Amid all the blizzards, plummeting temperatures and extreme cases of cold fronts…oh wait … it’s 70 degrees out … regardless, I am here to present: your 2024 Winter Fashion Guide (from your favorite New Englander)!
Even though the weather ranges between 50 to 70 degrees on a typical January to February day, don’t be surprised by the spontaneous polar weather where the plants, Miller Fountain and our noses freeze in the frigid air. As someone who has grown up in the glacial environment of Connecticut, I assure you that I have all you need to prepare for such blustery winters, but with, of course, a sense of style.

60 to 70 Degrees:
Winter? More like summer to me! This is the perfect weather in my opinion — not hot enough to be drenched in sweat walking up Cardiac Hill, but not too cold where your bed feels better than that 8:30 a.m. in Dicke Hall.
Y’all, this is your time to bring out those Bohemian skirts that you’ve been itching to show off.
Bohemian skirts were all the rage last summer, and for good reason. They’re flowy, stylish and cool– adjusting to the warmer breeze the 70s may bring. Along with the skirt, you can pair it with a baby tee or flowy tank. If you’re not feeling the skirt, pair it with straight-leg jeans. You heard me … straight-leg. Jeggings are out, straight-leg is in.
Or, if you’re feeling even more adventurous, throw on a pair of dark to medium-wash overalls. These pair beautifully with a baby tee, tee shirt or a tank, but make sure the tank has some character with frill or distinct characteristics.
In other words, make sure people know you’re wearing something under those overalls!
Not only are Bohemian skirts and jeans the move, but combine them with the newly-trending-again jean skirt. Pair this with a sweater and cowboy boots (because we are in Texas after all, and lucky for us, cowboy boots are IN this year), and you’ve got yourself a solid fit. As for other shoes, I recommend Mary Janes, as they are again back in style, along with ballet flats, Birkenstock sandals or your go-to white sneakers.

50 to 60 Degrees:
As the weather gets a little chillier, this is where sweaters and cardigans shine. Lose the skirts, this is jeans and pants weather. Grab your favorite pair of jeans and pair with a stylish tank top or t-shirt, as well as a pullover.
New York chic will be your best friend here– if you’re into that New England style, throw a sweater around your shoulders, giving you that chic look you’ve seen on Pinterest, as well as keeping you warm when the wind starts blowing.
Not only is New York chic the move here, but also Matilda Djerf’s iconic Swedish look with tailored pants, low-rise jeans and a layered white tee under a knit sweater. Again, shoes and accessories can vary, but white sneakers or ballet flats are never the wrong choice.

40 to 50 Degrees:
Here is where I get the sense you Texans struggle. Lucky for you, I live in this weather most of the year. This is the time to explore your style with jackets, pullovers, layers and more! The leather jacket is back, baby, and not just as a wardrobe staple for fans of John Travolta in “Grease.” New York adopted the sleek, classy-with-a-pinch-of-edge look with the addition of the black leather jacket this year.
Pair this with jeans, a white tee and sneakers. If you feel like you can take the cold, there’s a resurgence in knee-high black boots paired with a black skirt, gray sweater and that iconic black leather jacket look — but this is only for those brave souls. In addition, crewnecks are styled flawlessly with jeans, a color-coordinated turtle neck, sunglasses and sneakers. Perfect for the cooler weather and a classic look.

20 to 30 Degrees:
Oh jeez, this must kill y’all. Personally, for me,… shorts weather! I’m just kidding, I get cold too, believe it or not. This is when layering is extremely important. Put thermals underneath clothes if you get cold easily, and layer like you’ve never layered before. Bundle up with a long sleeve, a stylish sweater, jeans and a tailored jacket. Add a chunky scarf, and keep layering until you’re nothing but a fuzzy ball of fabric.

10 to 20 Degrees:
All hell breaks loose. Gather the essentials, stay inside and don’t even bother trudging in this blizzardy weather. But if you must, similar to the previous style guide, continue adding layers of similar colors, add gloves, a beanie and boots, then face the cold. Make sure that the layers you add can easily be taken off, for every single building will be at max heat and you will sweat profusely in your fluffy sweater.

These suggestions are based on my observations and my own sense of style, but feel free to browse on my favorite app in the entire world, Pinterest, to find inspiration for your wintry attire.