We love looking cute and staying warm in the winter, and cold-weather accessories are the perfect way to accomplish that. But sometimes it might be hard to determine if a product is worth paying a little more for. So with help from Maria Vasilevsky, founder and senior stylist at Stilista, you can decide if an accessory is worth the investment, and maybe you’ll get inspired to add new accessories to your winter wardrobe!
1. Boots
To survive the winter, every collegiette needs a sturdy pair of boots that can handle some rough weather. For days when the snow pileup isn’t too bad, you can still get use out of a good pair of riding boots. Vasilevsky says knee-high leather boots are definitely worth the money if they’re lined with leather as well. If you’re dealing with heavy snow, snow boots are your best bet. Vasilevsky says shearling boots are really great for providing extra warmth, especially if it’s real shearling.
2. Headbands and earmuffs
Headbands and earmuffs are a must-have winter accessory. They protect your ears and head from the winter elements and, as an added bonus, don’t mess up your hair like hats do. This is the perfect accessory to wear on a winter date like ice-skating because it’s both cute and practical. Fur, cashmere and shearling are going to do more for you when it comes to warmth, so look for accessories made from those materials.
3. Scarves
Scarves are an absolute lifesaver for walking across campus in the winter. They’re an extra layer of warmth that can also really add to an outfit! Every collegiette loves to have several in her closet (the more, the merrier!), but how do you decide what kind of scarf to invest in?
Vasilevsky says “a cashmere scarf is always a good investment if you know that you wear scarves and know that you rely on them.” A well-made cashmere scarf is a timeless piece that will last you a very long time, so don’t feel guilty about spending a little extra money on one!
4. Gloves
Gloves are another winter essential. Walking to class with your bare fingers exposed to the chilly air is one of the worst feelings, so having a good pair of gloves to cover them up is important! In particular, Vasilevsky recommends long leather gloves for those cold days. She likes long ones because you can wear them with ordinary coats and sweaters and also those that have cropped sleeves.
5. A hat
Hats are perfect for those days where you just want to be all bundled up. Some days are just too cold to only wear a headband or earmuffs, and that’s where a snuggly hat comes in! It gives all-over warmth and makes you look like a cute snow bunny. Vasilevsky recommends a cashmere beanie, which is both warm and perfect for people who are sensitive to lambswool. If you do a lot of outdoor activities in the winter, like skiing or snowboarding, Vasilevsky recommends going for hats made by athletic brands because “they usually offer a fleece lining and have a better fit and provide more warmth.”
Spending more isn’t always something to feel bad about – in fact, when it comes to quality, splurging on a winter accessory is totally acceptable. You’ll get a lot of use out of these high-quality, durable products, so, at the end of the day, paying more is completely worth it.