As a companion to John’s male-centric "Dressing for the Cold" piece a few days ago, I thought about its female equivalent. Ladies, I know you have leggings, but for winter, why not hide them under your jeans instead of that jean miniskirt? I have a pair of American Apparel’s "Winter Leggings" which are used for that purpose (or for lounging around the house) and their $38 price tag is totally justified by how warm they keep my legs; they’re even better with a layer of tights underneath. You might feel like a snowman with your layered-up legs, but when that -30 wind bites, you’ll thank me. You can find them here: store.americanapparel.net/rsatt328.html

Another wintertime necessity is something to keep your upper half warm and cozy. Cashmere is much warmer and much less itchy than wool, and though it can be really spendy, lots of stores offer pretty good quality cashmere for a decent price. J. Crew is having one of its ridiculous "Take an Extra ____% Off Clearance" sales, so a cashmere sweater can be had for about $70, which is way less than you’ll pay at Macy’s for something of much better quality. Another good idea is one of J. Crew’s sherpa-lined puffer vests (cute with a thermal and a thin metallic belt) or their sherpa-lined hoodie, which my roommate Amy has in bright blue. She says it’s pretty much the warmest hoodie ever. Plus, at J. Crew, we college students (with valid ID) get an extra 15% all merchandise; pretty sweet, right?www.jcrew.com/AST/Catalogs/2008/FALLHOLIDAY/FALL/October/OctoberBig80/AllProducts/PRDOVR~96560/96560.jsp

Add a chunky neckwarmer to your list in lieu of one of those icky fuzzy handknit scarves; my favorite Dinkytown store Covered has cute ones for $26 and also a bunch of armwarmers, alpaca hats and matching scarves, and gloves to keep your hands warm in the winter cold. Stacy and the other cute ladies at the store will hook you up. Keeping your winter accessories in the same color palette keeps you much chicer in the winter months than those who just throw on whatever they find in the closet, and it’s honestly not that hard to stay warm while looking cute if you know how to layer.