With winter weather finally setting in, the 15-minute walking commute to class seems more like a desperate trek through the mountains. Snow has covered Pittsburgh’s sidewalks and turned into slush — a harmful weather element for fashionable boots and shoes.

But snow, rain and ice won’t completely wreck your style. Drastic climate changes allow for smart fashion choices. The cold weather opens up a variety of ensemble possibilities, and although the constant snow might dampen your spirits, it shouldn’t ruin your style.

The most important winter staples are boots and jackets. Without these two articles of clothing, a warm outfit can easily turn into a sloppy, wet mess, so it’s important to have solid fundamentals in your closet.

Start at the bottom. With slushy sidewalks, Pittsburgh is not the place to strut a pair of heels in the winter. Consider more practical shoes such as snow boots, and make sure to purchase them waterproofed or buy a waterproofing supplement to keep your feet protected.

Although these shoes might not be the Amost fashion forward, you can easily add a stylish pair of socks or leg warmers to give clunky boots more feminine features. With lace at the top of the sock or decorative patterns, these simple articles of clothing not only help to keep you warm during the winter months, but also add a fashionable component to your ensemble.

The easiest way to stay warm and look good at the same time is to add multiple layers to your outfit. Start with a simple piece and build off it. A long-sleeve black shirt looks great with almost anything, including bulky sweaters — the warmest layer — and colorful scarves. Infinity scarves create a cozy appeal, while more standard patterned scarves add a multi-dimensional look to your outfit.

Stick to simple patterns. Winter is not the time to break out overly decorative floral patterns. Keep to stripes or small polka dots to be safe. These patterns go well with most colors of scarves and sweaters.

For adventurous days and nights, incorporate something with leopard print to add more spark to the ensemble. This will separate you from the dreadful grays and blacks that everyone tends to wear, replicating the drabness of the winter weather. Be sure not to over-incorporate bright patterns into your wardrobe. With too much diversity, an outfit won’t seem cohesive, so it’s best to choose one central piece — be it a zoo-themed shirt or a funky scarf — to liven up a look without it becoming overbearing.

One of the most essential additions to your wardrobe is a thick coat or jacket that will help to keep cold winds at bay. Long puffer coats are sometimes the best decision, despite their sleeping-bag-like quality, because they cover the majority of your body with a sufficient layer of warmth. Other good coats, such as pea coats, might seem less casual but will still offer adequate warmth. Either way, the best method of keeping yourself warm while fighting ice-cold wind chills is to add layers beneath your coat, such as extra sweaters and vests. This will keep your trunk warm, so you’re comfortable on your walk to and from class.

The most important thing to consider this winter is that your comfort is worth more than your appearance. Choose practically instead of fashionably, but incorporate special pieces into your ensemble to keep things winsome.

Write Anna at [email protected].