Al Barnes ’20, Opinion Editor
With the lowering of outside temperatures and change of indoor decorations from leaves to snowflakes, it is time to go from the warm yellows and burnt oranges to cool greys and dark reds. Yes, it is finally time to figure out your day-to-day winter wardrobe. Of course, you could always recycle yours from last year, but who even has the cash for all new clothes anyway? For those of you who have the option to change it up this year, you have to consider one thing, what vibe will you go for? Are you going to go with cute or cozy? Of course, you could always try to go with both, but it is very rare that you will find something in stores that looks and feels perfect. Lucky for you, this should not be that difficult of a decision, as the obvious answer is cozy.
Large hoodies and sweatpants are not the most fashionable thing to wear, but then again, the “just rolled out of bed to get some milk from Walmart” look isn’t usually “in”, and there is never a time where someone is in their comfiest clothes and thinks “you know what would be amazing right now? Really stiff skinny jeans.” More often than not, you have to choose one or the other.
Cozy doesn’t always mean unkempt, and oftentimes many soft fabrics come in fun and fitted styles. Think soft leggings, fuzzy PJ pants, or a chunky, but fluffy, cardigan.
Cozy often means heavy layers, especially in a cooler environment. This is why some winter necessities such as blankets and coats are made to feel heavy on purpose. Weighted blankets have been shown to decrease anxiety and even insomnia Raj Dasgupta, MD, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California and a spokesman for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, says “It’s like having the best hug for a long period of time,” And what is cozier than a hug?
How often do you see someone wearing stylish boots with a heel? Cute? Yes. Cozy? Not a chance. I’ll take a cozy fleece-lined boot that is practical for walking in snow and ice over the cute “walk at your own risk” boot any day.
The same concept applies to non-apparel items. We are all familiar with the cute sheet sets that have polka dots, vibrant colors, or some cartoon character on the top of the comforter. They are the ones that are stiff and scratchy that never seem to soften up until about the 100th time they are washed. Now, have you ever slept on flannel sheets? You live in Michigan, so of course you have, and you know how welcoming they are on a cold night. It is as if someone has pre-warmed your bed for you.
Whether you are changing your sheets, picking out your clothing, or deciding which pair of boots to wear, life is too short to be uncomfortable. If you prefer the “I’m going to WalMart for milk” look, then so be it. If you are 100% completely cozy, odds are you will have a smile on your face.
“Welcome to winter.” A simple yet powerful phrase. These three words can instill joy in the hearts of those who love to take in the twinkling lights all over the neighborhood from the comfort of their fire-lit livingroom. There three words can also remind those who see the glass-half-empty perspective to realize that their morning commute is going to be longer with the icy roads. Which perspective will triumph?
Photo courtesy of Pintrest
Lyon Life 