As temperatures drop drastically, University of Wisconsin-Madison students bundle up in thick coats and scarves, their breath visible in the chilly air. Cloudy skies and short days leave campus feeling cold and quiet. Rarely seeing the light of day, students are left with a lack of creativity in their fashion choices and isolation from the rest of the world.
As a UW-Madison student, I know the struggles of getting through a Wisconsin winter. I have compiled a list of the best ways to incorporate style and self-care into everyday life that will ensure a smooth and somewhat less daunting winter experience.
Fashion hacks for winter
Although staying warm is the top priority, finding ways to express your style through winter gear is crucial in order to maintain a sense of individuality. There are several routes to achieving a fashionable yet practical winter wardrobe.
Invest in quality boots and a winter coat: Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to own high-quality winter gear and look stylish while wearing it. Some brands that sell fashionable yet durable winter boots include Sorel, Ugg and Columbia. For winter coats, the Aritzia Super Puff, Patagonia W’s Downdrift jacket and The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse jacket are a few functional and stylish options.
Layers are a life-saver: Wearing leggings or long underwear under your choice of pants will help keep you warm. No one will be able to tell, and you can wear your favorite pair of jeans without fear of freezing. Also, wearing tall socks is crucial because nothing is worse than a sliver of your ankle feeling the effects of a brutal gust of wind.
Accessorizing for warmth and style: To elevate a winter outfit beyond a coat and boots, try adding accessories like scarves, hats, headbands and mittens. Personalize your winter looks by incorporating your favorite colors and patterns, hometown sports team or personal aesthetics into accessories. You can find winter accessories that match your personal style at university bookstores, flea markets, vintage stores or Etsy.
Self-care hacks for winter
Now that you know the fundamentals to making it through the winter in style, here are some self-care hacks that will help you avoid falling into any seasonal rut. With a lack of sunlight, finding the motivation to go outside or energy to get work done can be a struggle. It is easy for your mental health to decline along with the temperatures. Here are ways to keep your spirits and motivation high as you tackle the harsh Wisconsin weather.
Incorporate movement into your daily routine: Making the trek to a gym may seem impossible during the winter months, but adding a form of movement into your daily routine will benefit your mental health. Whether it’s morning stretches on your living room floor, following along to at-home workout videos on YouTube or simply dancing to your favorite song in the comfort of your bedroom, incorporating movement can help set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Find joy in the season: Although winter may seem like the worst time of the year, take advantage of what the season has to offer. Walking on frozen Lake Mendota, sledding down Bascom Hill, making snow angels, going on a ski trip or soaking in the sights of a fresh snowfall can remind you of the joy in the season and lighten the hardships of the weather.
Stay social: It is easy to isolate yourself and spend less time with people when staying home seems more convenient, but planning outings can help maintain social connections. Meeting friends at coffee shops or restaurants, continuing to go to class and club meetings and taking time to call loved ones can boost your mood. Pushing yourself to engage in activities that bring happiness is so important, even when temperatures are below freezing.
Make your space cozy: Spending more time at home is inevitable in winter, so make your space comfortable and inviting. Make your bed every morning, incorporate warm lighting, bring out your favorite blankets, light a candle or buy yourself fresh flowers to create a cozy and enjoyable living environment.
Just because it’s cold outside does not mean you need to stop dressing for style or taking care of yourself. It just means you have to prepare your mindset, wardrobe and routine to survive a Wisconsin winter with ease. As the seasons change, it is important to remind yourself of these self-care hacks any time of the year, whether it’s a rainy day or too hot for comfort.
