BLOG: À La Mode
Dressing for Athens' winter weather
By Melanie Barnes, Entertainment Writer
January 29, 2008 | noon
I'm not sure if you've noticed, but it's freezing outside.
And wet.
Oh, what is a fashionista to do?
By now, I'm used to Athens weather kicking my ass season to season, torturing me by being tan-able one day and then turning its back and raining everyday for the next week. Winter quarter thus far has not disappointed, first by blessing us with two days of nearly 70 degrees and sunshine, and then by ripping the hope of Global Warming from our cold, gloved fingertips.
I understand that it's winter, but does it have to snow?
Although now is the time to don the cutest winter weather wear, I continually find myself rebelling against anything resembling a cohesive outfit in favor of warmth. And, fair population of Ohio University, I've noticed that you have too.
I would like to take an unglamorous tour through some of the head-scratching fashion choices that I have come across this week. In the classroom and on the streets I have seen some major strikes against humanity as well as general good decision making.
First up, head-to-toe sweats. I'm having a hard time deciding if grey-on-grey is worse than dark green with bright yellow, but I think everyone can agree that unless you are working out or you are an 80-year-old woman, a full-body sweat-suit is completely unnecessary.
Next, let me bring your attention to puffer vests. I have come to understand that sleeves are just as important as the rest of the coat, so please, don't leave home without them.
As much as it pains me that I even have to say it, I really and truly have seen multiple pairs of flip-flops. It's hard for me to resist stomping on the wearer's toes, perhaps as a wake-up call to wear real shoes when there is snow on the ground. But being that it is seven degrees outside, I don't think they would feel it anyway.
Finally, and I hope you've noticed that I've skipped a rant on UGGs, the prevalence of skimpy outfits on Court Street. Darling, I understand that you live "just five minutes away" and 19 South doesn't have a coat check, but that is a chilling five minutes to disregard your body temperature. Just remember that alcohol may make you feel warmer, but you are actually losing body heat at a faster rate. I would hate to lose you to hypothermia, so please, bundle up.
It wouldn't be fair of me to point out winter wrongs without shining a beacon of stylish hope, and so I offer to you several solutions.
For keeping feet dry on the journey to class, I am absolutely in love with tall, slouchy flat boots. Tuck your jeans into the shaft to keep them from succumbing to slush, and feel free to wear volume on top to balance the narrower silhouette this look creates on bottom.
Another great way to combat the cold is layers, layers, layers. Something as simple as slipping on a tank top underneath a sweater can make a world of a difference when it comes to containing body heat.
For a night look, if the urge to wear a dress is completely overwhelming, be sure to throw on a pair of tights or leggings for warmth. If the opaque black trend has passed you by, experiment with different colors that have recently graced the runways, such as purple, gray or blue.
Not willing to step that far outside of the box? Feel free to slip into a pair of flesh-colored nylons.
As far as stating the obvious goes, a scarf and a hat can go a long way. Don't feel as though they have to match. There is nothing cuter than a printed scarf, yet this doesn't always hold true for headwear.
To top it off, add on my favorite accessory, a nice and steamy caramel macchiato from The Front Room, and take pride in knowing that Athens weather can no longer bully you around...at least until it starts raining.
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