With our return to in-person classes made official, here are some trendy and comfy looks to bring you back to campus

By: Mariana Schuetze

Many Canadian universities, like X University and the University of British Columbia, have announced a full return to in-person class for this winter semester. 

After a long time of wearing pyjama bottoms to Zoom classes, we can finally go back to campus—which (unfortunately for us pyjama-lovers) means having to choose clothes everyday to go to school. And there’s more: it’s freezing outside, making all this much harder for someone like me, who has never lived in cold weather before. 

As a Brazilian who has lived in Brazil all my life, for the first time, I’ll be going to school in Canada in a below-zero environment. I am left rife with questions about the state of my daily wardrobe: will I be too cold outside? Will I be too hot inside? How can I look cute and be comfy at the same time? How will I be able to choose different outfits everyday? 

So if you’re like me and are also a little too worried about how to get dressed in the morning, here are some outfit ideas to get you ready to go back to campus in the winter. 

1. The Winter-Girly

For someone whose winter is equivalent to 15-degree weather, this is an “everyday” class look for me. A huge comfy jacket with some cozy second-layer tights and snow boots. If you’re a little more used to this weather, maybe this is a look for a snow day. Just add some cute black jeans on top of your tights to look a little more stylish, grab a cozy turtleneck and throw on your biggest warmest jacket.

2. The Grandpa-out-in-the-town

This look is for those people who want to look cute and be warm. A pair of black comfy leggings, some tall or knee-high boots and a classic, vintage grandpa sweater. Then, the pièce de résistance—a leather blazer or jacket. The best part is, this look enables you to play two characters simultaneously; a motorcyclist with the jacket on and a preppy academic with it off.

3. Winter Sporty Spice

A routine ensemble on campus on winter days is comfy sweats. And all it takes is a few staples; some basic sweatpants, a tight black long-sleeve, a white tee on top and some fun sneakers with cozy socks. Don’t forget to add some colour with your sweats so that it’s a little more playful and fun. Some gold earrings and a necklace will also turn this basic look into a fashion statement. 

4. (W)interesting Pinterest Board

Our last outfit is a fall look, which you can customize based on the weather and adjust depending on whether you run colder or hotter. For this, start with a thick pair of black tights and a warm long-sleeved shirt. Then, add a fun patterned or denim skirt on top of the tights and pair it with the cutest boots you have at home and maybe even some fun socks. To finish the look, you’ll want to layer a sweater vest on top of your long-sleeve and a jacket over it to feel really warm. 

And don’t forget to run wild with cozy and cute accessories: beanies, gloves, scarfs, earrings, necklaces—whatever makes you feel good. 

While you’re set on looking good for back to school, don’t forget your most important fashion item for this winter: your mask!