If the “snow day” last week taught us anything, it’s that winter in D.C. presents a new set of challenges — especially when it comes to choosing an outfit each morning.

Wearing a bulky winter coat that conceals a new outfit is far from ideal for displaying personal style, and sporting Canada Goose could also be a potential spark for theft. To bridge the gap between the furs, Acne Studios-inspired scarves and leather jackets of 2024 Pinterest vision boards with the constraints of a college student budget, it’s possible to get creative with ways to balance trends and practicality.

Here are some of the biggest trends we’re seeing in 2024 and how incorporating what seems like Instagram idealism into everyday style might be easier — and cheaper — than expected: 

Coats with character

Leather and fur coats are having their moment with the frigid temperatures, that’s “faux” sure. Faux fur-lined leather jackets are all the rage for keeping warm while still being able to stray away from the traditional bulky winter coat that often takes away from style.

But purchasing coats made with these fabrics isn’t always feasible for a college student, since authentic pieces can rack up in price very quickly. Despite this, there are still cheap coat options you can acquire at thrift stores or online, whether your goal is to match the look of Austin Butler in the upcoming film “The Bikeriders” with a sleek leather jacket or Lady Gaga in “House of Gucci” via a fluffy faux fur coat.

To go even more bold, some TikTok users are embracing the “mob wife” look, the centerpiece of which are fake animal print coats. These coats can be found for as cheap as $20, ensuring they’re a cost-effective way to keep warm in style.

The season of scarves

If you’ve been on Pinterest recently, you’ve probably come across the oversized, checkered blanket scarves by Swedish luxury brand Acne Studios. How hard could it be to style a multicolored scarf?

Well, considering they often cost $300, very difficult.

Influencers began sporting these long, colorful, plaid-adjacent scarves across social media in the fall. Luckily for students, there are plenty of “dupes” on Amazon and ASOS to get the same look when spending an entire month’s grocery budget on a piece of fabric seems a bit too extreme.

Scarves are a noteworthy gender-neutral way to incorporate pieces that fit your style into outfits that will keep you warm for your walk between classes. If you’re eagerly awaiting the release of Taylor Swift’s recently teased “Reputation (Taylor’s Version),” you can cut through the vast white snow-covered campus with a fiery red scarf.

Accessories – more than an afterthought

Cross-body messenger bags with long shoulder straps and lots of storage space have been taking center stage this winter as a way to add layers and utility to an outfit. Bags can contribute to the silhouette of an outfit, providing length or texture.

Just because you’re freezing with the frigid temperatures doesn’t mean that your books and laptop have to shiver. Put the contents for a day’s classes into a fuzzy bag to add more texture to an outfit otherwise characterized by puffy jackets and snow pants. With options as cheap as $12, there’s no reason not to bundle up your belongings in a fluff-covered bag.

Another way to add dimensions to your look without sacrificing the necessities of a coat is through jewelry. To match the theme of the season, try a necklace with crystals as shiny as ice and deep blues reminiscent of the shiver-filled season. Or to go even more all out in your desire to match the season’s themes, pick up a pair of snowflake-shaped earrings that are sure to glimmer under any hat or hood.