The weather is beginning to drop more and more – winter jackets should be ready to come out of the closet or if you don't have one, it's time to head to the store and buy one. Of course, as with any other item of clothing or anything as a matter of fact, there are various selections to chose from. You should choose one that fits well with the type of person you are. Let's examine…

There, for the jocks, are varsity jackets. They are great to show off your athletic abilities in public, and keep you rather warm. It is however, not a very good idea if you get a varsity jacket and you only play junior varsity or something. It appears very "cheesy". On the same note, marching band members shouldn't get varsity jackets either, considering that it isn't really something to show off. Varsity jackets are for athletes, and marching band members may get poked fun of by the "more deserving and proud".

Urban styles promote leather. It gives you a "hard-core" look. But don't overdo it on the leather. Then you'll look like a druggie or a homosexual. Personally, I think it looks better on females than males, but a guy wearing a leather jacket can pass. Furthermore, leather jackets are not very useful in keeping you cozy. First of all, it is thin. Second of all, leather tends to be really chilly when pressed against you in cold weather.

If you're a prep, you may want to look to the cotton jackets. Cotton plaid with leather trim can be very tasteful, giving a woodsman like aura. They keep you warm, but gets wet easily when you get pushed into the snow by someone wearing a varsity jacket. Just kidding.

Looking into my closet at my winter jacket – two winter jackets actually – I have a Columbia "Bugaboo", with waterproof shell and a removable flannel layer. I also have a Nautica brand waterproof / flannel reversible jacket. Both of which were the style of the past couple of years (reusing over the years isn't all too bad for us poor ones). A note on flannel: don't wash it too much or else it will wear out and get extremely thin. But whatever you decide, remember (not to sound like a mommy, but…), looks aren't everything. Warmth is a prime factor. Even with the best-looking jacket around, if you come down with a nasty flu, no jacket will save you from devastating looks.

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