Cold Weather,Hot Fashion

There are many ways to keep warm during the winter months, but the question on any college girl's mind is, "What can be worn out that will keep me warm but also give me sex appeal?" This season there are plenty of options with turtlenecks, wide-legged pants and everything that sparkles. \nA look that is in this season is the empire waist dresses worn as shirts with jeans. These work well at the bars, because it's in fashion, it's warm and feminine all at the same time. One such dress in the window of Urban Outfitters has proven to be a must-have this season for girls in Bloomington. \n"We have had a lot of girls looking at the empire waist purple dress," Jeffrey Hunsinger, a manager at Urban Outfitters said. "We only have a few a left."\nIf it is a really chilly night, experts suggest wearing a turtleneck underneath the empire waist dress. A brown turtleneck under a purple or pink dress works well, especially if the dress has sequins, says sophomore Laura Steichen, an apparel merchandising major and sales associate at Guess in Chicago. \n"I have seen brown paired with a lot of pastel colors for fall," Steichen said. "When we were getting our fall stuff in at Guess we got a lot of pink and purple paired with brown. Lilac and pale pink are in. I feel like purple is coming back." \nA-line skirts and denim skirts are in this season, too, and pairing them with tights or leggings can work well together. Hunsinger says the tights put a trendy spin on a more traditional collegiate look. \nHe also advises girls to wear leggings or tights for a warm, but fashionable look. Hunsinger says leather boots can be dressed up by putting leggings on the outside of the boots and wearing them over the knees and pairing that with a denim skirt. For something a little more fashionable, denim skirts paired with turtlenecks and sleeveless sweaters are a nice combination. Wear tights underneath with knee-high boots and the look is collegiate yet stylish enough for a night out. Try pairing denim miniskirts with Uggs, Steve Maddens or any pair of furry boots. The boots are more comfortable than stiletto heels and provide warmth for a night out in the winter season.\n"Take time to put a twist on your classics. The vintage jacket and denim skirt with gray tights and brown riding boots aren't an obvious match," designer Cynthia Vincent said in the October issue of Glamour. \nSteichen said girls are also wearing gaucho pants or cuffed capris with knee-high leather stiletto boots to combat the cold while staying in fashion. \nSteichen also said when it comes to partying in the cold, women should definitely have something that covers their arms when they go out. She has suggestions that may work: layering longer shirts are in now, and can be paired with a shorter shirt for a colorful layer.\n"Wearing longer tops to cover your waist and layering it over something with longer sleeves and a longer waist is good," Steichen said. "You can accentuate the front by pairing a light-colored top with a longer waist shirt and long sleeves with a shrug that ties in the front," Steichen said. \nHunsinger said denim is also a must for layering and denim jackets are always on a to-buy list for college girls. Of course not everyone is a fan of covering up from head to toe, so coats are necessary during the winter months. To avoid walking to bars bare-armed and goose-bumped, invest in a stylish yet warm coat. Try a knee-length satin jacket or a faux fur coat. Knee-length coats are good for going out to the bars during winter because you can pair them with a short skirt and it will not look too revealing. \n"Wear only one overtly sexy item at a time," said designer Nanette Lepore in the October issue of Glamour. \nIf you want to adopt a style for bar-hopping without looking layered try wearing a deep V-neck sweater with a pair of leggings and furry boots. Wearing the V-neck sweater backwards with a denim skirt, embroidered belt and furry boots is also a hot look. \nFor any girl, accessories are a must and adding big hoop earrings or chandelier earrings can add sparkle and glamour to any outfit. \n"Big watches, costume jewelry and anything that sparkles is in," Steichen said. "People are getting away with wearing four carats that aren't real. Broaches are also in, I wear a broach with everything." \nInvest in a pair of gloves with a fur trim or a fur hat. If you end up going out after work or class, Steichen suggests adding a pashmina-like scarf to your outfit. \n"People are wearing pashminas," Steichen said. "Definitely take one with you to the bars. Cashmere scarves with tight sweaters are good and warm. I know a lot of people wear only pashminas to the bars." \nTie a pashmina around your neck and let it hang to the front, Steichen says. The great thing about these scarves is that they come in so many different colors, so you can add a splash of color to any outfit.\nSo, no matter where you are going, experts suggest remembering the basics. Classics, leggings, a coat and sparkling jewelry will make you stand out in a crowd and look starlit against the snow.