What to wear in a freezing lecture hall

What do you wear in a freezing lecture hall? One thin layer that folds into your bag. In a hot city the walk outside is warm and the room inside is cold, so a heavy jacket is wrong both ways.

The rule

Dress for outside, carry for inside. Wear your tee or shirt, and keep a light overshirt, cardigan or thin knit in your bag.

• Cotton or a cotton blend is easy to wash.
• A neutral colour goes over any top.
• Pick something you can wear open, so it does not feel hot on the walk.

The cost per wear check

Say a thin overshirt costs AED 120 and you use it 60 times in a term: AED 2 a wear. A heavy jacket at AED 250 used 8 times is over AED 30 a wear. These are example numbers only. The thin layer wins by a lot, which is why it sits in the capsule in the first-week campus outfit edit.

The exception

If you get cold easily, or your lecture halls are very cold, add a light scarf or a thin pair of socks in your bag. If you have a health reason to stay warm, speak to your doctor or the disability office about options. Do not buy a bulky coat just for one room.

Also check your school dress code. Hoodies, hats or large scarves are not always allowed in exams. Before you buy, run it through the 30-wear test.

Other small fixes

• Sit away from the vent if you can. It is often the coldest spot.
• Wear closed shoes or socks if your feet get cold, and bring light socks in your bag.
• Keep the layer in an outer pocket, so you can reach it without opening your whole bag.
• Fold it, do not stuff it, and it stays wrinkle free.

What to look for in the layer

A light knit or cotton shirt in a neutral shade works with most outfits. Check the label for care, since you will wash it often. Skip anything bulky, shiny or very warm. It should feel like almost nothing when you carry it, and like enough when you sit under the vent.