During times like the first week of classes, Homecoming and tailgating season, Halloween weekend and more, the sidewalks of NIU become prime runway time for Huskies to show off more clothing than what they’ve become accustomed to wearing to class. 

Although we have shifted into the spring semester, Illinois weather is not letting up on the 50 degree days, and the cold might call for more basic outfits in order to keep warm. 

But, if Pinterest and TikTok have taught students anything, it’s that even outfits that were quickly thrown together can still look straight from a mood board.

Below are the clothing staples dominating our campus’ social sphere this winter season: Chaos, comfort and all the craziness in between. 

FROM FISHNETS TO FLEECE, LAYER IN STYLE WITH TIGHTS 

If you’ve walked through campus recently, one thing you have probably noticed are tights everywhere. 

For practicality and function, fleece-lined tights are a cute way for someone to appear as if they are wearing normal stockings, while also keeping their legs warm this season. Although they have many different uses, fleece-lined tights could work well for those needing to find a pair of nylons for an outfit that requires exposed legs.

On the other hand, patterned tights work well as a standalone accessory, giving the wearer the option of matching their stockings to the rest of their outfit, either to be worn alone or over a thicker pair.

For colorful tights check out Viken Plan and for fleece-lined tights of various shades try Amazon.

JEWELRY: THE LOUDER, THE BETTER 

From the runway to your local Walmart or Target, chunky necklaces and bold rings have found their way onto shelves and into people’s hearts these past few months. Some tech companies such as Apple and Samsung have also started expanding their repositories of watch bands and accessories to match a more “chain link” vibe. 

Even earrings have taken on a world of their own, including options for those with and without piercings, with searches on Pinterest for “earring stacks” rising at about 54% in the last 3 months.

Introducing clunkier jewelry into the mix gives students a way to add to even casual outfit combos and turn them into put together looks. 

For local options, check out DeKalb Tattoo Company’s website or visit them in-person at 817 W. Lincoln Highway. Online picks can be found on Etsy from various storefronts.

BAGGY JEANS & BIG JACKETS 

For those that have early morning classes that require you to get out in the snow long before it’s been taken care of, or even for the students who have noticed their peers out on Thursday nights, you’ve most likely wondered how they manage to stay so warm during this time of year. 

Workwear jackets have become especially popular not only for their durability and warmth, but also the relaxed, stylish fit and variety of colors that pair with just about anything. 

Different kinds of oversized jeans you may see around campus usually follow the same logic, but with various designs that can be found anywhere from shoppings malls to thrift stores. These items work well with layered tops and simple basics, even matching a pair of cool jeans can take an outfit to another level.

For local options, check out thrift stores such as Country Store Thrift Shop at 842 W. Lincoln Highway or Goodwill at 1037 S. Annie Glidden Road. Online options for jeans can be found on Levi’s and jackets can be found at Carhartt.

Now, with all of that being said, the overall real trend here? Self expression. While the items on this list are pieces of clothing that have gained significant popularity, college is all about finding who you are in this phase of your life, and part of who you are as your personal style.

So if you prefer baggy jeans over chunky shoes, or patterned tights over ones without, real campus fashion is all about showing up as yourself, even if “yourself” isn’t what you see currently trending.