With temperatures regularly dropping to under 20 degrees, it's undeniable that every student needs a warm winter coat.
I have seen some students wearing only sweatshirts around campus. Honestly, I do not know how they do it. As soon as I learn that it is below freezing, my body automatically feels cold.
Finding a good winter coat in Boston is not a difficult task; most shops carry jackets and coats of various styles and fabrics. Finding your perfect coat, however, takes more time - especially with a student's budget. Here are a couple of guidelines to staying - and looking - hot:
Go a size up. Walking around campus, I have seen too much outerwear straining at the seams and about to burst at the buttons. To avoid this, wear a heavy sweater as you shop to try on underneath the potential coat. When it's zero degrees outside, you want to be able to wear several layers underneath. Let's not forget that the primary purpose of a coat is to keep you warm.
That said, I am not encouraging anyone, especially men, to wear outerwear that hangs loosely on the frame. Please don't go for those puffy jackets that hit at the buttocks and whose sleeves extend past your knuckles (as I have seen one too many times this past week). It's not becoming on anyone. A good fit will help any piece of clothing flatter your body.
Choose a fabric that best suits your needs. I believe that clothing should be versatile, and the winter coat is no exception. If you plan on spending time at the Loj, a synthetic fiber is an excellent choice because it is windproof and waterproof. On the other hand, down offers the most insulation, and a coat that offers the best of both worlds is even better.
I recommend Columbia's Power Dreams Reversible Down Jacket in Icicle/Shade for women ($79.99 at sportsauthority.com). The quilting pattern is an added plus. For men, I like The North Face's Catalyst Jacket ($249 at thenorthface.com). Both coats exude, "I'm a winter athlete."
If hiking in the middle of winter isn't your cup of tea, then I suggest a tailored wool or cashmere coat - something simple but unique. Stick with a classic style, such as a pea coat, but choose a color or feature that makes it special.
You can wear this kind of coat to class, on nights out and to interviews. With a tailored look, fit is key. Shoulders and chest must fit correctly. For women, there is the "Graphico" coat by Via Spiga ($119 at bluefly.com) with its trendy leather trim. For men, Ralph Lauren's Wool Pea Coat ($199.99 at ralphlauren.com) is a classy choice.
Stay away from trends. Especially in frigid Boston, outerwear is what people first see of your outfit, so make sure it is a style consistent with your fashion tastes. Your coat should be versatile. Something trendy only lasts for a limited time. As soon as that fad's time is up, you not only have to shop again, but you also end up looking very passé.
You don't want people wincing in 2010 when you break out that shiny cobalt puffer. Besides, a coat is not a cheap investment - better to make it last several seasons like BP's Wool Coat ($78 at nordstrom.com). The hidden button-front placket instantly upgrades it to super chic.
Once you've found that perfect coat, finding cute (yet warm!) accessories is the next adventure. No worries, though, because you'll be sizzling, literally, on your next shopping trip. Stay fabulous!
Lumay Wang is a freshman who has not yet declared a major. She can be reached at Lumay.Wang@tufts.edu.
