How to stay calm, cool and covered this fall

And here it comes. The overwhelming feeling when you walk outside and want to cry. Here comes the moment when you would rather sleep on a fraternity floor than take the beloved walk home. It is finally fall, and no amount of “basic” fall loving can change the fact that it’s cold outside.

Coats have always been the bane of my existence. Although cute, they are clunky, ever- present and constantly getting lost. This year, in an effort to avoid hypothermia and pneumonia, I’ve decided to become educated. The only way to avoid drunkenly losing your coat is to pick one you truly love and would travel thousands of miles (e.g. University Street) to retrieve.

The essence of coats is in their timeless nature. Never try to be overambitious with a coat trend because they are both expensive and a daily need. Through a constant stream of online shopping, I’ve deduced that there are four main types of coats: classic, edgy, girly and chic.

The classic approach is the immediate go-to for many people across campus. The JCrew nature of college prepsters draws them to a slimming and simple pea coat. Another solid opportunity to show off your classic taste is through the Barbour coat. Although slightly more expensive, a Barbour will both last for years and match any outfit. Sticking to the classic style requires timeless cuts, basic pieces and pops of color. Being classic is a safe route for all occasions.

The edgy coat is essentially self-explanatory. If you are tough, hip or want the world to believe so, the leather coat cinches any outfit together. Finding the right fit of a leather coat can be tough. Shorter girls should opt for a cropped cut that makes their torso appear longer. The “moto” style of a leather jacket crosses in the front and adds to waist definition. Leather coats should never be bought cheap, as cheap leather shows.

Another upcoming edgy trend is the sweatshirt/jean jacket combination. Ravaging stores like Urban Outfitters and Free People, this jacket combination encapsulates the essence of cool. This piece will remain in style for several seasons to come.

Girly coats are often classic coats with a unique twist. Pleats in fabric, cinched waists, peter pan collars and empire darts are used aggressively in this trend. As winter approaches, the use of pastels in this trend easily brightens up any cold day. Light pink, mint blue or a soft lilac is the perfect way to integrate spring into winter. Instead of allowing black to override your wardrobe and spirit, let some pops of color into your repertoire.

Chic coats are obviously the most tempting — but challenging — choice. The art of pulling off a chic coat is showing one’s joie de vivre. Chic coats are only chic if the person wearing the item knows of its uniqueness. This season, oversized men’s coats are the jackets of choice. These coats look good on women of all sizes, and they can accompany the many different styles that appeared during fashion week. In particular, the revival of both ‘60s and ‘70s fashion works perfectly with the contrasting effect of men’s wear. I also always believe in the effective power of a capelet or a pop of fur. Fur, or fake fur, shows both classic and chic taste. Never get caught up in the rules of being “overdressed.” In my opinion, all times are appropriate for “full-on fashion.”

Being cold is hard, but looking great while doing so makes it better. Keep your eyes on the ever-approaching Christmas sales, and start stocking up. Snow may be coming, but fashion week has passed. Investigate the trends, stay smart and keep on trucking through midterms fashionably.