As the temperature starts to drop, students search for ways to stay in style. It’s all about staying cute and cozy, from oversized hoodies to cute low-rise jeans and even chunky scarves. This winter, style isn’t slowing down just because the weather is.
From pairing thrift finds and trendy staples to layering up in the cold, students combine their comfort with creativity moving into the winter season.
“Style 100% — you can get through a cold day, but you can’t get through an ugly outfit,” Lavin Stepner (9) said.
A big part of how students build their winter wardrobes is by thrifting. Thrifting makes style more affordable for high school students and creates a unique way to stand out at school. In thrift stores, students can find unique ways to put themselves out there, whether wearing something old or new.
“I like comfort at school — big hoodies, comfy shoes, and I try to match my glasses,” James Kilgore (11) said.
For other students, their style is more about warmth and keeping it real. Some students would rather be warm than be uncomfortable on a cold day.
“I have Fruit of the Loom black sweatpants that I wear almost every day — they’re just the most comfortable thing. I definitely dress more for warmth,” Kilgore (11) said.
Other students agree with staying warm during the cold.
“My North Face puffer coat — I can’t live without it,” John Kuhnhein (9) said.
For students such as Kuhnhein, looking good doesn’t have to mean you give up on staying warm.
Winter fashion also means finally starting to get creative with layering clothes but also staying comfy. From cozy sweatshirts and sweatpants to daily staples, each student’s outfit shows their personality and creativeness through a simple piece of clothing.
“I usually shop at thrift stores, American Eagle, and Abercrombie. I love layering things so it’s not just one basic sweatshirt,” Riley Steinhauser (12) said.
Students even keep an eye on new trends and staples they might find on social media or through some of their favorite fashion celebrities.
“Athletic running shoes are a big trend right now,” Kilgore (11) said, “They’re comfy and look nice, so it’s a win-win.”
Some students even find joy in wearing creative and crazy new things to school to express themselves. These students take style to a whole new level by incorporating confidence through and through.
“Confidence is key — even if others might think it’s crazy, wear it anyway. You might start a trend,” Stepner (9) said.
Although some students think that having style in high school is important for performing your best and building confidence, others believe that fashion is more about discovering who you are.
“Fashion isn’t the most important thing in high school because we’re all still figuring ourselves out. Your character matters more than your looks,” Kilgore (11) said.
On the other hand, Stepner (9) believes that how you dress can impact how you feel. “‘Look good, feel good, and the better I look, the better I do in school,” she said.
Overall, students at Highlands agree that fashion isn’t just about the clothes you wear, but what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. No matter whether thrifted, brand new, or a throwback, every individual outfit shows confidence among students.
“I think style is really just a way of expressing yourself to the people around you, especially in high school,” Kuhnhein (9) said.
