It’s that season. The Starbucks drive-thru line has formed a circle around the building. Students start crossing their fingers for snow days. Uggs make their reappearance.  You start seeing infinity scarves in every store window. It’s time to pack up those summer clothes and stock your wardrobe for the frigid winter.

We Illinoisans are fortunate enough to experience the extremes of every season. From 100 degrees in the summer to 20 degrees in the winter, we know the drill. The key is to know when to wear what.

Dressing cute doesn’t mean you have to be shivering from the cold. Let me just throw this on the table: shorts are not acceptable during the winter. Period. Put them in a box if you must to avoid the temptation. The key is to stay warm—comfort is attractive.

I hate to break it to you, but sundresses and flip-flops are also no no’s for the cold season. If you’re going to wear a dress, it better be below the knees and I can only hope that boots will be a part of your ensemble. Seeing people with bare legs when it’s below freezing outside makes me shiver.

As for your shoe choice, I urge you to invest in a pair of boots. If I’m able to admire your toenail polish, you’re doing it all wrong.

“I can’t stand when people wear tank tops and other summer clothes during the winter,” sophomore Lauren Hosto said. Her favorite season is fall and loves how she can wear the same sort of clothing into the winter season. On an average day, you’ll see Hosto in leggings and Ugg boots.

Winter is portrayed as a sort of gloomy season. My challenge to you is to add a splash of color to your outfits. Put a twist on the typical jeans, boots and sweater ensemble by throwing in a bright infinity scarf and some dangly earrings. Something simple is always guaranteed to be appealing.

Sophomore Kelsey Shelton enjoys the winter season. “I love the snow and hot chocolate thing… and baking cookies.” Shelton’s ideal outfit is a sweater, jeans and boots.

Dark colors and layering are a must for senior Alexis Scott. “I’d describe my winter outfits as comfy but casual. I love big wool scarves, the high boots and leggings and just being bundled up.”

Even the young men out there can add spice to their winter wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with a simple black Peacoat.

I’m sure there’s a handful of you who aren’t fans of the cold weather, but I urge you to make the most of it. If there’s one positive thing about living in the land of bipolar weather, it’s the wide variety of clothing you’re able to wear year round.