Students Stay Trendy Despite Winter Weather

By JAMIA JORDAN

Do you ever wake up with no idea of what to wear? Over the last few weeks we have had weather ranging from the 30s to 70s, making it confusing for any college fashionista to plan his or her look for the day. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, everyone wants to dress to impress despite the forecast. Twenty-year-old English major Ashley Tensley knows just how to handle the weather fiasco that is winter 2012.

Sporting an off-white oversized sweater with a black mini skirt snugged over fitted leggings, Tensley knows how to dress with both style and comfort as she works her way through a long day of classes. Accessorized from head to toe, Tensley shows that one can still be stylish even in the chilly weather. She topped her outfit off with a brown leather jacket, and kept it trendy as she completed the outfit with black-and-white-leg-warmers under knee-length black boots.

Inspired by both Zooey Deschanel and Jessie J., Tensley made a statement with her bright red lips and a French braid across the nape of her head. In three words, Tensley characterized her sense of style as “mixed, grandma sweaters and vintage.”

“I love everything about Jessie J, and I look up to her,” said Tensley. “I really love her because of her lip colors,” said Tensley.

Tensley finds clothing pieces to add to her unique style at stores such as Urban Outfitters and Charlotte Russe, as well as Beacoup Vintage, a small vintage store in downtown Fredericksburg. She encourages fellow fashionistas to dress according to the weather, while adding their own sense of style and flair.

Dressing in layers is always a plus because if the weather dramatically changes you can always put something on top or take something off. Try some long sweaters, colorful scarfs, and knitted hats to begin this layered look. Don’t be afraid to mix up some colors.

“Dress for yourself in what makes you feel comfortable, and then you will feel good,” said Tensley. “On any given day you can find me in leggings, legwarmers, and almost always an oversized sweater or shirt.”

Commuting back and forth to school every day, Tensley can’t make that quick stop back to her dorm room before class to grab a pair of gloves or to even put back her huge winter coat once the sun decides to come out.

“I’m always just hoping that the weather doesn’t change too much,” said Tensley.

As for the upcoming romantic holiday, don’t be afraid to look cute for your significant other despite the weather forecast. Whatever your plans might be for Valentine’s Day, dress in what makes you feel fun, sexy and most importantly comfortable.

“Just be flirty and fun, you can dress like its spring, but throw on some leggings and add a sweater,” said Tensley. “The weather isn’t really that bad.”

The make of the material itself is what keeps us feeling either warm or cool. So try out some floral printed comfy sweaters, and get the best of both worlds. Don’t worry, spring is on the way! If you look good you feel good.

Image courtesy of Jamia Jordan/Bullet