When my friends had invited me out to the renaissance fair, I dressed in a smart pleather jacket and cutesy dress and found out that night— when it was too late— just how ungodly cold it can get in the fall. This wasn't a cute 40-degree weather— it was a teeth-chattering 20 something! As we perused the shops after the final joust, I was shivering and pleading internally for my friends to begin the long walk back to the car. My mother had warned me what the weather would be and yet I didn't wear my puffy jacket and jeans. Like any 20-something, I wanted to look cute. So, here is a list of ideas that I would've found useful that day to stay warm and look cute at the same time:

1. Wear yoga pants under your dress/skirt

Photo by Valeria Boltneva from Pexels

Instead of tights, which often are too thin to protect your legs from the cold, wear some yoga pants. I've done this multiple times, as someone who went to Catholic school for the majority of their education, I learned this from the older girls at my school. Even with their careful eye, even the most scrutinizing teachers didn't notice that we were wearing yoga pants instead of tights.

2. Wear a sweatshirt under your jean jacket

Photo by Craig Dennis from Pexels

Today, it seems every 20-something girl owns and regularly wears a jean jacket. As adorable as they are, they are pretty useless against the cold— unless you put something underneath. Wearing a sweatshirt can add a thick, comfortable layer to your outfit without being too puffy.

3. Wear a scarf

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This might seem like a no-brainer, but it sure didn't feel like one to me Sunday when I saw the redness of my neck in the mirror from being unprotected from the cold for hours. Tie it loosely over your jacket, shove it in your purse--whatever; just whatever you do, don't forget or else you'll learn the hard way just how much of your neck is vulnerable to the air.

4. Wear your hair down

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If you have long hair like me, then you're in luck! Letting your hair down can also cover your neck, along with your ears and cheeks! This one isn't as great as the scarf option, though, because if it's super cold its likely very windy as well. If its super windy or you just plain don't have hair, try a hat!

Whether you're going on a cute fall date or going on a stylish walk, I hope these four fashion tactics for staying warm serve you well!