I remember opening the huge beige box on Christmas Day of freshman year and not believing what I saw: a pair of tall, chestnut-colored boots with three buttons down each side and the ever-recognizable square "UGG" tag on the back. I was both shocked and grateful, not knowing what to do with these shoes.

You're probably thinking, Duh, just wear the UGGS already! But it actually took me a long time to warm up to these uber-comfy boots. And by a long time, I mean at least five years.

That's right—I rarely took my UGGS out of their original beige box during those five years, and I wore them in public even less frequently than that. I even kept the original cardboard pieces that you stuff inside the shoes to preserve the shape of the toes.

I guess I cared more about keeping them in good shape than I did about wearing them. It wasn't until my junior year of college that I decided to give my UGGS one last chance to prove it to me. And I have to admit, they did not disappoint.

I started wearing these bad babies on a frequent basis in January, and they've become my favorite fashion accessory and ultimate cold-weather staple. When I wear them to class in negative 12-degree weather, my feet and calves stay toasty-warm (I don't even have to wear thick socks to experience warm toes!) Plus, the soles are cushioned, which makes them so comfortable to walk in.

I literally feel like I'm stepping on clouds when I wear my UGGS.

I also love how they compliment even the simplest of outfits. I can wear leggings and a long shirt with my UGGS and feel perfectly fine about myself. Or, I can wear blue jeans and a sweatshirt and feel even more cozy. They're so versatile to work with (brown boots match almost everything), and I get so excited when I decide to wear my UGGs—even if it's just for a few hours while I'm doing homework at the end of the day.

Life is too short to wear uncomfortable boots in the wintertime. Even if you don't own a pair of legitimate UGGS, you can still rock the look by purchasing similar styles at Target or Payless Shoes (my personal favorite places to shop for shoes). If you're worried about appearances, just remember that no one will think twice if they see you walking around campus all bundled up in furry boots and a long coat and mittens.

Winter fashion is about what keeps you warm, happy, and comfortable on the most chilly days of the year. So go for it—wear the UGGS already, and give your feet the comfort they deserve.