Going to college in the Northeast is great in my opinion, until winter rears its ugly, or should I say deathly frigid, head. Here in the Northeast, the temperature fluctuates drastically. One day it will be 65 degrees and sunny, the next it’ll be below freezing with what feels like the worst wind chill ever. Knowing that most college students are broke, myself included, bargain shopping is usually a must. In an attempt to help save other girls butts around the globe, here is my list of 10 winter necessities under $100.
1. Turtleneck
American Apparel sells a staple-worthy turtleneck in my opinion. It’s form fitting enough so the shirt doesn’t look wrinkled when wearing it, but loose enough so breathing is still possible. This shirt is incredible quality and is pretty thick too adding some additional warmth. Coming in an array of colors, your options are endless. This shirt is great for layering under a poncho, shawl, cardigan, and even flannels! Turtlenecks look great with all types of jeans ranging from sleek high waisted skinnies to a more vintage look with the bootleg cut.
2. Texting Gloves
This one might be obvious but that doesn’t mean they are not incredible for the winter season. Throwback to a time before touchscreen phones when we could wear any old pair of gloves. Since a large majority of people have touchscreen phones now, these handy gloves are perfect for the brisk conditions. They keep your hands warm and allow you to answer that important text from your current beau. Everyone who has to endure wintery conditions should invest in a pair of these if you haven’t already. You can find them anywhere from Five Below to Urban Outfitters with a large variation of styles.
3. Heated Throw Blanket
Sometimes, a normal fuzzy blanket just isn’t enough. For the college students who don’t have heat and aren’t allowed to have a space heater, you know what I mean. Take some of that holiday cash and splurge on one of these bad boys and you won’t regret it. You will literally use it everyday in the winter and will most likely thank yourself for making the investment. You can get them fairly cheap at a local Bed Bath & Beyond or Target.
4. Wool Socks
Nice thick wool socks are a necessity when it’s cold outside. Tall, short, mid-calf, doesn’t matter they’re all adorable and extremely warm. These are essential in order to keep snug during that long walk to class. These socks look awesome with mostly any shoe, too. Pairing these socks with converse high tops or to almost any boot not only adds to your trendy layers, but to your warmth. Being functional yet cute is the ultimate goal.
5. Thermos
My fellow coffee, tea and hot chocolate lovers; You need a good thermos. Nothing is worse than cold coffee and thermoses are extremely affordable. The top-of-the-line thermoses are generally around $30 and they last forever. Amazon has an extremely wide selection of different thermoses and a variation of prices as well. This purchase is one you will appreciate when your drink is still hot after you’ve endured the frigid climate in the Northeast.
6. Flannels
Flannels are great to keep you nice and toasty and can be casually fashionable. Personally, I like to buy my flannels at a local thrift store for considerably cheaper. I go to the men’s section because the flannels are usually excellent quality and super comfortable. If I want a more “fitted” look, I’ll buy a flannel from Urban Outfitters. They look great alone, layered, under jackets, and basically anyway possible. Flannels even look cute as an accessory around the waist. Whether it’s wearing them to sleep or to a concert, there is always room in a wardrobe for a flannel.
7. Slippers
There aren’t many things worse than waking up in the morning and stepping barefoot onto a freezing dorm room floor. Do yourself a favor and buy some slippers. Seriously. Talk about a rude awakening. Be proactive, not reactive. Ugg Australia makes s really durable and warm pair of slippers, mine have lasted me years! Not to mention they're incredibly soft, definitely a good item to splurge on.
8. Warm Bathrobe
After a steaming hot shower the part I loathe the most is when it comes to an end and I have to step into brisk air. So cold my hair could probably turn into icicles. In a valiant effort to prevent turning into a human ice statue, I will be wearing a robe.
9. Burt’s Bees/Carmex Chapstick
You can never go wrong carrying either a Burt’s Bees or Carmex chapstick. Both are extremely affordable (they’re only about $3 each at your local drug store) and they do the job right. These two chapsticks are the reason why my lips stay moisturized during the freezing weather. They feel so smooth and even tingle when you apply them and you can guarantee your lips will be protected from the harsh conditions.
10. Oversized Crewneck Sweatshirt
Oversized Crewneck Sweatshirts are ridiculously comfy and are coincidentally pretty trendy right now. They are warm and would even look cute when paired with over-the-knee suede boots. This comfy-chic look is understood to be the best universally. Additionally, these sweatshirts are a valid excuse to feel like it’s a bum day but still look like you strategically thought out your outfit.
Just trust me.
