4 Ways to Look Cool in Oxford when Weather Gets Cold

The day before Thanksgiving and all through the town, highs in the 30s had some folks feeling down.  But bundling up can be fun, if you know what to buy.  For those eager to prepare for colder weather, here are four Hotty Toddy must-haves to keep things toasty.

1. Pull out the Puffer Jacket

Sliced bread is nothing compared to an insulated jacket. Wear it in the rain, in the wind and in the snow. Layered over thermals or T-shirts, this jacket is sure to keep you warm. Brands like Patagonia, Columbia and North Face carry versions of the Puffer starting at $110. For those hesitant to break the bank, there are budget-friendly options available at JC Penny and Wal-Mart starting at $21.

“I love getting cozy in the winter,” said Victoria Barrera, a frequent shopper at Hinton & Hinton. “I can never have enough jackets and the selection there is always on point.”

Barrera says she also heads to Hinton & Hinton when doing her holiday shopping for friends and family.

2. Bring on the Boots

When winter hits full swing in Oxford, Nikes and Chacos won’t cut it. Keep toes from the cold with a pair of boots. For the ladies, riding boots and combat boots are suitable styles for the winter season. For a casual look, Ugg boots are a gender neutral alternative to sport when temperatures fall. For the gentlemen of Oxford, Bean Boots by L.L. Bean offer both comfort and versatility.

3. Get Your Gloves On

Say farewell to the days where sending a text while wearing gloves was only a dream. With the introduction of touchscreen texting gloves, people can connect with friends and colleagues without freezing their fingers. Prices for these gloves range anywhere from $6 to $70, but are commonly found around $30.

 “I got some for Christmas last year, but the other day I was wearing normal gloves and thought how they would be really useful right now,” said Anna Crider, a pre-pharmacy student at the University of Mississippi.

4. Lather on the Lip Balm

No one likes to see dry, cracked lips and licking them at five-second intervals isn’t going to fool anyone. This is winter—invest in lip balm. Chapstick, Nivea and Burt’s Bees are popular picks around Oxford.

“I use Nivea because I use their lotion and it’s awesome,” said Katie Day, a senior at the University of Mississippi.

So, with Wednesday’s high of 34 degrees, you may want to check out your winter wardrobe. If it doesn’t stack up, now’s the time to add a couple items to your Christmas list.

Story contributed by Meek School of Journalism students Hanna Jalawan (hjalawan@yahoo.com) and Taylor Kamnetz (tkamnetz@gmail.com).