To those from the West Coast, the Southwest, the balmy South and every other warm locale, you're going to wish you had never left. Welcome to Lincoln.
When you visit this summer for New Student Enrollment — or move into your dorm room in August — Nebraska weather won't seem so bad. Naturally, there will be a few thunderstorms to keep you up all night before your first quiz, and a freak downpour will start the second you step out the door and end immediately after you get to class. This sort of weather is to be expected, but nothing will prepare you for the soul-crushing cold that is to come.
No, Nebraska's not the coldest, but there is a certain bleak hopelessness that sets in around mid-January when the highs are in the single digits and the wind chill makes it feel like 20 below zero. By February, it will seem like winter will never end. Thankfully, spring inevitably comes, but in the meantime, there is a way you can stave off the frightful cold: layers. Layering is the key to not only surviving but thriving in the Nebraska winter. So let's start from the inside and work our way out.
Thermal shirts and pants provide a good base. Most athletes probably already have several sets of thermals, but they are something for everyone to consider, especially those of us who start to get cold at room temperature. Thermals are ubiquitous at sporting goods stores these days and can vary in price. The standard, Under Armour, will run you anywhere from $80 to more than $150 for a set. The North Face, also a popular option, will cost about the same. These two brands offer clothing that's "engineered" for keeping you warm.
But don't think you have to spend that much for some quality undies. Scheels, at 2960 Pine Lake Road # B, sells thermal pants and leggings for men for as little as $20 each, and Target, at 333 N. 48th St., sells thermal shirts and leggings (though no leggings for men) for less than $10. Just please, whatever you do, don't get the mock turtlenecks.
I also can't recommend thermal socks enough. Get a pair. Get them now on sale. Especially if you get cold feet. Look for something nice and thick, but when worn in your shoes doesn't make your feet feel too restricted.
Cozy knitwear is the next key in fighting off the cold. Sweaters, cardigans, hats, scarves and gloves can be found almost anywhere, but I highly recommend checking out Lincoln's many thrift and consignment shops. Goodwill (4555 Vine St.), The Arc (2620 O St.) and Family Thrift (1745 O St.) all have huge selections at ridiculously low prices but require a keen eye to sort through the plethora of items. Black Market, at 1033 O St. # 101A, is a personal favorite. The store is a bit more selective in the goods it buys and sells, so you will pay a slightly higher price, but it will be worth it. Their stock is always rotating, so it's easy to find a unique piece to fit in your wardrobe.
Also well worth a visit are Aorta, Ruby Begonia's and Timeless Treasures on O Street. The great thing about knitwear is just how easy it is to throw on a sweater or scarf and call it a day. A good sweater can be worn casually with jeans or dressed up when worn over a button-down shirt. Hell, throw in a tie if you're so inclined.
Fleece is another popular option on campus. The North Face logo is commonplace on campus come October when the temperatures start to drop. Again, The North Face fleece is definitely quality, but the price can be pretty steep for students on a budget. I highly recommend shopping around. Do it right now, even. Summertime clearance sales at department stores are an amazing way to get goods cheap. Thrift and consignment always have jackets for sale, so don't hesitate to head downtown and see what they have to offer as well.
Now, some things it is just best to pay full price for, like shoes. You are definitely going to need good pair of boots for trekking through the snow and slush. You can find shoes at vintage stores, but sometimes they are rather beat up, and trust me, you're going to want something that's weatherproof. The Public, 1033 O St., sells TOMS, Minnetonkas, Keds and Palladium boots.
I don't mind paying full price for shoes because I like to wear them out. I wore the same pair of Chuck Taylors for six years. When you are looking for boots, find something with decent traction — there will be a lot of ice. When combined with a pair of thick socks, your footwear will be impenetrable.
The last thing you're going to need is a nice coat. Purchasing a coat is probably the most important part of readying your winter wardrobe. A coat says a lot about its wearer. Peacoat? English/history major. Vintage trench? Art major. Long blue parka? Incessantly rambling protestor with an unending stream of fliers. I think it's best to find an all-purpose coat for the winter — one that will keep you warm when you head off to class, but will look stylish and refined when you head off for a fancy date. This is probably why peacoats have become a staple for men and women.
Peacoats aren't the only option, though. Wool car coats are classic, as are winter-weight trenches. You can now find motorcycle and aviator jackets in a variety of fabrics, including shearling and wool. Even parkas have become more refined. Look for something you really like and will wear year after year. Find a coat you can count on. A good coat can last a long time.
The great thing about layering is how tactile it is. Throw on a fleece jacket and your coat, peel them off if it gets too warm while sitting in class. Dressing for the icy cold Nebraska winter is all about finding versatile and unique pieces that work for you and your style. Oh, and if you slip on the ice, don't sweat it, we've all been there.
blairenglund@dailynebraskan.com
is a member of the 
