By Jamie Ducharme, News Staff

It takes a certain kind of faux pas to be named worst fashion statement on a college campus, an environment rife with hoodies, seldom-laundered clothes and students sporting what they wore to bed (or worse –partying the night before).

This year, Ugg boots narrowly beat leggings as pants for that dubious honor, winning 26 percent of the vote to leggings’ 25 percent.

Nonetheless, Uggs – which have branched out from the classic color spectrum of brown, beige and black suede to include sequined, neon and knit versions – are ubiquitous around campus, especially as students navigate the snow, slush and sleet of typical New England winters. Yet with the record-setting warm temperatures this past season, Ugg-wearing students needed another excuse for the fur-lined boots.

Freshman history major Puja Panchal, who said she wears Uggs frequently, said the practicality of Uggs makes up for them being “not the best looking boots.”

“I’d be a hypocrite if I said they were [the worst campus fashion statement],” she said. “I love Uggs, especially in the winter. I think they can be cute.”

Many students, however, felt Uggs deserved their condemnation.

Connie Cheng, a senior year pharmacy major who does not own a pair of the boots, said she “totally agrees” that Uggs are the worst look on campus.

“They lack style – they’re just very plain,” Cheng said. “I get that they’re comfy, but there are other footwear options that are just as comfy.”

While the student body’s feelings on Uggs may differ, one thing is clear:  Avoid pairing them with leggings as pants, or risk a major fashion faux pas.