Looks on Campus: Kelsey – Michigan State University
With the first snowfall comes the time when everyone digs into the back of their closet for their North Face jacket to bundle themselves up for the brutal cold weather. Winter is my least favorite season, and although I love my fleece for keeping me comfortably warm through these icy months, stylistically, I might as well be wearing a sleeping bag.
So that’s why Kelsey caught my attention with her unique choice of wearing a winter cape coat amongst a sea of North Face jackets. What a stylish alternative! Read on to learn more about her style.
Kelsey 101
Name: Kelsey
School: Michigan State University
Year in College: Freshman
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Pennsylvania
Hobbies/Interests: “Photography, Photoshopping, shopping… college is taking up a lot of my time so it’s limiting my hobbies.”
Let’s Talk Fashion
Who or what inspires your style? “I love Audrey Hepburn and her classic style. I like mixing that with all the new age hipster style stuff, sometimes a little preppy, depending on my mood I guess.”
Where do you like to shop? “I like a lot of re-sale stores, plus Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, and J. Crew.”
What are your favorite trends right now? “I’m loving tights right now! Mine are striped at the moment, and I have fishnet ones, and two color leg ones. I also really like things with lace, and over-the-knee boots!”
How would you describe your sense of style? “Oh man… my sense of style… I’m a little bit out there, a little bit avant-garde, trying new things, sometimes a little strange.”
What fashion advice do you have for other students? “I really advise people to be themselves, even if it’s a weird crazy sweater that you love… just wear it! I don’t like people who try to fit in to the cookie cutter mold.”
What motivates you to dress up? “I just like dressing up, really! Every day is like a dress up day for me; I’m like a little kid!”
What’s your opinion on practicality versus being fashionable? “That is my dilemma right now… I mean, I’m wearing tights in the dead of winter! But I think you can find a happy medium between looking good and keeping warm if you make the effort.”
Elements of Kelsey’s Outfit
1. Winter Cape Coat
A fun and quirky alternative to your average typical winter coat, Kelsey’s cape coat stood out in the crowd. A winter cape coat is a great way to show individuality and fashion taste while keeping warm through the season – even in Michigan!
2. Metallic Winter Boots and Patterned Tights
Maybe it has something to do with our double x chromosomes, but what girl can resist having shiny objects in her wardrobe? These metallic UGG boots are comfy and warm while adding a bit of glamour to Kelsey’s outfit. They’re also totally unexpected – when was the last time you saw a girl on campus pair UGGs with something other than leggings or skinnies (and still look awesome)?
Patterned tights are also an easy way to add something extra to an outfit, and they come in zig-zags, stripes, polka dots, colors, textures- the list is endless, giving you unlimited options to add an extra kick to your style while you keep warm.
Share Your Thoughts!
What do you think about Kelsey’s sense of style? What’s your advice for staying fashionable while keeping warm in the winter? Would you wear tights in the winter? Share your thoughts with a comment!
Posted on on January 8, 2011 / Filed Under: Looks on Campus / Tags: Campus Inspiration, Capes, Featured, Looks on Campus, Metallic Boots, Michigan State University, Pattern Tights
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Serena
Love her tights, they’re so unique! Her cape is super chic too.
x.S
Blair
love her tights and cape! so chic(:
Sara
I love the cape but I can’t stand the uggs. I wouldn’t wear them even at home…they are not shoes, they are really thick socks and socks are neither looking good nor healthy for your feet…
Jessica
i’m completely in love with this outfit! ..except for her uggs. she couldn’t have done a cute silver flat or heel instead?
Kirsten
The Uggs just kill this outfit for me. Some flats or a cute bootie would’ve looked so much better. Love the tights, though!
April
I’m so sick of North Face jackets. Unless, of course, you’re actually climbing a mountain.
couturemepink
I agree with everyone else. The Uggs throw off her proportions because of their length and clunky-ness. A nice black bootie would have finished off the look nicely. I’m also not too fond of the overall styling, but the cape is amazing. I’ve been shopping around for capes and I really like how hers is navy instead of the usual black or grey.
avory
I love her look but I’m not really a fan of the tights.
The uggs do not really bother me, sure their not flattering and booties or flats might have made the look more put together, but the hard honest truth of the matter is that its cold. If those uggs will keep her feet warm who really cares what your feet look like, as long as they serve their purpose?
Kammy
I love the Uggs! I didn’t know they made shiny ones :) I may be adding them to my collection! I think they look good, Iove the tights too! Of course I refuse to wear heels, they are so unhealthy and uncomfortable.
Courtney - University of Idaho
I love the metallic Uggs. Sure, they’re not the most shapely shoe, but they’re undeniably comfortable (and she’s walking to/from class, after all). The red is a great pop of color, and the high waist on her skirt paired with the tights is really feminine and pretty…I think it balances out her heavier outerwear/boot choices. Cute outfit for sure.
Sarah
I love it.
Julie
Dislike the Uggs. I know it may be cold, but there are better alternatives, like a cute suede leather knee high boot with a slight heel.
Marie
I just adore cape coats!! I love the leggings as well. The uggs may not necessarily go with the outfit. The uggs alone are cute but not so with this outfit. But overall very adorable.
Miriam
I love her outfit! Love the tights, cape, and the punch of red.
Personally, I’m fine with the Uggs. Black booties or simple flats would look fine too, but the Uggs are practical and warm. Plus, idk, to me it seems like the heavier boots balance out the clunky-ness of the cape. Personally, I would’ve worn a different style of boot, but to each their own! :) That’s what personal style’s all about, right?
I’ve lived in MN/MI so I’m used to battling through the snow and ice. I wear snow boots to walk around outside in the slush, and stash a pair of cute shoes in my bag for when I get inside wherever I’m going. Then I put the snow boots in a plastic bag, and slip on my cute shoes. Practicality wins out in the winter . . .
Miriam
Oh- I’ve always wondered: why are some of the comments highlighted in pink?
Elle
She’s gorgeous. I love the scarf, cape, skirt and tights. I however also agree that she could have done much better than uggs, and still have warm toes! think faux shearling lined heeled lace up boots like have been popular this season… (i’m not a fan of the fact UGGs use shearling either as a vegetarian- sheep wool is one thing (the poor animals don’t have to die or hurt for that… but shearling is a whole other thing.) Still miles better of an outfit than half my campus though!
Rachel
Such a cute outfit. I imagine her legs are freezing in the tights, but this outfit is just so great.
The Uggs don’t bother me, even though I happen to loath Uggs in general. I think that they balance out what is otherwise a rather top-heavy outfit.
Chelsea
The tights are horribly impractical – I’m in Michigan too, she cannot be warm. It’d be better to wear thicker tights. Also, I hate Uggs in the snow – even with a sealer, they don’t keep snow/wetness out terribly well.
LOVE the cape.
Anna
Uggs will never be fashionable.
ELLEN
I don’t like the tights nor UGG but that cape is to die for. Anybody knows where she probably get that awesome item?
alex
the uggs are terrible
i cannot take this outfit seriously
Julia
I saw this outfit and I thought it was adorable….
until I caught sight of the hideous Uggs.
Honestly, Uggs are only appropriate footwear to go in public with if you’re in middle school. I don’t care how warm they are, there are plently of shoes that are more shapely and fashionable and are just as warm as Uggs.
Alicia
I absolutely ADORE this outfit. It’s so simple but so cute! I’ve been wearing pants cause it’s too cold to wear any of my skirts and dresses even with thights (I tried it a couple nights ago and I felt like I was gonna die!) So I give her props! I wore my dresses with leather boots and flats. I’m gonna try wearing dresses with my uggs now!! I love the silver uggs! They are soooo warm and adorable (as far as uggs go). Freezing cold winters suddenly make uggs look beautiful. Lol. I wouldn’t wear them any other time of the year though. Anyway, I love the outfit! The colors and shapes are perfect!!
Margaret
Oh my goodness. I just love this outfit so much. Totally up in my alley.
I’m trying to not let the UGGs bother me too much, but it’s hard! Any other type of footwear, and this outfit is flawless :D
Christina
luv the uggs. ROCK IT GIRL
Kathy
i’m not feeling the outfit.
but i DO love the cape. ..however i don’t really think it goes with the outfit. idk the whole flow of the outfit is off.
but, to each their own. right? that’s the best thing about fashion and style.. we don’t all have to look the same.
reb
I actually don’t mind the uggs, I think she really rocked it! I know some people are like, “ugh, I don’t wear uggs, ever!” and that’s sounding like a “fashion rule” to me, and I’m just glad that there are people breaking it!
she looks lovely and I think it helps that her uggs don’t look overly clunky. pairing it with some nicer boots or something might have just made her look typical really. I think it really boils down to confidence, which is what cf always promote.
dreamer
i love her coat.. so functional and unique!
@Miriam: names highlighted in pink mean that they are the links to that particular commenter’s blog. just click on them and see :)
mika
love the tights! she could’ve gone with nice leather boots instead though…
Meaghan @ OhReillyWrites
Like most people, I can’t get past the UGGs! That, and it looks like she’d freeze to death up in Michigan just wearing that?
Elettra
*own, pardon =x
Christina
I think she looks great! Got to give props for an outfit as bold and fun as that one.
LOVE the cape especially – I was disappointed when White House/Black Market sold out of their own version. Any suggestions on where to find one like Kelsey’s?
Laura
I thought names highlighted in pink meant it was a member of CF commenting on the post??
Also, I think she looks super cute! I don’t own Uggs, and don’t personally like them, but she’s a freshman, and living in Michigan! I’m about 2 hours north of that and it is FREEZING. Trust me, the Uggs are warmer than anything else. Plus, she’s wearing tights, KUDOS GIRL!!! I won’t be pulling those out anytime soon…it was minus ten yesterday…>.<
Tarynn
Oh the Uggs. D: But I think enough has been said about them. I love that capelet. I saw one this summer in a local production of Annie and I absolutely wanted one. Lucky for me they’re in style. Rumor has it, though, that my aunt (who happens to be my size) might have one from forever ago. I’m crossing my fingers.
Maria
I absolutely adore this look! :D
Liza - University of Minnesota
This is such a cool outfit! Loving the tights, and her legs are amazing!
Mindy
Thanks for the comments, everyone! I really value all of your feedback. For those who were wondering where Kelsey bought her cape, I believe she said American Apparel. x Mindy
Katie
I gotta love a girl who loves tights like I do!
Carolyn
Adorable outfit…except for the Uggs. There are so many nice winter boots that actually have shape. Cape is really cute, though.
Julia
@reb-
Fashion rule? To break? Now, there are many fashion rules that with correct styling, can be broken well, and then encouraged to be broken. But Uggs? I think not. I can’t even fathom how you could bring back Uggs as a fashionable trend.
Milana
LOVE IT except the uggs. A pair of flat biker boots would’ve made the look more polished!
lindsay
I just don’t think this is flattering at all. there’s way too much going on with the scarf and the tights… & the uggs are just gross.
Maria
I totally adore that cape. It’s looks very good with her outfit. I also think that this is a great choice of colors!
Allison
I like her outfit and disagree with a lot of the comments because I think she did make UGGs look cute! However, I am not sure about the tights. I go to school in Michigan as well and she must be freezing! I would have gone for some thicker patterned leggings and layered tights underneath those for extra warmth! You look cute girl, but you’re going to freeze.
Courtney
Ladies, have we learned nothing from this site? The women who write for us continuously stress confidence & being comfortable in what you’re wearing.. I think if she likes her UGGs and tights- YOU GO GIRL! Didn’t we learn in elementary to play nice? Love your outfit Kels!
XoX Court
Danielle
I adore this outfit, but I personally wouldn’t wear the uggs with it. I would pair cute black flats or black boots…but that’s just me.
Stephanie
Where do I get these tights?!?!
Hawa
I’m not a fan of Uggs but I love how these pair go with her outfit. Strangely, I don’t like her dress. I think this outfit would have looked better if she wore black shorts and a neutral top.
Silla
I LOVE the entire outfit! The tights are super cute and the metalic ugg boots are both stylish and fun :)
Haley
LOVE the outfit!
I don’t mind the Uggs, I live in Michigan as well and flats do not keep your feet warm at all! And, if you wear cute boots you risk ruining them because of all the mud, snow and especially SALT on the sidewalk.
rosieeee
oh goshhhhh, why if it that over half of the cf readers cant quit complaining about uggs? i dont mean to be harsh but people , seriously; it was cold. they are warm. she is not going to a fashion show, she is walking around campus to and from classes. they are more practicle that heels. she wants to wear them. she isnt you, she doesnt have to like what you like. let people wear what theeeeey want to wear and you do the same. im fed up of these comments! many people wear uggs. they are a trend, maybe not the most flattering but they actually can be if you know how. you can love them or hate them , just dont hate on the people wearing them and judge them by what they choose to wear. i find all of these looks inspiring , just make them your own, enough saidddd :)