The beginning of the semester has been brutal. Many are asking the question: How are you supposed to dress for Minnesota’s fall weather while staying fashionable? I grew up in the upper Midwest, just about two hours east, so I’ve had to deal with this for nearly two decades. But thanks to the suffering I’ve had to go through, I have some advice. The key is layers, oversized or baggy clothing, and natural materials.
Layering clothing — like wearing long-sleeve shirts and light jackets over T-shirts and tank tops — allows for comfort if the temperature shifts throughout the day, and adds variation to your outfits. Related to layering, oversized, and baggy clothing likewise adds visual interest to your outfits while allowing for breathability. Natural materials like linen and cotton are breathable and moisture-wicking, perfect for hotter weather, while materials like wool are better for colder weather.
Some recommendations for clothing to pick up the next time you’re back at home or when you’re at the thrift store are:
Button-down shirts — including flannels and dress shirts: an easy thrift find! They can be found in all sorts of colors, fabrics, and patterns, so they’re perfect for any style.
Windbreakers and other thin jackets: perfect for warmer windy days, provide a barrier between you and the air. They were quite popular in the 1980s and 90s, so you can find some cool vintage styles.
Linen pants: for those, like me, who hate wearing shorts. Linen is very thin, breathable, and pulls moisture away from skin.
Loose shirts: I mean, Renaissance Faire season is almost over, there’s got to be at least a few poet blouses at Goodwill. Thin and loose long-sleeved tops give you protection from cool winds and the sun’s UV rays while being breathable enough for hot weather.
All the luck to the freshman and transfer students who aren’t from the Midwest. A tip for when we start nosediving down into the negatives: get yourself a new pair of long underwear.