As frosty winter winds swept through Oxford at the start of term, you would imagine that we’d spot more students nestling their necks into fluffy scarves and fending off the cold with the armour of a College Puffer. Although far from a rare sight, it is not the most stylish. I’ve encountered enough people who consider the puffer a last and only resort when the temperature drops below zero. In honour of their struggles, here is a guide to creating outfits that will save you from frost and fashion police.
1. Layer under, then over
Investing in a set of thermals is probably the easiest way to combat the cold.The Uniqlo Heattech range or the Intimissimi Ultralight Cashmere tops keep you warm without you breaking a sweat or looking too bulky. They can also be used as a visible layering piece, especially if you own thermals in cool colourways or with patterns and wear them under a short-sleeved top. For those on a budget, H&M and M&S have reasonably priced long-sleeve cotton tops that cost under £15, but it’s easy to find even cheaper alternatives without supporting fast-fashion on sites like Vinted or Depop.
2. Funky Tights and More
Not everyone enjoys wearing tights. The thickest ‘nude’ tights options can fail to match most skin tones and black high-denier ones bring back scratchy sub-fusc and school uniform. M&S can equip you with comfortable staples. However, if you like to dress more maximalist, experiment with colourful hosiery. Try Calzedonia, which offers great stylish tights options! A simple all-black outfit can become more vibrant by wearing coloured or even patterned tights. Woollen tights also come in a range of colours with patterns, and are more durable than ordinary ones, so might be ideal for those who are more sensitive to the cold yet refuse to give in and just throw on a pair of jeans.
3. Boots Galore
Usually made from leather or a vegan-friendly alternative, knee-length boots can help to keep your legs warm too, especially if they’ve got thick lining on the inside. If toddling over Radcliffe Square doesn’t tickle your fancy, go for lower heel options like a western or biker boot to add a bit of flair to your outfits without risking your balance. Faux leather is a cheaper alternative that is just as water resistant as leather, but perhaps not as warm. If the ethics behind the first-hand leather vs. faux leather debate worry you, have a look at second-hand options online or in charity shops, and you might find higher quality boots at a lower price.
UGGs and other suede shoes are great at insulating your feet and might be a comfier alternative to real leather boots. Be warned, these are not waterproof, so it’s best to avoid sporting them if clouds are looming.
4. Coats
Pea coats have appeared in this season’s trend cycle and offer a slimmer silhouette than larger options like a puffer or wool trench. Similarly, blazers which are more form fitting and made of wool or tweed can be fun to layer over thinner tops and skirts. If it happens to be freezing outside, you could always throw on another jacket over the smaller one or add a scarf to protect your neck.
Whether you’ve succumbed to the dark academia accusations or wish to upgrade your College Puffer without compromising on warmth, then a dark wool coat might be a shout. For those who prefer a more glamorous stride to the pub, then a long fur coat might be a lavish alternative. I would recommend that you purchase faux fur unless it is a second-hand piece, in which case real fur can be acceptable because of how well it insulates. The versatility of fur coats in particular makes them a great asset to one’s wardrobe, as they can be dressed up for formals and styled down for everyday wear.
5. Accessories
A scarf is an essential accessory to the Oxford wardrobe and is the perfect layer for adding a personal touch to any outfit. Dupes of the Acne Studios oversized mohair scarf have been popular for years, and can emulate the feeling of being wrapped up in a soft blanket. However, most affordable versions of this style are 100% polyester. Although this synthetic fibre might be excellent thermal insulation and dries faster than wool, it is less breathable, which might cause you to overheat. Natural alternatives, like wool, cashmere, or even mohair, are just as good at keeping you warm, are biodegradable thus better for the environment, and more resistant to wear or tear. To save a bit of money, hunt for scarves on Vinted or eBay. If you prefer to shop first-hand, have a look at UNIQLO, Eldon Cashmere, or Scottish brands that specialise in lambswool. So, say goodbye to your college puffer and choose style!
