With the recent debut of many fall 2007 ready-to-wear collections, the Scene is abuzz with talk of fashion trends. However, while the runway influences and reflects what people wear on the street, these two fashion spheres can seem worlds apart. In that light, the Scene presents you with its tips for stylish street fashion, inspired by the runways of the world and our campus.
IN: Pencil skirts
OUT: Mini jean skirts
As a general rule, mini jean skirts with frayed edges are out. More specifically, the mini jean skirt-plus-black legging combination should be avoided at all costs. Sorry ladies, but that ship has sailed. Tasteful mini skirts are hard to come by (mini dresses paired with opaque tights are a better option), but pencil skirts are always sophisticated. Try pencil skirts in bold, solid colors like royal blue to reflect the runway trends. Remember, there's something about dressing like a librarian that's incredibly appealing.
IN: Cardigans
OUT: Track jackets
Cardigans with a V-neckline have been making a comeback as of late in a big way. No longer do stay-at-home dads have to look to the trusty hoodie for warmth. Never fear, the cardigan is here. And it's a look we like, as it dresses the wearer up without trying too hard. As for track jackets, we're tired of fake crap plastered and striped and sewed all over these polyester disasters. The only way this little fashion faux pas can "work" is if said zip-up track jacket is vintage in nature or the preferred cardigan was eaten by the dog.
IN: Empire waist
OUT: Drop waist
It's time to rise up! Women should rebel against the drop waist in favor of the empire one. This means raising their natural waistline up right under the bustline. The style is elegant and sophisticated, yet femme fatale for its suggestive body emphasis. That said, say goodbye to the humdrum of the drop waist because it's time to usher in a more enchanting silhouette for life's everyday affairs.
IN: Nu Rave
OUT: Boho Chic
When it comes to clubbing fashion, the Europeans are always one step ahead. Luckily, the recent resurgence of rave culture in Europe has birthed a corresponding and appropriately absurd fashion craze. Enter: nu rave. Brightly colored spandex leggings paired with oversized T-shirts are staples of this look, which often includes graffiti-inspired patterns. Nu rave harkens back to the early '90s when we all wore huge neon T-shirts ? la "Wild and Crazy Kids" - and this may be the only other chance we get to pull off neon spandex before our youthful partying days are behind us. This sort of foolish fashion courage leaves no room for the blas? earth tones of boho chic. Despite its name, bohemian fashion has nothing to do with counterculture and appears more unkempt than innovative.
IN: Peter Pan boots
OUT: Uggs
Yes, we too thought Uggs were on their way out. And we are still praying to God that they will be sometime soon. Sorry guys, but just because they are warm and comfortable is not a good enough excuse to wear them in public. Oh, and Peter Pan boots' scrunched little bodies are so in right now. But since everyone is wearing them, they'll probably be out tomorrow as well.
IN: Turtlenecks
OUT: V-necks
Winter's nearly over, but as long as it's still chilly, we're wearing turtlenecks. Turtlenecks are almost universally flattering and are an elegant respite from cleavage-bearing tops. Better yet, when paired with slim pants, turtlenecks are the embodiment of '60s French chic. While turtlenecks are a stylish gender-neutral option, V-necks can be very flattering on men (think American Apparel T-shirts) but are a tired option for women. Ladies should lay off plunging V-necks, especially during the daytime.
IN: Old school sneakers
OUT: Flip-flops
When we were younger, there was a reason we had Michael Jordan posters plastered to our walls. His athletic ability was pretty impressive, but mostly it was his kicks. Big, old school sneakers are not only aesthetically pleasing and extremely comfortable, but they are a welcome relief from the minimalism of ballerina flats or basic European-style running shoes. More importantly, they are always weather appropriate. You know what's rarely weather appropriate? Flip-flops. There's about a three-month period (also known as summer) when the sight of flip-flops won't make us grimace in pain, but really, this kind of footwear should be reserved solely for the beach. Come on, be like Mike.
IN: Form-fitting vests
OUT: Fleece vests
Hiking isn't quite on the list of extracurricular activities at AU, and drab L.L. Bean fleece vests shouldn't make an appearance on precious campus terrain either. Opt instead for a form-fitting vest to take the torso to its maximum irresistibility. With button plackets and adjustable buckles for the perfect fit, form-fitting vests are like tunics that safeguard the fashion-savvy from the fashion blunders of the world. Whether it's paired with a sharp dress shirt and slacks or a vintage T-shirt and jeans, a form-fitting vest helps transform the student from penny-seeking bum to well-to-do VIP. Do yourself a favor and leave the fleece vest's dirty trail of fashion faux pas for the students at Frump University to trek on.
