Having good style is no small feat. Even for the most fashion-conscious among us, what we perceive as stylish varies from person to person, and is constantly influenced by the latest trends and celebrity outfits. However, there are some undeniable truths—dressing well takes confidence, an eye for the classic, and a splash of funkiness. The winter season is an especially confusing time for our wardrobes, but what you wear under your Goose parka doesn’t have to be a sweater (or a crop top) and skinny jeans.
Here are a few staples every Harvard student should own this season and beyond, from yours truly, the president of FIG Magazine.
Scarves!
Let’s start off with the foundation of style—functionality. Bearing the Cambridge winds as you walk from class to class is a battle of its own, let alone without something to cover your head. While you may opt for a hat or a hood, you should remember that there is nothing less chic than a bad case of hat hair. A scarf, however, is timeless, adds structure, and can be the pop of color your muted outfit needs. While you don’t need to sprint to Acne, a pastel or bright (but not yellow) scarf can become so much more than a barrier to the cold: a shawl while you study, a date night accessory, or, at its best, a pillow for library naps. A good scarf will take you far in life, beyond the confines of these chilly Harvard streets.
(anything but skinny) Pants
As we all (hopefully) know, skinny jeans are a crime punishable by death in the fashion world. The saying “wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you,” is especially true for bottoms. Pants, no matter the material, should be worn, not just encasing your legs. Wide legged, dark wash jeans are a particularly superior choice for the winter and spring months—wear them comfortably to class with your low-rise sneakers, and throw on some heeled boots or slingbacks for a night out. As the weather eventually warms up, linen pants are a universal must-have. Worn with a light sweater or tiny top, these will take you to darties, class, and spring break as the flowiest, chicest you possible.
Button Downs
Button downs are God’s gift to everyone. Workwear or streetwear, the classic shirt can elevate almost any outfit. I personally adore men’s shirts, my vintage YSL striped (and aggressively cuffed) top having inspired a somewhat excessive collection. Start with a loose white button down from Zara, Uniqlo, or the men’s section of The Garment District, and pair with those wide legged or linen pants. Scrunch the sleeves for a more relaxed look, or leave it open with a cami underneath. Either way, you’ll look cool layered up in subzero weather or studying outside at Carpenter.
Having style takes a bit more than these essentials, but they are an excellent start on your journey toward a broader exploration of all that fashion has to offer. Remember, what we put on our bodies each day is a statement of who we are, where we’re going, and most importantly, who we’d like to become.
Alannah Hill ‘23 (ahill1@college.Harvard.edu) is vegan and a chronic tummy ache survivor.