As freezing temperatures hit Milledgeville and GCSU has already experienced two rounds of snow and ice, students are navigating the challenge of staying warm while keeping up with campus fashion trends. With winter weather in full swing, students said trends have shifted toward comfort-focused styles, featuring thicker fabrics designed to protect against wind and rain.
“Around campus I’m seeing a lot of really comfy wear, like slippers and Uggs and those kinds of things, especially on really cold days,” said Elin Smith, a senior exercise science major. “There’s a lot of baggy sweatpants and fluffy jackets, just cozy stuff.”
Beyond athleisure, students have also noticed sherpa jackets and Parke sweatshirts as popular cold-weather staples.
“I definitely see a lot of sherpas and cute little jackets,” said MaKayla McDade, a senior marketing major. “Also, sweatpants, joggers and lots of Parke sweatshirts. Everywhere I go, there’s the girls with the Parke sweatshirts on. I want one so bad, they’re so cute.”
For walks across campus or trips between classes, students said fleece-lined clothes and heavy jackets have become essential when temperatures drop.
“I’ve been seeing a lot of sweatpants and big fluffy jackets, Uggs and a lot of comfy wear that keeps people warm on campus,” said Rebecca Whitten, a junior elementary education major.
For their go-to winter pieces, students agreed that casual, versatile items are key to staying both comfortable and stylish.
“I like these white boots, because I feel like I can wear them with any outfit and they keep me warm too,” Smith said.
When the weather outside turns frosty, McDade said she turns to her favorite sweatshirt for a dependable winter look.
“I really love my Georgia College sweatshirts because it’s always freezing,” McDade said.
“I always throw on the same one – I just love this crew neck, it’s so reliable.”
For some students, staying warm starts with what they wear first thing in the morning. The base of a good outfit may be something that no one sees, but practical footwear and layers can make a big difference on cold days.
“Definitely fluffy socks,” Whitten said. “I don’t like my feet being cold, so when you wake up in the morning, you’ve got to put on fluffy socks so you don’t get cold.”
To balance warmth with style, Smith recommended mixing looser and more fitted pieces for a polished look.
“I try to always pair something baggy with something a little tighter,” Smith said. “If I’m wearing tight leggings, then it’s a baggy sweatshirt. But if it’s baggy pants, then I’ll wear a tighter top or something like that.”
McDade suggested focusing on one standout item, like a favorite jacket, to elevate more laid-back or casual outfits.
“Just make one part of your outfit something cute that you feel good about, that you’re confident in,” McDade said. “The rest can just be comfy.”
While comfort on campus is essential, some students felt that slippers and pajamas take the trend too far, and it would be nice for students to commit to looking presentable.
“Low-key like with the Uggs, I just see people wearing pajamas out in public,” Smith said. “I think things are very casual now, and I like when people dress up a little bit.”
McDade agreed that she’s ready for the pajamas to phase out of campus fashion, noting that simply switching out a pair of pants can be all it takes to leave the sleepwear at home.
“You can tell they just wore that to sleep, which is fine,” McDade said. “Sometimes I’m rolling out of bed too, but maybe just put yourself together, with leggings or sweatpants instead of the pajamas.”
