Winter term at Union College is arguably the most challenging term of the year. The campus transforms into a landscape of dry ice-coated footpaths and snow-laden grass, daring students to brave the elements. However, gearing up for this season, whether they like it or not, unites all students, irrespective of how they feel about the frigid Upstate New York winters. The spectrum of winter fashion here is as diverse as the student body itself, ranging from chic to cozy, with everyone bringing their own flair to the season.
A standard throughout campus is the outermost layer of the knee length puffer jackets, which may make students look like penguins waddling across the campus, but successfully protects them from the harsh wind and the cold weather. “I always try to be ambitious with the way that I dress but then when I’m met with the cold, I kind of regret it. I think the best thing you can wear is a puffer. You might look like a stuffy person but it will keep you warm,” concurs Maryam Tariq ’26. These puffers, along with all kinds of hats, scarves, gloves and fuzzy socks, complete the winter uniform, rendering Union students unrecognisable. This sometimes leads to awkward moments of waving at strangers who you swear are your best friends—until you get closer.
Once inside the academic buildings, these layers peel off to reveal the most popular winter ensemble: the laid back, low-effort yet high-comfort hoodie-and-sweatpants ensemble, paired with the equally comfortable Uggs. This look is adorned by students who value warmth and practicality over their runway aspirations. In complete contrast, the second category of looks falls into the all-glam winter couture. Featuring items such as bougie fur coats, fancy scarves, woolen skirts, leather boots and berets, these looks are meant to be statement pieces. Outfits are curated not only to repel the cold, but also to attract compliments. “I like to wear skirts and fleece lined leggings in the winter because they make me feel like a girl-boss and (I prefer) fashion over warmth,” says Lia Nichols, ’27. These outfits might not be as cozy as puffers, but they certainly command attention.
Bridging the gap between comfort and couture is the casual classy aesthetic—my personal favorite. This category features looks combining turtlenecks, bodysuits, flannels and long sweaters with pleated pants, denim jeans, or leggings to create outfits that allow students to express their inner fashionistas without freezing. “I recommend people sticking to puffers, but to make it look cute, add a scarf and earmuffs. But whatever you do, don’t wear anything from Shein because it will not work,” adds Maryam. Information Technology Services (ITS) staff member Adam Shanno advises students to “dress as warm as possible because it’s going to be really cold out for the next couple of months. (Wear) sweatshirts, heavy coats (and other) things like that so you’re not getting hypothermic.”
This advice is particularly relevant when interacting with the final category of people, whom I like to call the ‘in-denials’. These are the students whose fashion choices make them stand out from the rest, not because of how wonderfully their wardrobes have been styled, but because of their wardrobe choices—half sleeves and shorts! “I grew up in Boston around the cold weather, wearing shorts in the winter and I haven’t stopped. I guess I’m just stuck in middle school, you know,” justifies Nathan Wright ’27, one of the handful such students on campus. So far limited only to males, these anomalies whom I occasionally spot walking across campus are the subjects of my deepest nightmares, and utmost respect.
As winter treds on, Union College becomes a fashion battlefield where practicality and creativity clash daily. Whether you’re bundled up like a marshmallow or sashaying across campus in a wool skirt and beret, each outfit tells a unique story of creativity and expression, waiting to be unraveled by its viewers. Is there anything interesting about winter fashion that you have observed around campus but I missed? Reach out to me at [email protected] and let me know!
