DEAR DR. KNOW

Dear Dr. Know,

Every time I look in the mirror, I freak out. Recently, I can't stand the way I look. I'm not depressed; I just don't understand why I can't dress well or look good at all anymore. Help!

Yucky in the Yard

Dear Yucky,

The snow on the ground and the chilly air blowing through Cambridge heralds the changing of the season. It's winter, hon, and that makes all the difference. Even style gurus like Dr. Know experience a little anxiety when it becomes time to whip out the wool, pull on the parka and flex that fleece. Fear not, Yucky dear, Dr. Know will plow you a path towards sharp winter style.

Let's start with a little equation: WINTER=MAKEOVER. Dr. K doesn't care if you're a boy or girl; the drastic climate change calls for profound aesthetic alteration. Any makeover must begin with the right frame of mind--think to yourself, "Today I will look great and still stay warm." Repeat if necessary. Get ready for a conversion of Biblical proportion.

Cultivate the coif. While many thrifty students embrace Old Man Winter by hibernating their hairdos, this solution provides little added warmth. Springboard off of your shaggy friends and commit yourself to Gino's for an afternoon of highlighting, lowlighting and spotlighting.

In most cases, it takes more than great hair. (Dr. K is the one, glorious exception.) Start with the essential winter coat. Finding the perfect winter jacket can take a lifetime of devoted shopping. However, the brutal Iowa winters of Dr. K's youth have taught her well--she never feels cold or looks bulky. The trick is to layer like a farm girl. When looking for the ultimate winter coat, try to resist the allure of poofy Michelin Man jackets and other high-tech numbers. Instead, bust out with several strata of cozy natural fibers.

So, uncomfortable self-conscious Yucky, the time has come to embrace winter and re-invent yourself. When all else fails and nothing can brighten the dark winter months, consider cashmere. Luxury can often bring happiness. But don't go crazy; Dr. K recommends leaving your fur at home.

Dear Dr. Know,

I'm a football player concerned with the upcoming Harvard-Yale game. All my friends will be drinking, but I have to stay sober in order to play in the game. I'm going to feel so left out.

Dry in Dunster

Dear Dry,

Who says you need to be sober to beat the Elis? (Don't they stink this year, anyway?) Dr. Know wagers that a stiff martini would chase away those pre-game heebee-jeebees faster than you can say "Crimson Sports Grille." Try asking your coach about it. I'm sure he will understand.

E-mail your questions to fm@thecrimson.harvard.edu.