Winter Wear

Ali Czarnecki
Alpha Phi

The term “Miami girl” is constantly tossed around in conversation here in Oxford, but surrounding schools mostly throw it around to stereotype a group of girls much different from most other schools. The Miami girl is often stereotyped as trendy and always keeping up with the latest fashion statements. Their styles and apparel include J.Crew, Tory Burch, Nordstrom, and to class it up even further, a David Yurman accessory is apparently a must. Furthering the stereotype, Miami girls stick out from other girls at different universities when it comes to winter apparel.

The Miami girl doesn’t care if it's -5 degrees outside, they’re still going to wear that short mini skirt, a pair of black stilettos and a trendy top. No girl should ever be surprised when she can’t seem to get rid of that annoying head cold which has been lingering around for nearly three months now. And due to the most recent ice storm, the number of uptown wipeouts has hit an all-time high. 

Here are some helpful tips to stay warm (and just downright safe) when going out in this winter weather while still looking good:

Wear a Fashionable Coat

There’s always that one girl who shows up to the frat party without a jacket on, ultimately ending the night begging to borrow a sweatshirt and sweatpants for the long, miserable and icy walk home.  If you don’t want to lug out your biggest winter coat, start small. A simple fleece jacket, a black leather jacket or even a blazer will do the job of keeping you warm yet still allowing your outfit to coordinate (God forbid that your jacket ruins your fashion statement). Just make sure to find an interesting hiding place for your coat during those shady frat parties, or you’ll end up walking past some rando girl wearing it on her way to class the next week. 

Stick to Heeled Boots/Booties

As much as most girls want to wear heels out to parties and to the bars (this is Miami University after all), during the winter this could be disastrous. The number of wipeouts, faceplants and broken bones as a result of slipping on ice while wearing heels has been a constant issue here on campus. To look cute while still maintaining your dignity, perhaps try to stick with heeled boots or even booties. You’ll still be able to keep the look, just in a safer and more reassuring manner.

Always Wear Tights

If you yourself are not the girl wearing a short mini skirt with no tights in freezing weather, then every other girl at the party or the bar is feeling sorry for you. As annoying and tedious as tights may be, they’ll keep you warm while also allowing you to maintain the look of your overall outfit. If you’re not a fan of tights, try sheer stockings. They’re light, thin, and not as bold as regular black tights can be. 

Look for Long Sleeve or Three-Quarter Sleeve Dresses

A dress doesn’t need to have skinny straps or no straps to look good. There are many different versions of long sleeve/three-quarter length sleeve dresses that look just as nice, while still giving you the winter comfort. Whether the material is thick or thin, the sleeves still bring forth the comfortable, warm appearance of what winter wear should look like. 

You don’t need to go on a large shopping spree to get these looks, nor do you need to spend all your money (or your dad's money). Cheaper stores such as Forever 21 and H&M can give you the same look for less. 

Ali is a sophomore studying English and professional writing. You may contact her at czarnear@muohio.edu.