Kahlil Schweitzer, an open-option sophomore, leaves his literature class Monday wearing a black peacoat, Levis jeans, a BDG hoodie, vintage scarf, boots and glasses. (CU Independent photo illustration/Zak Krevitt)
Every day CU students peer out their windows to gauge the weather prior to getting dressed. But many of these students end up donning a pair of thin leggings and a pair of Ugg boots come rain or shine.
Since Boulder temperatures are little lower this time of the year, what exactly is the lure of this duo? Morgan Kairey, an 18-year-old freshman studio arts major and Los Angeles native, said the duet is mostly fashionable.
“At my house in California I grew up seeing people wear Uggs and leggings,” Kairey said. “I was inspired by the trend there and have worn them since then.”
What goes on in L.A. appears to “go” in Boulder regardless of the drastic climate difference. Students have adopted this fashion statement and it is currently rampant on campus. The Ugg-clad feet are seen climbing the stairs out of lecture halls, resting underneath chairs in the dining halls and parading the sidewalks between classes.
Elizabeth Lawrence, a first-year graduate student in the sociology department, said she’s noticed this trend too, and that style changes over the years.
“It does seem like [Uggs and leggings] are the predominant style on campus this winter,” Lawrence said. “The leggings seem a little impractical, but I had my own style when I was younger too so I can understand.”
Melanie Mulvihill, freshman open-option major (left), and Kirsten Weinberg, also a freshman open-option major (right), walk to class bundled up in puffy jackets and matching boots on Monday. Mulvihill is wearing a long, black, Besty Johnson puffy jacket with a furry hood, black jeans, and black Hunter boots. Weinberg is wearing a white puffy Juicy jacket, black leggings, and black Hunter boots. (CU Independent photo illustration/Zak Krevitt)
Kate Snead, a 22-year-old senior psychology major and Boulder-native, described the trend as practical.
“I own a pair of Uggs and I sometimes wear my leggings with them,” Snead said. “I have regular leggings though, not the thermal kind. If it’s really cold out, it’s smart to dress weather-consciously, but people don’t always do that. I imagine it would be hard to come from somewhere like California because [Boulder] has such a varied climate.”
There are many students who aren’t taken with the leggings and Uggs fashion statement, however, and who advocate for other more weather-appropriate style ideas.
Christopher Ring, a 20-year-old junior business and finance major from Vail, said from his observations Ugg boots are more style-oriented and not for bad weather.
“From what I’ve heard, Uggs are better when it’s dry out,” Ring said. “They’re not snow boots.”
Lesley Perkins, an 18-year-old freshman art and psychology major said she didn’t find the recent fashion craze to be stylish, and gave more detail on style ideas for girls like herself.
“Dressing weather-consciously should be important,” Perkins said. “People can be stylish and warm! A cute coat and accessories can create an outfit.”
Snead added that girls can add scarves, accessories, hats and boots to just about any outfit and create a fun, winter look. Lawrence suggested that female students can also stick with Ugg boots if they enjoy wearing them, but pair them with skinny jeans for a warmer alternative to leggings.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Jenna Fredrickson at Jenna.fredrickson@colorado.edu.
