Students stream through the high school’s front doors bundled in heavy winter coats, their noses peeking out from thick scarves in the mostly indistinguishable sea of black puffers. Many shed their outer layers before tapping their IDs, while some slowly unzip their coats and discard their hats on the way to their lockers and others burst through their classroom doors, fully clad in winter ensembles.
Once these layers are removed, the outfits underneath are increasingly varied.
The brutal Chicago winter is enough reason for many students to choose comfort over style. Sweatpants and a hoodie become a respectable uniform as the season drags on. Others capitalize on every opportunity to express themselves through their outfits.
Depending on the student, they may disregard the cold weather entirely or explore ways to style warmer clothes. Some refuse to think about their style at all, preferring comfort and warmth. Six students across the high school share their perspective on what fashion they value most in the winter: comfort or style.
“I don’t really think about the clothes that I put on,” he said, “but if it’s cold out, I’ll focus on putting things on that are warm.” (Henry Benton)
She said, “I treat school as my own fashion show.” (Henry Benton)
“I just want to be seen as someone that is experimental to some degree,” she said. (Alex Diamond)
“I’m trying to communicate that there’s a timeless aspect to self-expression,” she said. “A lot of my clothes are either thrifted or vintage. Half of my wardrobe is my mom’s, which is really important to me.” (Alex Diamond)
“I have better winter clothes. I think. I have more cardigans and sweaters and hoodies that I want to wear,” she said. (Henry Benton)
“If it isn’t tough, you just can’t wear it,” he said. “If it makes you cold, sometimes you just have to make the sacrifice.” (Henry Benton)
“Most of the time it’s comfort over fashion, but I like to just switch it up,” he said. “The most important thing for me is having something new every day or feeling like I’m wearing something different. I guess diversity is the biggest thing.” (Alex Diamond)
