Skip to content
Beyond the Hill

Brace yourselves for Syracuse’s infamous cold with these winter essentials

Brace yourselves for Syracuse’s infamous cold with these winter essentials

As winter weather rolls in, prepare your closet with these seasonal fashion essentials. From Apricot Lane Boutique to 3fifteen, Syracuse has all the places to shop local this season. Maria Masek | Contributing Illustrator

Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox.
Subscribe to our newsletter here.

As winter begins its descent on Syracuse University’s campus, it’s time to take a deep dive into our closets and embrace this season’s biggest trends while staying warm.

According to the “20-Year Rule,” trends usually reemerge every two decades, so prepare for lots of 1980s and 2000s references this year. From fuzzy Uggs to satin headwear, The Daily Orange compiled a list of where in Syracuse to find the best essentials to keep you toasty and stylish in the upcoming months.

Cardigans
Cardigans bring an outfit to another level by layering with other pieces. The winter staple never fails to dress up or down an outfit. Just last week, the local thrift store 3fifteen had pink, red and white cardigans galore, perfect for Whitman School of Management students to wear for business casual Fridays or a classic English teacher look for School of Education students.

Uggs
The classic Northeastern shoe. Uggs deliver a vast array of styles, but always ensure your feet are cozy and snug. Marshall Street’s J. Michael Shoes is an overlooked gem, filled with plenty of winter shoes, whether you’re eyeing a new boot or fluffy slippers. With frequent promotions and a full inventory, students are bound to find a shoe that matches their persona.

Bomber Jacket (bonus points if it’s Syracuse themed)
Though often expensive, a bomber jacket’s versatility makes it well worth it. These insulating, yet still elevating, pieces became trendy in the 1960s and then took off again in the 1980s. Twenty years later, they’re back in style. From a Friday night out to a Monday morning 8 a.m., this warm, universally cool piece is certainly making its return. A best bet to find your own would be Manny’s on Marshall Street. But, if you find yourself downtown, be sure to stop by Just Bros Vintage for an authentic windbreaker.

Ilyan Sarech | Design Editor

Low-Rise Denim
The reemergence of low-rise has returned for good. Prevalent in the early 2000s, Britney Spears and other celebrities showed off their lower back tattoos with a pair of flared or bootcut denim. Now, two decades later, they’ve come back in full swing. Clothes Mentor, just a 10-minute drive from main campus, is a designer resale store with plenty of denim and low-rise, including brands like Levi’s, Lilly Pulitzer and Old Navy.

Maxi Skirts
Two words: Boom Babies. Offering plenty of patterns and exuberant colors, there’s no doubt shoppers will find the funkiest of skirts to spice up a plain long sleeve or tank top. From bubble to mermaid to A-line, the shop has all kinds of long skirts to wear this winter season. Pair with a kitten heel or fur coat, and there’s no doubt you will be making an appearance on SU Fits’ next Instagram post.

Satin Materials
Satin is an underrated winter essential. Whether it be a scarf, belt or headband, this luxurious material can be worn with a classic knit sweater plus a black miniskirt or jeans. Most people know that accessorizing can be a challenge, but well worth it when the compliments start coming. Sweet Violet Boutique offers versatile neutrals and patterned silks perfect for class or going out with friends.

Boat Necklines
Classic, elegant, timeless. Boat necklines are a beautiful accent to any blouse or long sleeve. Boat necklines are adaptable; they give a mature vibe by elegantly framing the collarbone and elongating the neck. A quick drive over to Apricot Lane Boutique or a peek into their Marshall Square Mall store is the perfect place to get your hands on this classic closet staple.

Pops of Red
Feeling romantic? From bright and vibrant to sophisticated and sexy, hues of red can upgrade any look and communicate different feelings with various shades. Whether it be a scarf, belt, sunglasses or a crimson sneaker, adding some red to a neutral fit seems to be on the up-and-up this season. Right in the heart of Syracuse, Vagabond Clothing Inc. offers tasteful pieces to build a successful winter wardrobe with the perfect pops of red.

No matter what colors or patterns you choose, build a winter wardrobe that keeps you fashionable, yet confident. Most importantly, stay warm with the first flurries arriving this week.

membership_button_new-10