U-High Midway • February 14, 2025 • https://uhighmidway.com/27705/features/frosty-fashion/
Frosty Fashion
At U-High, students are faced with the decision to dress for comfort or style during the harsh Chicago winter weather
Skye Freeman
At U-High, students are faced with the decision to dress for comfort or style during the harsh Chicago winter weather
Lila Coyne, Assistant Editor
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.
Felix Callegari, ninth grader, prioritizes comfort in the winter. He’s never been very invested in his clothing and prefers to feel at ease throughout the day. For the most part, Felix’s mother buys clothes for him and fashion is, voluntarily, off his radar.“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)Zoe Cobb, sophomore, prioritizes style in the winter. She is meticulous about her clothing, looking to balance the baggy and tight elements of her outfits. Zoe always strives to convey her bubbly personality through bold colors and interesting patterns.She said, “I treat school as my own fashion show.” (Henry Benton)Laurel Farmer, sophomore, prioritizes style in the winter, occasionally even wearing shorts in cold weather. She particularly enjoys exploring ways to layer her clothes, for example, wearing ripped stockings or tights with jean shorts.
Lydia Gilbert, junior, prioritizes style in the winter. She is purposeful about her clothing, often thrifting and reviving pieces. Much of her clothing belonged to her mother, giving Lydia the opportunity to merge 1980s fashion with 2020s trends.“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)
Lucie Bhatoey-Bertrand, senior, prioritizes comfort but feels comfort and style are compatible in the winter. Most of her favorite clothing items are more appropriate for cold weather, so she has an easier time composing stylish outfits.“I have better winter clothes. I think. I have more cardigans and sweaters and hoodies that I want to wear,” she said. (Henry Benton)Maceo Briscoe, senior, prioritizes style in the winter. For his outfits, Maceo draws inspiration from the music artists he listens to, such as Xaviersobased, who usually wear baggy Y2K-inspired clothing. Maceo tries to balance style and comfort but always picks style in the end.“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)David Stroila, senior, prioritizes comfort in the winter but works to diversify his outfits, never wearing the same ensemble twice.“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)
