The Art of Layering

Is it just me or is it f***ing freezing this winter? The windchill has been absolutely insane, but then you get inside and you're begging to rip off your sweater because you fear you might overheat or melt like the snowman in that really sad children's book/short film. Enter: layers, also known as the greatest way to dress at any age, but especially in college, land of walking inside and outside and back inside again. Even if you are walking through your campus's tunnels or interlink systems, even buildings and classrooms fluctuate in temperature. Our Student Center atrium gets SO HOT when it's sunny out, no matter what time of year, because it has huge glass windows that catch the heat.

Outfit goals for winter times should ideally involve some layers (both of these outfits would have a coat over it!) to keep the heat in or let the heat out if you must remove a layer. I've worn both of these, in different variations, over the past year and they're worked out pretty well for me so far.

Sweater: Target

Top: J. Crew

Jeans: American Eagle

Socks: Target

Boots: Bandolino

I wore this shirt + sweater combination on Christmas this past year, but opted to wear a skirt rather than the black jeans. This is a pretty simple layering technique (as mine usually are!), but having the option to roll up your sleeves or wear the chambray shirt as a standalone piece is a great option. 

Vest: J. Crew

Sweater: Gap

Shirt: J. Crew

Jeans: American Eagle

Boots: UGGs

I've kind of worn this outfit two different ways. I wore the same plaid shirt and sweater last week to classes and I've also worn just the plaid shirt with the vest back in October when a friend came to visit. Layering button-ups, sweaters, and vests is a super collegiate and popular thing to do for a reason! It keeps you looking cute, while being practical and warm at the same time.

What's your favorite layering technique during the winter?