It will be a flood of colors taking over campus this winter, everything from dark red shirts and royal blue purses to bright gold shoes and yellow sweaters. Not only will the colors be brightened, but the necklaces will plunge to girls’ belts.
The majority of this season’s trends are solid colors including a lot of neutral tones. However, it is important not to go too neutral or too bold. Having a single bold piece, such as red bangles can help give a punch to a neutral outfit.
“Everything I’ve seen [lately] is red, white, blue and has a nautical look, which is everywhere from Banana Republic to Urban Outfitters,” Megan Westbrook, a junior in textile and apparel management, said.
Skinny jeans and leggings are still on the shelves of most department and clothing stores. Laurel Saunders, a sophomore in textile and apparel management, is happy about the return of leggings. Saunders said leggings are ideal in comfort and versatility.
“I have already seen many people sporting leggings around campus,” she said. “They are so easy. Just throw them on with a tunic top and some flats, and you are ready for class.”
Some trends are more flattering for a slimmer frame, according to Westbrook.
“People confuse fashion and trends,” Westbrook said. “A lot of people can’t pull off wearing skinny pants and leggings. If you don’t look good in it, don’t wear it.”
Leggings, however, are not the only returning ’80s fashion this season. Ankle boots are reemerging in all colors and styles. Shifting from mid-calf boots to ankle boots may seem like a drastic transition but these boots actually offer more versatility than meets the eye. They can be worn with anything from skinny jeans to dresses.
However, Saunders said she does not think some college students will be open to the idea of wearing ankle boots.
“It varies from person to person because individuals wear the trend the way it best suits them,” she said. “Others won’t take on the trend at all because the look may not be right for their personal style.”
While shirts and skirts are becoming longer and less revealing, many purses are now downsizing. The oversized bags that were loaded onto shelves at stores are shifting towards the less bulky clutch.
The majority of college students can’t afford designer purses from Louis Vuitton or Coach, but a clutch — only a fraction of what a handbag costs — is easier on the college budget and offers a way to own a designer purse without completely breaking their pocketbooks.
“The clutch purse is known for its nighttime appeal, but now it can be carried in the day as well,” Saunders said. “Although, I think it is quite a challenge to fit everything that you need for the day in the small handheld purse.”
Saunders said keeping up with fashion can be fun, but people should not sacrifice their individual styles for trends.
“People should wear the trends they like and that match their personal style,” Saunders said. “I don’t believe people should wear the trends just because they are in style.”