Though we are only four weeks into the fall season, brisk winds and chilly air have already hit the streets of Boston — and from here on out, it will only get colder. With an average temperature of 40 degrees all winter long, it is important to start prepping your wardrobe now. 

For every Boston college student, all you really need are the essentials: a good jacket, a pair of gloves, a hat and footwear. While jean jackets and leather jackets are cute to accessorize and complete an outfit with, they will leave you shivering as you walk across campus trying to get to class. Nevertheless, winter jackets can be just as stylish, and warmth should always be your highest priority. 

Warm jackets come in a variety of styles, so finding one that matches your style while keeping you warm should be easy. Some popular styles include bomber jackets, pea coats, puffer jackets, down jackets and parkas. While each brand is unique, jackets with multiple layers or linings tend to be the warmest.

Though a durable, warm jacket is often expensive, it is an investment for the rest of your time in Boston. Luckily, Northeastern is located near multiple shopping locations for you to stock up your wardrobe. 

Newbury Street is a mere 15-minute walk from campus and has multiple options for winter gear. On Newbury, you’ll find Patagonia and North Face, which are probably two of the most popular brands when it comes to winter jackets. North Face often does “last season” sales, offering coats from last year’s collection at a discounted price. L.L. Bean is another brand known for making high-quality, long-lasting jackets. All of their products are known for keeping people warm even in really low temperatures, but their products come at a high price, with jackets costing upwards of $100.

For a cheaper alternative, you could head to Downtown Crossing, which is home to Primark, Old Navy, T.J. Maxx and Macy’s. All of these stores offer jackets of different brands at a variety of prices, so you can find one that will keep you warm without drying out your wallet. Of these stores, Primark may be the best option, as they have a large selection of different coat styles — from long jackets to puffer jackets to lined denim jackets — all in an affordable price range of under $50. Primark also has a large selection of winter hats, gloves and scarves to keep you warm all winter long.

One thing people often forget during the winter season is footwear. While sneakers are a comfortable option, they will often leave your ankles exposed to the frosty air. Boots come in a variety of styles and are going to be the best for keeping your feet warm in the cooler temperatures. A pair of more casual boots, like ankle booties, are the perfect combination of style and practicality. They’ll add a fashionable twist to your outfit and keep your ankles protected. Having a pair of functional boots, like Timberlands, is important for when the snow hits the ground and you don’t want to be caught slipping. 

In terms of piecing together your final outfit, layering is the way to go. An easy structure of a winter outfit consists of pants, a chunky sweater, a scarf and, of course, a warm jacket. Playing around with different colors and cuts of sweaters is the perfect way to vary your outfits. Scarves are also an easy tool for keeping you warm while adding additional patterns and style. 

Most importantly, when styling your wardrobe this winter, remember to  dress cute but always stay warm.