“They can also be used in a lot of outfits without feeling repetitive. Many times I layer my leg warmers on top of my tights or knee high socks to provide extra warmth and just as a little something extra to my outfit.”
For senior Cindy Guevara, this change means an opportunity to wear her favoirte seasonal accessories.
Embracing the weather, Guevara has already started to change her daily accessories.
“I grab scarves, hats and things of that nature when it’s cold because wearing them any other time would be a hassle,” Guevara said. “Leg warmers too, they are, personally, strictly a cold weather type thing because any other time they’re annoying.”
On the other side of style and comfort, students like sophomore Tallal Arshad, prioritize practicality without having to give up their own style.
“ [With] the weather dropping at a dangerous pace, I started wearing thermal leggings underneath my jeans,” Arshad said. “Instead of multiple jackets, and having to stuff myself, [I] wear thermal compression shirts underneath my shirts so I can stay warm and just require a small jacket.”
Ultimately, for many, the shift in wardrobe is a welcome change, and a chance to explore things that are just not as practical in warmer months.
“Now that fall is officially here, I feel more confident wearing cotton and cozier clothes, considering during the fall it’s more cozy Stockholm vibe than a summer look, ” Clavijo said.