The beginning of a new year is often a time when people look to the future and pledge to make a change.

This year, instead of promising to call grandma everyday or making exactly three health-inspired trips to the gym, pledge to help Penn State break free from its style chains.

State College has long been plagued by armies of identically outfitted students trudging through the snow and ice. It is time to make a New Year's declaration to develop a personal style, and with a plethora of unique stores a short walk from campus, these are resolutions that will be easy to keep.

I will occasionally leave my Uggs at home.

The Ugg boot is the eighth wonder of the fashion world. Despite its comfort and trendiness, it stays true to its name: It is ugly. Yet the boot resurfaces year after year as a campus favorite. The fashion-conscious can take solace in knowing that there are still flattering winter styles out there.

Access, 224 E. College Ave., carries leather boots of all heights, sneaker-like boots that look like regular shoes under jeans, and canvas boots that come in a variety of colors and patterns.

For those who just aren't ready to give up their sheepskin boots, Charlie Biddle, owner of The Shoe Box at 214 E. College Ave., says the Ugg company has a wide variety of styles.

"When everyone thinks of the Ugg boot, they think of the classic style in three heights," he said. "But we do really well with the other styles, like the knit boot."

Biddle said Ugg products owe their staying power to high-quality materials.

"There isn't really another brand like it,"

he said. "The companies that try and imitate it don't have the same warming benefits because they aren't made from real sheepskin and shearling."

I will not wear my pajamas to class.

When going to class means a 15-minute walk in 40-degree weather, comfort is important. But students like Morgan McCormack (sophomore-marketing) are not fans of some winter style choices, no matter how comfortable they are.

"I hate when people wear shirts with the tights and the Uggs. Sometimes the shirts are just too short," McCormack said.

There are plenty of easy and comfortable pieces in stores that make getting dressed for class effortless.

"We have really nice Tool trench coats and rain jackets in fun colors like teal and black for $79.90," said Annie Keyes, employee at Mr. Charles, 228 E. College Ave.

Metro, 320 E. College Ave., carries moderately priced clothing, complete with jean lines, racks of soft cotton tee shirts and fun colored flats. They also feature a sale room with tons of clothing priced from $10 to $20.

I will not pretend that all high heels are appropriate in four inches of snow.

The reason the high heel has persevered for more than 50 years, despite millions of twisted ankles, sore calves and painful blisters, is nothing short of a mystery.

But when snow blows over State College, wearing your favorite stilettos becomes downright dangerous.

However, for those who just can't stand the thought of wearing flats with their favorite skinny jeans, there are safer options in stores.

"Some designers now put rubber inserts on their high heels for traction," Biddle said. "We carry a style like this by Steve Madden."

I will not use all the book money I said I needed on new clothes.

State College has its share of high-end clothing retailers and specialty shops, but a good deal isn't hard to find. Luckily, the many sales all over town means developing a personal style won't end up costing you a second tuition.

Keyes said strapped-for-cash girls can find good deals at Mr. Charles.

"Our jeans are all 20 percent off, and we have lots of other great pieces for 50 to 70 percent off," Keyes said.

For guys, Industrie, 151 S. Allen St., is having a going-out-of-business sale. The store features clothing and accessory styles for men from New York, Chicago and Europe.

"We are open until Feb. 5," said store owner Kevin Fessler. "We have lots of cool stuff and really great bargains, so everyone should come check it out."