If and when temperatures drop and snow finally makes its expected appearance this winter in State College, long johns won't be a Penn State student's only option to face the harsh elements.

With this season's soft sweaters, fresh take on snow boots and form-fitting jackets, it's easy to follow the latest trends while keeping warm.

Walking to class in snow and ice requires a durable pair of boots.

This season, wedged, suede, metallic and even fur-covered snow boots are keeping feet warm as well as chic.

Corrine Farinola (psychology-senior), an employee at Bare Foot, 130 E. College Ave., said the classic short style of UGG boots have been the store's No. 1 seller this season, particularly in the sand and chestnut colors. Cowboy boots and wedges are also popular, but when it comes to comfort and warmth, styles with shearling on the inside are the way to go.

"[Shearling] is like a party for your feet," Farinola said.

Jess Foster, manager of the J. Crew in Princeton, N. J., said that although most stores are currently putting their winter styles on clearance and displaying their spring lines, layering materials such as Egyptian cotton, Marino wool and regular cotton is always an option. A button-down shirt with a lightweight sweater overtop is a great layering strategy without the excess bulk.

Beaded cardigans are also popular for this season at J. Crew, Foster said.

"Always what we do is layering," she said. "Always have tank tops."

The winter coat is fundamental in surviving the season's coldest days. Body forms can often be lost when coats are overstuffed and oversized.

There is a way to prevent this predicament: a coat that has a belt across the midsection or is slightly more fitted at the waist.

Feather down is lightweight and extremely warm as well as easy to find because it's so popular.

Longer styles of coats that fall to the mid-thigh or knee are also fashionable and provide warmth this time of year.

Just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to put your ripped jeans away until warmer weather. Kara Boots (senior-media studies), an employee at Access, 224 E. College Ave., has found a solution in thermals.

"I love wearing thermals under ripped jeans," Boots said.

She also said wearing tights or leggings is a great way to wear a jean skirt during the winter.

Another tactic for staying cozy is to wear anything made of prima cotton, Boots said.

Cashmere, another warm material option, is costly, but Boots said it's a good investment and, if you buy it in a basic color, it won't go out of style.

Denim, a staple any time of the year, is of course sticking around for the winter season.

Skinny jeans in darker washes or even in black tints are a good transition from winter to spring, Boots said.

"They look awesome with an '80s pump or tucked into boots," she said.

On the guys this season, corduroy blazers and sweaters remain popular.

"I really like blazers. It goes with anything and really spices up an outfit," Brendan McEvoy (sophomore-public relations) said.

McEvoy also said he likes an eclectic mix of different styles and he often mixes and matches clothing.

"I don't really buy into the walk-into-the-store-and-buy-what's-on-the-mannequin," he said.

Lilibeth Diaz (sophomore-life science) said if something is warm and comfortable, she will wear it.

As an employee at Abercrombie & Fitch, 138 S. Allen St., Diaz said she often wears clothes from the store.

"I really like their shirts because they're really long," she said.

Longer shirts are fashionable right now, and they also ensure that no skin is exposed to the cold air.

And don't forget to accessorize. Hands can often be neglected and forced to face the winter wind without gloves or mittens, resulting in severely dry, cracked skin.

Scarves are also important to grab before running out the door to class. Make sure you're tying them the correct way: Fold the scarf in half and put it around your neck, then take the two ends and pull them through the loop.

Sara Aboulafia (sophomore-philosophy) said she likes to accessorize .

"I have lots of hats. I'm currently trying to crochet a scarf," she said. "I really love throwing items together."

Aboulafia also said she goes to thrift stores to find clothing.

Whether you buy your winter clothes at Abercrombie or thrift stores, remember layering, wearing accessories, finding a warm yet flattering coat and snagging a stylish pair of boots are unwritten laws for looking hot when it's cold outside.