Cavalier Daily Associate Editor The reds, oranges and yellows of autumn leaves sparkle against the clear blue sky as the crackle of leaves underneath pairs of sneakers and boots adds music to the air. The crisp cool wind awakens sleepy students trudging to their first class of the day.
It is the season of long hot showers and steaming mugs of hot cocoa; the season of down comforters and fireplaces; and best of all, the season of winter wardrobes.
Sweaters and sweatshirts make their appearances, accompanied by scarves, hats, and every other imaginable accessory in an attempt to add both warmth and style.
"I like winter clothing because you can dress in layers," third-year College student Karine Narikam said. "It's easier to adjust than summer clothing."
Of all the winter clothes and accessories that are pulled out of closets come mid-autumn, the coat, according to fourth-year College student Carrie Dann, is one of the most important.
"You want to try to have a coat that's different from everyone else's," Dann said. "Every girl here wears a pea coat -- you want to stand out without standing out too much."
Others seem to go for comfort over style, regardless of what those around them are wearing. These students see the issue of a winter wardrobe as something very simple.
"I like jackets a lot," second-year College student Austin Drake said. "I'm not really one to wear hats, and I don't really wear big boots or anything."
Yet, accessories such as hats and boots are the most important aspect of a winter wardrobe for some students.
"My favorite piece of winter clothing is probably gloves," second-year College student Michelle Unterbrink said. They're "cuddly and warm."
Warmth is, of course, a quality that many look for in their winter clothes.
"Sweaters are nice because they're warm and fuzzy," Environmental Sciences Research Assistant Cody Schank said.
First-year Arts and Sciences graduate school student Andy Nelson also finds sweaters to be the best type of clothing for the cold winter weather.
"A V-neck sweater keeps you warm and yet allows for multiple layers of looks," Nelson said. "It doesn't stifle" the layers underneath.
For many, even more important than the type of clothing or accessory is the color. While some prefer the traditional blacks, blues and grays, others prefer to stand out with pastels and bright colors.
"I think that it's a little tricky to dress for winter," fourth-year College student Kimberly Wang said. "People tend to wear dark colors. If you do wear bright colors, it's a starker contrast."
One popular way to add a spark of color to any outfit is to add a scarf. Whether it is hot pink or gray, lime green or white, no color is too vivid or too drab for a scarf.
"I have scarves that my friends have made for me," Dann said. "That's my favorite thing to wear."
Regardless of whether one prefers comfort or style, dark colors or bright, one thing is for sure -- the season of snowflakes and scarves will never fail to bring its share of fabulous fashions.
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