Sacrificing warmth for fashion isn't necessary during winter

For some college students, winter quarter means looking stylish takes a backseat to staying warm in the frigid air, but local fashion store managers insist that there are ways for students to look trendy even when it’s below freezing.
Students can use their winter accessories to update a wardrobe from last year.
Circle scarves are one of the most popular items that keep students warm throughout winter, said Garren Washington, 27, a manager at the American Apparel on North High Street.
“Circle scarves are a tubular scarf that can be worn many different ways. They’re versatile,” he said.
American Apparel sells about 5 to 10 circle scarves a week for $28, he said.
But as trends come and go, some items continue to remain a wardrobe staple for college students.
“About 70 percent of our customers are Ohio State students,” Washington said. “The basic hoodie does well all year.”
Eric Hayes, 24, co-owner of Milk Bar Boutique on North High Street, said people are getting the wrong impression about what actually keeps them warm.
“It’s not all about bulky clothing. The layer thing isn’t true. It’s about putting more space between the air and your skin,” Hayes said.
The boutique sells such designer winter jackets by Dorsia that are about $190, he said.
“The stuff we sell is unique to our area,” he said. “You won’t see everyone else carrying it.”
Rubber boots, or wellies, are another trend this season, Hayes said.
“The Tretorn boots are lined with faux wool that keeps you warmer,” he said. “I notice that after each rain, people come in and look at the boots. We sell more.”
According to The National Weather Service, the average amount of precipitation for Columbus in January is 2.05 inches. So far, Columbus has received 2.19 inches.
Tretorn boots are also cheaper than the other popular winter boot, Uggs. Milk Bar Boutique sells Tretorn rubber boots that range from $60 to $120, Hayes said.

“Girls just buy all these different color Uggs but there are more fashionable things you can do to fight the cold,” he said.
The classic tall Ugg boot sells for $180 on their Web site, http://uggaustralia.com.
Hayes thinks that price isn’t the only reason to trade in Uggs for wellies.
“The profile of a wellie is way more fashionable because they’re slimmer,” he said. “They have a timeless silhouette. Everything with fashion is about silhouette and that’s not an exception with shoes. Chunky boots and tights don’t make sense. It’s a lazy way to get around.”
Christian Horsley, 20, a second-year majoring in chemistry, disagrees.
“I love Uggs so much,” she said. “I would wear them in summer if I could.”
Students should take the time to consider their appearance even when it’s cold outside, Horsley said.
“I think fashion requires the same amount of attention as a hobby would or really even less,” she said. “It takes the same amount of time to put on a tee shirt, sweatpants, and tennis shoes as it does a tunic, leggings, and boots.”
Other students see fashion as something that’s not always feasible with the hectic schedule many endure.
Cara Berninger, a third-year political science major, said she doesn’t see the need to dress up for the classroom.
“With being a full-time student and holding a full-time job, [I] do not have the time to be fashion forward when heading down to campus for a 10-hour day,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what a student wears to class, unless you’re doing a presentation.”