Finally, we decided to forego the flashy, expensive items at the front and focus our attention on the things we could afford. As a result, we realized we could find cheap ways to stay warm on campus this winter.

Every day on the way to class, I see at least 50 different girls wearing long, poofy coats. I’d say about 90 percent of the time, it’s The North Face’s Metropolis Parka, which is sold for nearly $300. To me, being overly warm is not worth that kind of money — especially on something that makes girls look like the Michelin Man. JCPenney sells a much cheaper wool trench coat that will keep you just as toasty — I bought my military-style trench off-season last spring from the department store for about $45, and I have yet to freeze on my way to class. A similar down-filled coat can be found in black at JCPenney for anywhere from $75 to $84, and trench coats also can be purchased in basic colors such as black and camel for the same price.

Another popular staple for winter is a comfy pair of Ugg boots. Unfortunately, these boots will run you anywhere from $120 to $250, and once you get snow or rain on them, they’re permanently stained and practically useless. Much less expensive facsimiles can be found at Sam’s Club, which has a line of boots called Beach Feet. They look just like the real thing. I buy a new pair every year for just $35, and I feel no shame when I toss them at the end of the year after they get stained.

But if you’re not into the suede boot look, an even cheaper alternative is the rainboot. A pair of wellies in a solid basic color will match just about everything, and they don’t get stained from the water. I have a Michigan State pair I got from Target this fall for $20, and the store now sells rain boots in all types of colors and patterns for $32.99. Although rubber might not be as warm as Uggs, Target also sells thick knit boot socks which go inside the boots and flip over the top in packs of two for $12. I also own a pair, and they keep my feet nice and warm.

A few of my friends also have found when it comes to keeping your hands warm, plain gloves aren’t cutting it. They make it hard to text if you have a touch screen phone, and if they get wet for any reason, they freeze. When scouring through the sales bins at Target with my roommate, we found HotHands Hand Warmers, which are little packets that contain iron powder, water, salt, activated charcoal and wood fiber. When they are exposed to the air, the packets automatically heat up and warm your hands for up to 10 hours at a time. They are odorless and are disposable after each use. Target sells packs of 12 for $10.

Although it might be easy to splurge on expensive winter items that everyone on campus seems to be wearing, with some patience and a little digging, I have found it is possible to cut your winter spending and still look fashionable in the process.