Getting dressed these days, you might catch yourself wishing you had a few things around (that amazing sweater! those fuzzy slippers!), and wondering why a few remain inexplicably in your dorm. Clearly, it’s time to rethink your wardrobe priorities, and what better time to do so than at Thanksgiving? This is a perfect opportunity to prune your closet, bring in a few hardy winter items, and rethink what it means to dress at this time of year–some stereotypically summery items actually can get a ton of mileage in the winter.
To take home:
1. Sandals, for obvious reasons. Layering a pair of open-toed shoes with tights or socks is one thing (although still a little dicey in the snow), but those gladiator sandals? It’s time for them to go away. Keep a pair of flip flops here for showering purposes, but toss your other sandals in your suitcase. We know they’re cute, but look on the bright side–now you don’t have to paint your toenails!
2. Light jackets. Denim jackets, thin anoraks, lightweight army coats, flimsy trenches. These lightweight summer and fall jackets can be layered with warmer things, but you’ll wear them far less in the winter. They’ll just end up taking up space. Take these puppies home and save room for your massive puffer jacket (see below).
3. That bikini. We fully understand your keeping a bathing suit around if you spend time doing laps at FitRec (good for you!), but will you really use that zebra-print monokini when January rolls around? We didn’t think so. The days of lying out on the Beach and tanning are over. Keep your sensible suit for perfecting your elementary backstroke, but bring the flashy or impractical suits back home.
To bring back:
1. The big coat. You know the coat we’re talking about. The one that looks like a mattress. The one that keeps you toasty warm in subzero weather. The one that might save your life one day. Bring it back here; don’t wait for Christmas break. You won’t regret it. Don’t have one of these magical things? Refer to this article.
2. Sweaters! Sweaters sweaters sweaters! We at the Quad love us some sweaters. Bring your favorites, bring ’em all–you can never have too many sweaters when it gets cold outside. Make sure you have an assortment: cardigans, pull-overs, big fluffy ones, wrap-arounds, hoodies, turtlenecks if you like. Never underestimate their value! Care for your delicate wools by putting them in a separate, breathable container (try a zippered multiple-compartment storage tool that fits under your bed) and never put them in the dryer, ever.
3. Boots. They can get heavy, but be sure to bring back a great pair of winter boots. You might think you’re safe waiting until winter break to get them, but you’re sorely mistaken. You’re going to want those now–if not for the traction against ice and snow, then at least for warmth. You’d be surprised how much of a difference in warmth a pair of boots makes.
To keep here:
1. Little dresses. Despite their ethereal appearance, most of those dresses you pranced through fields in and threw over your bikini last summer will work fabulously in the late fall and early winter when layered with tights and sweaters galore. You don’t have to keep them all here (nor should you–if it doesn’t look awesome with tights and boots, bring it home), but consider letting one or two stay.
2. Denim shorts. Again, these little wonders are the very picture of summer, but have sort of become a winter staple when layered. They’re a little bit punk rock, a little bit California, and very au courant when you throw on a pair of combat boots and thick black tights with them. Pluses: they’re comfortable, cute, and a fun alternative to pants or skirts when you grow weary of the two.
3. The versatiles. We’re talking jeans, t-shirts, sneaks, a classic pair of pumps. These are things that should always be in your closet no matter what time of year. You know they look good, they go with everything, and they will always be in style.
Finally, consider taking home (or purging altogether) any item of clothing you haven’t worn yet. We know, it’s harsh, but you won’t regret it. If you haven’t used it yet, it’s probably not as useful or essential as you thought. Just think about it. You have limited space here–make the most of it!
And with that, the Quad wishes you a very happy Thanksgiving! Have a great, relaxing break!
