Plymouth hasn’t been totally consumed by the winter weather yet (surprisingly enough,) giving University females just enough time to stock up on the season’s must-haves before they’re snowed in.
With the changing season comes more heavy, textured fabrics. Even though it came out of the fashion vault a few years back, it is still huge for 2006. Like many other trends, too much tweed can be a bad thing. It’s best to keep it small, such as a fitted skirt, a pair of shoes, or a small purse. However, many stores feature tweed peacoats, which can be risky. Too much of this thickly weaved fabric can look matronly. Keep it sexy by pairing tweed pieces with alternate fabrics, like with a silky top or a flowy skirt. Also, tweed can appear boring if paired with hues that are too dark. There are usually multiple colors woven throughout the fabric, so pick a color from there to add some pizzaz.
Making a huge splash at the Emmy’s, purple is still making its wave through the fashion world. Stay away from the springtime pastel (and avoid looking like an Easter egg) and stick with a darker, jewel tone or a plum. Pick one piece per outfit to make this kind of a statement – too much and you’ll end up looking like Barney. Purple pops when paired with black and neutrals, but also surprisingly works well with bright green. Along with smaller pieces, purple looks great on lids, flattering almost every eye color.
Every year, most girls haul up to the attic and take out the same sweaters they’ve worn year after year. DonÃt bother with traditional styles – this year sweaters are longer and leaner. Sweater dresses are becoming popular, and fall’s “grandpa style” sweaters will still work for layering in those chilling winter months. Most of these lengthy knits can’t be worn alone, so pair with tights or leggings to keep legs cozy.
Like many other trends this season, moderation is key. This applies the most to one of the riskier popular styles now, the elusive animal print. In small doses, it can make quite a statement (animal= sexy,) but too much and it looks like a Cruella DeVille costume. The most popular animal print currently is leopard (meow.) Like purple, pick one piece to support this craze. A pair of shoes, a handbag, even hair garnishes are all acceptable accessories. Full leopard coat? Leave that for your grandma for her night out.
The winter season brings holiday parties. While it may be unacceptable to try to emulate a Christmas tree, there’s no reason not to engage in a little sparkle. Metallics are huge. While always appropriate for jewelry, silver and gold finishes are popping up from shoes to purses. The best way to shine this season is to carry a metallic or bejewelled party clutch. Not really appropriate for day, eye-catching at night.
A must have for chilly New Hampshire days? The perfect coat. Stick with your L.L. Bean for skiing, but select a cuter style for day to day wear. Be – unlike other pieces, you’ll be wearing it almost everyday. The traditional pea coat is not shorter and wider (think Jackie O style) with oversized buttons. Many coats this season feature a significantly shorter sleeve (meant to be worn with elbow length gloves,) which may not work for the average student. Stick with regular sized sleeves, but look for cuter embellishments, such as an interesting collar or a bejeweled brooch.
Looking for a more everyday kind of coat? Almost every store in the mall is featuring the puffy style parkas with fur hoods, most often available in white, black, or brown. Like previously mentioned, they are a bit shorter than jackets of years past (make sure not to sport a bare-midriff with this one) and tighter as well. Many girls around campus have already been spotted wearing this style. It also works for vests.
It’s not all about fashion – other girls are looking for functional pieces to purchase this season. While out of style pretty much everywhere but places that you need to keep warm, Ugg boots are still huge at PSU. Girls everywhere can be spotted wearing all kinds of varieties of the slip-on boot. Granted, any major magazine will say that Uggs have been “Ugg-ly” for well over a year now, ask any girl who has them how she feels about them. A bit pricey (the cheapest pair is still about $100,) the bottom line is they are warm, comfortable and functional around campus. Fakes are acceptable, but don’t compare to the super soft lining of a real Ugg. For those who cannot bear to part with their beloved boot, there are a few rules that should be followed. First, pastel Uggs are practically a relic. Not only are they totally inappropriate for winter, but the lighter shades show all signs of wear and tear. Also, stay away from Uggs with skirts at all times. And last but not least, donÃt wear them out trying to find a boyfriend – guys have publicly denied Uggs as a style ìdoî for girls (this is serious – there are groups on Facebook made by guys in protest.)
Ready to ditch the Uggs? Try a higher, more slimmer boot this year. Yes, Uggs are comfy and every girl wants them, but let’s face itó they flatter no one. Even size six feet appear Big-foot like in the soft shoe. Try a boot with a slight wedge – it’s much more slimming. Many of the boots featured in stores now are cable-knit and have other sweater-like elements like pom-poms.
As always, the best outfit can only be completed with an attitude of pure confidence. Sure, these are the trends being pushed by the industry this year, but they don’t compare the hottest style – your own.