<p>My D goes to Northwestern and my other D just graduated from Williams. They will need warm winter clothes on most campuses in the north and the northeast. I think the people who are saying they don’t wear winter clothes in the winter drive most places? (Correct me if I’m wrong.) If you are walking, however - down 12 city blocks, across campus, to the train - you will most certainly, 100%, need warm winter clothes.</p>
<p>We buy our stuff from a great local used clothing store. You don’t have to buy very expensive name brands if you don’t have the budget for it. Look for sales and outlets if you don’t have a good thrift store or if your thrift store doesn’t stock winter items.</p>
<p>As I"ve said in other posts, you should buy earmuffs. When they go to auditions, they don’t want to mess their hair, but their ears get really cold. Scarves really help too. Also gloves.</p>
<p>Coats: Wool looks classier but down is warmer. I would opt for down personally because I like being warm. It’s also important for them to feel as comfortable as possible going into the audition. You don’t need brands like Northface as that is quite expensive although nice. Again, you can purchase warm coats on sale. Look for pockets and length. I like longer coats as they keep my thighs warm.</p>
<p>You can also get leggings if you want. If your D is wearing tights, leggings slipped over her tights will keep her comfy. Or baggy warm sweatpants.</p>
<p>Shoes: If you buy boots, you will need snow boots, not rain boots. Rain boots are only good for rain and have no lining. Last year in NYC it was absolutely freezing for auditions (Iived in Wisconsin and Michigan for many years, so I know cold!).</p>
<p>Boots are not 100% necessary if you are on a budget. You can walk in what you own and wear an extra pair of socks. My son was stubborn and wore black dress shoes for his walk to auditions in NYC and his feet were icy cold (I mean, he was walking on snow and jumping over ice puddles). </p>
<p>If they get boots, they can get whatever practical snow boots they like; these need to be waterproof and have lining; Lands End, LL Bean, etc. However, if you don’t know if you’re going to spend 4 years in a northern climate, I’d hate for you to spend $150 on boots. If you can buy on sale or from a good thrift store that would be great. </p>
<p>You would carry your audition clothes -with a change in outfit - in a bag, and simply remove winter gear when you get inside. </p>