How Catlin’s staying warm and fashionable this winter

By Prisha Garg ‘26 

Graphic by Jorie Liang ‘26 (left), Sophia Hu ‘26 (middle), Jorie Liang ‘26 (right).

If Catlin were to have one universal winter law, it’s this: you will layer, or you will freeze. As temperatures drop, the walk across the quad turns into a mini runway of coats, tights, scarves, earmuffs, and whatever statement piece made it out of someone’s closet that morning. Winter fashion at CGS is not just about staying warm, but about self-expression shaped by both weather and personal creativity. 

That balance between warmth and individuality shows up everywhere on campus, so let’s dive into exactly how students stay warm and fashionable, and how you can steal their best tricks for your own winter fits. 

Beyond the puffy coats and Uggs takeover, students often experiment by trying and remixing trends to figure out how to stay warm without feeling like a “big marshmallow,” as Jorie Liang ‘26 joked.

Liang has practically become a winter-style icon on campus, someone who has mastered the balance of warmth and personality. Her fits often feel like carefully curated characters, stitched together from a mix of different styles.

Sophia Hu ‘26 also takes a similar approach. She dresses with intention, a strong sense of self, and a little bit of winter delusion. Much of that experimentation starts online, with inspiration pulled from anywhere and everywhere. 

For Liang, apps like Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok aren’t just doom scrolling, but have become a fuel for her inspiration. She draws heavily from Y2K, 2000s fashion, kawaii Japanese trends, and grungier and emo styles. Her style changes day by day, and social media gives her the freedom to pull from different aesthetics without feeling boxed in. 

Hu agreed, mentioning she favors Pinterest as it offers a more “curated feed for outfit inspiration.” Her boards are organized to streamline her wardrobe and keep her staple pieces feeling fresh.

While social media can sometimes push students towards the same trends, both Liang and Hu use it as a starting point rather than a rulebook. Their outfits show that digital inspiration does not have to erase individuality when students are intentional about what they borrow and how they wear it.

Across campus, a few winter staples dominate the scene: Uggs (especially Hello Kitty ones for Liang, as seen in photos 1 and 2 above), tights, puffy coats, leg warmers, big scarves, and ear warmers or earmuffs. 

Liang described her go-to outfit, saying, “Honestly, you can’t even see it under my big coat. But usually it’s all white and fluffy– a big coat, fluffy vest, scarf, double tights, leg warmers, and arm warmers, too.” She mentioned that her white puffer and pink fluffy puffer are her favorites, not only because of the warmth they provide but also because they are the best-looking jackets she owns.

Hu’s winter uniform trends are more classic, featuring a sweater, crewneck, or hoodie paired with pants, typically jeans. 

And coats are non-negotiable. Hu mentioned, “My coat is everything. I need multiple coats,” echoing Liang’s sentiment of the importance of coats and having multiple options. 

Color also plays an important role in shaping winter looks. Monochromatic outfits in shades like white, brown, and black are common sights around campus each winter, offering a clean and cohesive look.  

Liang gravitates toward these because they simplify layering. Hu appreciates the trend, though she said, “I don’t typically wear monochromatic outfits, although sometimes I’ll wear all black.”

Beyond color, dressing up can also be based on how a student feels that day, referred to as “mood dressing.” This certainly affects Liang, especially on days with major tests, when dressing up feels motivating. 

Hu has a different mindset and stated her mood doesn’t influence what she wears, but the weather always does. She said, “If it’s raining, I’ll wear a raincoat or hoodie; if it’s really cold, I'll pick a thicker coat.”

Accessories often become the key to maintaining style when heavy coats hide the outfit. Liang and Hu’s winter MVPs include: Earmuffs, pearls, hair clips, scarves, and silver jewelry. 

Hu said colorful tops under coats keep things interesting, so she can easily take off her coat in warmer classrooms. She mentioned another great trick is to wear a skirt with fleece tights so her legs aren’t cold.

Hu deems fleece tights or thick socks her most underrated winter essentials, since “fleece tights are perfect for wearing skirts in winter, and I’m always short on thick socks.” 

For those towing the line between fashion and warmth, Hu emphasized using base layers. “Hidden layers keep you warm,” so you don’t need a giant jacket covering everything. Keeping warm doesn’t mean you have to rely on one giant puffer that swallows the entire outfit.

However, it is important to remember that there is no single winter strategy at the Catlin Gabel School; some students prioritize comfort, while others lean into maximalist styling. While this feature highlights the perspectives of female-identifying students on campus, winter fashion is not limited by gender. No matter how you identify, these styling approaches (layering, accessorizing, and dressing with intention) can serve as inspiration for anyone navigating the cold. 

Above all, the advice that stuck out most was simple, Liang stated enthusiastically, “Wear what makes you feel lit, don’t care what people think.” She continues to say, “Just do what feels good to you.” More than anything, Catlin’s winter fashion reflects confidence, where staying warm and true to yourself matters more than keeping up with trends.

Truly, that’s the essence of Catlin winter style: creativity, comfort, confidence, and an army of coats.