Winter is just around the corner, meaning it is to time to bring on all that is cozy, warm and fuzzy. It is the time of year for hot cocoa, thick blankets and sweaters.

When senior Emily Perkins was asked why she is so pumped up about this upcoming sweater weather she responded, “Sweaters are so warm and cozy; that they make you warm and cozy!”

Who doesn’t want to be cozy when the temperature dips and snow begins to fall?

While summer is all about staying cool, winter is all about trying to keep warm. There are seemingly endless varieties of sweaters to choose from: turtle necks, cable knits, sweater dresses, sweater vests, cardigans, the list goes on and on.  While sweatshirts and hoodies are nice for a light nip in the air, nothing beats the comforting embrace of a knit sweater. Expect when it is solely made out of wool. Then it is an itchy form of torture. To avoid having your skin becoming as inflamed as phoenix reborn from the wool, be sure to wear an under layer. Otherwise, you will suffer the consequences. Remember cold weather dressing is all about the art of layering. This is the key to regulating your body temperature and staying comfortable while transitioning from inside to outside.

The greatest thing about sweaters, aside from the fact that they are warm, is that they can be sophisticated without putting any more effort into dressing than you would throwing on a hoodie. Just toss on an over-sized sweater that covers your bum (because who really wants to deal with the legging-pants debate?) and some leggings and voilà! You now have an outfit that is as comfortable as sweats, while still looking like classy and sophisticated. This type of outfit is also great for most cold weather activities from trudging to class in snow, snuggling up for an epic marathon Netflix binge or being out and about on the town.

While sweaters can be instantly sophisticated, not all of them are. Just look up pictures of your parents wearing sweaters in the 80s with the heavy use of primary colors and geometric patterns. You will quickly come to the realization that the 80s were not at time of less is more when it came to fashion. Also, think of all the tacky holiday sweaters that make an appearance starting in November each year. Never will a cartoon character emblazoned across the chest be sophisticated. Possibly cute, but never sophisticated.

While one might think it is time to do away with these tacky sweaters all together, you might want to re-think this because the latest trend in the past few years is throwing ugly sweater parties. In this particular case, the uglier the sweater the better. If you do not own an ugly sweater and do not have any relatives that will allow you to raid their closet, you can always make your own or scourer the racks of Ragstock or Goodwill. If you chose to make your own Pinterest is good place to seek inspiration.

Remember cold weather dressing is all about the art of layering; this is the key to regulating your body temperature and staying comfortable while transitioning from inside to outside. Stay warm and be sure to rock some sweaters this season.