Never underestimate the power of freezing temperatures to inspire people to throw anything and everything on their bodies in an attempt to block the cold. And we mean anything: fleece-lined Crocs, Elmer Fudd hats, boots trimmed with the fur from a dozen Wookiees ...'Tis the season to wear any number of perplexing fashions in the name of comfort. But does the risk of style suicide outweigh the coziness factor? Or can we find some fashion value in long johns and fur hats? Below, we investigate some of the most common offenders.

THE FUR HAT
Pros: It's hard to feel cold when you've got a giant fluffy wad of fur enveloping your head. And when done right, a fur hat can look amazingly glamorous, with a charming touch of eccentric. Hey, it worked for Julie Christie in "Doctor Zhivago."
Cons: For starters, there's that whole fur issue. And, whereas you may look in the mirror and see one chic comrade, others may see ... a walking Q-Tip. (Searle, $348)

Click here for seven more questionable fashions.



FLEECE-LINED MAMMOTH CROCS
Pros: They're comfy as hell. And recyclable. And, um ... that's all we got.
Cons: They're also ugly as sin. Seriously -- this is the fanny pack of footwear. (Crocs, $39.99)




ARM WARMERS
Pros: Cute and cozy when worn under a jacket or cardigan. We like ASOS's soft knit version.
Cons: Ridiculous when worn with a tank top. It's either warm enough to go sleeveless or it's not. Pick one. (ASOS, $11.75)




UGGS
Pros: Lessen your risk of eating it on a patch of ice. Work well with skinny jeans. And that sheepskin lining is mighty tempting.
Cons: Getting crap from your friends -- and random passersby -- for wearing Uggs. You can thank the countless Hollywood teenyboppers who stomped that trend into the ground with their squatty Peeps-hued boots. (Ugg, $180)


FUR
Pros: It's toasty, luxurious and perfect for channelling your inner Krystle Carrington.
Cons: If the four-digit prices don't get you, there's that whole animal-slaughtering rap ... not to mention the risk of getting up-close and personal with a sploosh of Sherwin Williams courtesy of an outraged PETA member. But if you like the look, consider a supple faux fur piece, or just stick with Granny's vintage hand-me-downs and hand the guilt over to her. (3.1 Phillip Lim at La Garconne, $1,200)


LONG JOHNS/THERMAL UNDIES
Pros: They're lightweight, great for layering, fun to sleep in and are staging a big comeback. No, really. Alexander Wang's Thermal Onesie is meant to be seen ... provided you have the body of Erin Wasson.
Cons: Having to completely disrobe when nature calls. (Alexander Wang at shopbop.com, $326)


EAR FLAP CAPS
Pros: Prevent your frozen ears from snapping off like icicles. And modern versions are pretty darn cute.
Cons: Just brace yourself for the inevitable Elmer Fudd/Holden Caulfield jokes. On the bright side, you probably won't be able to hear them. (Urban Outfitters, $14.99)



FUR BOOTS
Pros: Well, you definitely won't die of hypothermia. Embarrassment, maybe, but not hypothermia.
Cons: Faux or not, furry footwear reeks of tackiness. Just ask the dog humping your leg. (Forever21, $38.30)




Tell us: Which of these winter "essentials" do you love, and which do you loathe? Is there anything you think we should add to the list?