Accessories for Winter: Tried and True and Something New

Written by: Theron Hilbert

We all know how important accessories are to completing  

that perfect outfit. No matter the season, you can count on accessories to  

add a little flair to your ensemble. Aside from the gorgeous falling  

snow and the holidays, accessories are one of the many reasons I love

winter. Layers! Chunky boots! Hats! Scarves! Adding just one can  

elevate any look you throw together, but stepping outside the box  

and getting creative with your accessories can change your  

aesthetic from being fashionably in-the-know to total trendsetter.

First, let’s go over the basics. Accessorizing can take some practice to feel right, but once you get the hang of it, your outfits will be instantly elevated. A formula I love to use is the  popular “7-point outfit” method. The basis of this concept is that  you start with three “points”: your top, your bottoms, and your  shoes.

From there, you can add more layers and accessories, , to make the outfit more interesting and reflective of your personality. For instance, today I’m wearing a cardigan with a leather jacket over the top. I’ve  added a necklace, some big earrings, and a pair of sunglasses that match my tote. Even though  my original outfit was jeans and a baby tee, I was able to use accessories to create a more elevated and functional look.

In Wisconsin, it’s important to layer. Not just for comfort, but for fashion! I’m sure  you’re aware of the frigid temperatures outside, but I’m here to remind you of all the creative ways you can keep yourself warm while staying well-dressed. First is the most important staple to a Wisconsin winter: a coat. It can be a puffer or fur, pink or black, patterned or solid, but you’re going to need one to survive the brisk walk to class.  

To add even more to your look, you can include a cardigan underneath, some fun leg warmers, or a scarf to match your class bag. Whatever it may be, make sure it’s warm and make sure it’s you! 

On the topic of layering, I’d like 

to bring a couple of more nuanced options to the table. Experimentation is  important to building your personal style, and I have just the thing to get you out of your accessory comfort zone! Something I’ve loved to do

recently is incorporating unexpected pieces with each other. I’ve loved the look of layered tights and legwarmers, scarves, and even belts! It adds more color and texture to my outfits and generally makes them more interesting to look at. Who ever said you needed only one belt or one scarf? It adds a surprising element that can end up being the perfect finishing touch to your outfit.  

I think we can tell by now that I love to incorporate the element of surprise. What’s more  unpredictable than accessorizing your accessories? We’ve gone over the basics, how to layer,  and what to layer with. One easy way to do this is with bag decorations. If you’re a college student, you’ve got a bag to carry. Why not put different pins, keychains and charms on?  While you’re at it, slap a couple onto your favorite hat to make it more you. I’ve loved doing this with hair clips recently, by securing them to the straps of my purse or my backpack. 

Another detail that can make any drab winter shoe interesting is boot charms! They’re easy to find online or  

make yourself, and it’s the perfect subtle way to dress up your  

footwear if you feel that they’re lacking some luster. This also  

applies to personalizing your shoelaces! It’s easy, cute, and cheap. 

All you need is a roll of ribbon and five minutes before your morning lecture. 

Just for the fun of it, I’m throwing in a couple accessories that I’ve been wearing that aren’t necessarily original, but they sure do make me feel more confident about my outfits. Something I’ve been obsessed with adding to my looks are different styles of blue-light glasses. As the “office siren” aesthetic continues to place the fashion world in a chokehold, I’ve been gravitating toward skinny rectangular frames and dark winter colors like red and purple. Because they’re so versatile, you can truly get any shape or style you want! 

If you’re going all in on the corporate-baddie look, I also highly recommend adding a tie. It can be worn around a collared shirt or even as a belt, if you feel like following our unpredictable theme.  

Lastly, to top off my look from head to toe, I’ve been experimenting

with chunky and unique headbands, as well as fun scrunchies! It’s a cool ways to add another element to your look, as well as to hide hair you may be reluctant to style (don’t worry, I feel you.) 

The possibilities for accessorizing your look are truly endless. As the cold weather continues to creep in, I consider it nature’s green light to add even more of them to your look! Whether  you’re walking to your Friday morning lecture or heading to a fun night out with your friends,  have fun decorating your avatar and embracing your creativity. Make every outfit your own  personal fashion statement that shows off your unique sense of style. 

Edited by Hana Razvi, Olivia Daly, Katherine Rubinstein, Sophia Buckholtz, Kayla Van Dyken & Madison Spielman