While the majority of the country will soon endure freezing temperatures and puddles of dirty snow, we Vanderbilt students below the Mason-Dixon line can look forward to (somewhat) milder weather. Translation: we can wear fashionable shoes all winter long! And while we needn’t store away our ballet flats from fall, every shoe collection ought to have some variety, whether it be a pair of rain boots, classic loafers, flat boots or holiday heels.
In both rain and snow, galoshes are a practical option for foul weather. Fortunately, there are now several brands that design age-appropriate boots, and we don’t have to risk looking like our younger sisters in Barbie-pink. Pairing them with jeans and a trench coat gives a casual but fashion-conscious image, and is universally flattering. Worn by Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow, Hunter Boots are the perfect accessories on a rainy day. These timeless classics are available in a variety of colors and styles that cater to individual taste, while maintaining comfort and quality at the same time.
A collegiate staple, the loafer has been forever linked to Fair Isle sweaters and L.L. Bean totes. And even if your closet is devoid of the latter, loafers look sharp with just about anything. My personal favorites are from Tod’s since they come in both patent and pebbled leather in several hues. J.Crew, always the trusty fallback, boasts several less expensive loafers made in Italian leather that are extremely comfortable. These look smashing with J.Crew’s houndstooth, tartan and tweed pea coats.
Flat boots are yet another choice this winter. Whether you prefer suede or smooth leather, there are boots in many styles available, each adding panache to an otherwise “blah” outfit. Frye and Ugg boots are always popular choices; however, why not try a sleeker boot this winter? Tory Burch’s “Uma” and “Keaton” boots are ideal for achieving that girl-about-town look and can be worn with jeans, skirts, or sweater dresses and ribbed tights.
And finally, what would the holiday season be without heels? This winter, platform pumps have graced countless runways from Dior to Louis Vuitton, and there is no better way to step out in style than with a new pair of heels! Though pricy, Marc by Marc Jacobs’s open-toed platform pumps are the essence of glamour — a must have to ring in the new year. But when the clock strikes twelve, the party slows down and your feet begin to moan in complaint of such elevation, make sure you have a cozy pair of moccasins to slip on. Minnetonka Moccasins and L.L. Bean’s “Wicked Good” Moccasins are favorites because they can be worn both indoors and out; however, both companies also manufacture traditional slippers that promise to heal tired toes, keeping them toasty even in the coldest of weather.
