Winter Essentials

Take a look inside two Lancer bags this winter, and hear their thoughts on the five best items to keep close this season

Junior Mac Larkin wants to keep things simple this winter by layering comfy neutrals and adding in a pop of color to create a well-rounded look. She begins her neutral look with cream sweaters and blush scarves, which provide layers that work well in the varying temperatures of East classrooms. She recently added a small cloche hat to her collection, which already includes her favorite yellow striped cloche and black beanie.

“This is a new piece that I picked up for MORP that I thought went well with my outfit,” Larkin said. “It’s pretty new so I’m still trying to find new ways to work it into my wardrobe.”

Her go-to accessories include her favorite winter bag, an oversized olive drab tote that easily fits all of her books.

Larkin loves to add fun to a neutral outfit by adding pops of bright colors. Her go-tos are her hot pink wedges and coffee mug.

“I love my mug because I’m always drinking coffee or tea during the day, just to keep me going,” Larkin said. “It’s a pop of color that fits my look, but it’s also plastic so I can drop it or throw it in my bag without caring.”

Sean Overton

Functionality, statement pieces and chunky knits are freshman Sean Overton’s main focuses for this winter. When it comes to his wardrobe, Overton continues to look for what is comfortable and convenient. To keep warm, he turns to knit — sweaters, beanies and cardigans. To add interest to a simple look, Overton adds statement pieces of jewelry. His preferred winter jewelry trends are vintage, earth tone rings and bone necklaces.

“I think really natural pieces like bone are going to be in this year,” Overton said. “Today I went with this quail bone necklace which is my current favorite. I’m also swapping out different earth tone rings.”

Besides jewelry, Overton also emphasizes cultural pieces such as headwraps. He aims at finding bold, colorful wraps that fit his overall look. Above all, Overton values the simplicity of his backpack. The flip-over top and hardy straps provide the perfect place to throw spirals and books, while an assortment of buttons and a sewn-on patch with his name give the bag a personal flair.

Lotion: Just like chapstick, lotion can be a life saver when winter hits. A small bottle that fits easily into a schoolbag is one of Larkin’s necessities to stay comfortable.

Lip balm: Overton and Larkin both agree that chapstick is essential during the dry days of winter. Larkin is fond of Whisper by Maybelline, which provides color without the thick texture of lip stick.