With the familiar outfit choices of winter, regular people transform into yetis with our bulky jackets, face-engulfing scarves, monstrous mittens and whatever other layers and accessories we can scavenge in order to keep warm.

But why should the cold keep us from looking the best we can? Here are a couple tips and tricks to still look like you’re living your best life this winter while still staying warm.

The most effective way to regulate body temperature is by layering your clothing. It may seem like a hassle, but layers can easily come off, and you can make them look great — putting on a long-sleeved shirt or even a turtleneck under a T-shirt or crop top is an excellent way to keep things fresh.

To even that look out, throw on some high-waisted pants to create an illusion of longer legs. This applies to all gender expressions — don’t be afraid to experiment with clothing.

Legs a little chilly? It may seem bulky at first, but wearing long johns or even leggings under your pants is a great way to temper that frigid wind blasting through your blue jeans.

For those of us who get too hot in class while wearing layers, investing in a longer jacket may be a more optimal comfort for you. You won’t need to worry about looking like a marshmallow. Instead, you can channel the cool demeanour of an arctic explorer. Check out the men’s section of any thrift store for generally cheaper options.

Frost-bitten feet got you down? When it comes to boots, it’s very difficult to find appropriate footwear that is aesthetically pleasing and also functional. Most of the warmest boots are often unappealing and don’t fit that hip vibe that Saskatoon is famous for. The simple fact of the matter is that they may all be too expensive for a meagre student budget.

Luckily, Walmart has some Timberland knockoffs that look like the real deal. They’re not the boots with the fur, but Walmart does have some other fuzzy-insoled options that can help keep your feet happy. It’s important to remember safety first in this 50-degrees-below-zero landscape. Preventing frostbite is key — so save your toes this holiday season, and put away your flimsy canvas sneakers.

Lastly, you’ll want to throw something on your head and phalanges. When it comes to hats, mittens and scarves, wool is your best friend because it will keep you warmer compared to fleece and cotton materials. Also, wool hats with pom-poms are great — they keep both your ears and head toasty while still looking cute. Try to aim for waterproof gloves or wool mittens to keep your fingers happy, too.

There’s no greater cold-weather accessory than the tried-and-true knit scarf. If you haven’t got one already already, your best investment this year is the blanket scarf. They’re often made of wool and can easily be wrapped to cover your face, chest and neck all at once.

Hopefully, you’ve gained some tips and ideas to fortify your outfits this winter. We all need an upgrade from those thin bunnyhugs to something a little warmer and kinder to our skin. You don’t have to go full-out abominable snowman with your gear, but put aside your pride and opt for some practicality this season. With a little planning, you can have a safe and stylish winter.

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Yashica Bither

Graphic: Yashica Bither