There’s snow on the ground and ice hidden beneath, meaning it’s winter in DeKalb … again.

With blustery minus-degree winds messing up newly ironed or curled hair and ice cold, dry air leaving our manicured hands ashy, how are we ladies (and perfectly primped men) supposed to look good through a DeKalb winter?

The truth is there are tons of ways to be fashionably cute and warm at the same time. Here are a few:

Don’t wear skimpy clothing.

In all honesty, as great as cropped coats and mini-skirts over leggings look on the mannequins, they are just not practical for a DeKalb winter.

Remember, there’s nothing fashionable about pneumonia and frost-bitten body parts. Let’s look good but stay unfrozen.

Do wear a coat.

On the way to the bar? Wear a coat! Maybe not an expensive one though, because there is always the chance of spilled beer. Forget about cropped coats and don something classy.

A long collared coat with big buttons will keep you warm and looking good on the sober way to and on the stumble back from the bar/party/group outing. Add a bright scarf and fuzzy mittens to complete the look.

Don’t wear sandals in the snow.

As cute as opened toe sandals are in the summer, they’re not as amazingly hot in December. Tromping through snow en route to a party will ruin your cute look, especially when your toes are purple. Purple toes are turn-offs and make it difficult to dance.

Do wear proper footwear.

This is the season for boots, the winter footwear sent from shoe heaven! Worn over skinny or boot cut jeans (baggy, bunched up jeans look terrible under boots) will keep your calves and pedicured piggies extra warm.

Now once you’re inside and the coat comes off (and maybe more), that’s where the style really matters. Keep warm!