Winter Campus Style
How Students at Oakland University are Balancing Comfort, Warmth, and Effortless Fashion for Class
As the temperature drops, students find the need to balance warmth, comfort, and self-expression despite the cold weather. This can be challenging to navigate, but you can find great inspiration for winter style from students all across campus. Students are switching up their wardrobes to adapt to winter while maintaining their own sense of style. From cozy sweatshirts to trendy sneakers, here’s how students are mastering winter fashion.
Many students agree that the key to any great campus outfit this winter is comfort. Lilly Schroeder, a senior at OU, says her guide to winter fashion is, “To feel comfortable yet presentable at the same time.” Since campus is not only a place to attend classes, but also to socialize, students look for ways to express themselves through their outfits while still staying comfortable. “Comfort for sure influences my outfits. I try to be comfortable while still having a little something going on,” sophomore Vaughn Bertolini said. For these reasons, students are embracing practical fashion staples like hoodies, sweatsuit sets, jackets, boots, and sneakers with bold colors.
As the seasons change, so do color palettes. Winter is the perfect time to embrace darker tones like navy, charcoal, burgundy, and deep greens. These colors not only reflect the season's mood but are also incredibly versatile. Many students are opting for monochromatic looks in these shades, layering sweaters, jackets, and pants for a sleek, cohesive outfit that feels both cozy and stylish.
While winter wardrobes typically feature darker tones, students are making sure their outfits still stand out by adding pops of color through their sneakers. Brightly colored or patterned sneakers provide a fun contrast to darker clothing, like a bold red sneaker against a backdrop of navy or black. These eye-catching outfit additions offer both style and practicality, making them a favorite for walking across campus while staying comfortable.
Sweatshirts are a winter must-have on campus. Whether oversized or fitted, they are perfect for layering and provide an easy way to add a casual, cool vibe to any look. “Crewnecks are my go-to outfit piece for winter.” Bertolini said. Layering a hoodie under a jacket or pairing it with jeans or leggings creates a laid-back, effortless outfit perfect for busy winter days. “I see a lot of baggy pants and oversized hoodies around. That’s basically my go-to outfit for school,” said Sai Zaman, a graduate student.
Matching sweatsuit sets have also taken over the campus fashion scene. These monochromatic sets offer a polished look without the struggle of mixing and matching different pieces or colors. They are great options for staying warm and stylish for those days when comfort is key, but you still want to look put together. For an outfit that is as practical as it is fashionable, pair it with chunky sneakers and your backpack or tote bag to create the perfect on-the-go look for school and long lectures.
Layering is one of the most essential aspects of dressing for the winter. It allows students to stay warm as they move between chilly outdoor spaces and heated classrooms. Thermal tops, cozy sweaters, and lightweight but warm jackets make for a perfect combination that’s both functional and fashionable. “I definitely layer up a little more when it's colder by wearing different clothing items like windbreakers.” Vaughn Bertolini said. The key to a well-layered outfit is mixing different textures, like pairing a chunky knit sweater with a sleek leather jacket or a quilted vest to add depth without feeling too bulky. “For sure layering is important, and I love jackets—I feel like you need one solid long coat and one solid short coat that you love,” Schroeder added.
Winter accessories also play a big role in pulling together a look while keeping warm. Beanies are a campus staple that add a trendy touch to any outfit. Whether it's a slouchy knit beanie, a more fitted style, or something bright and fun, these simple accessories complete the look. "I enjoy all types of hats, but in winter, beanies are my favorite, especially for covering up a bad hair day,” Lilly Schroeder said. This is just one example of how accessorizing can add both practicality and style to any winter outfit.
When it comes to footwear, boots are the go-to option for tackling winter weather. Combat boots, rain boots, Chelsea boots, and shearling-lined winter boots all offer both warmth and style, making them the perfect choice for cold, wet days on campus. Paired with jeans, leggings, or even dresses, boots add an edge to any outfit while keeping things practical for winter.