You consider yourself to be up on all things cool right? You knew about Blackberries the return of preppy and cargo pants before 90 percent of the world but are you ready for the big leagues? College campuses are hot spots for trends potters. Chalk it up to an age where you’re finally feeling your independence AND don’t have parents breathing down your neck about your fashion choices. (“Where do you think you’re going dressed like that?”) It’s a time to try new things – some good some questionable – but the important thing is that it’s YOUR fashion risk.
Here are a few trends that are popping up on campuses this year. You decide if they’re good bad or ugly. Then prepare to make a statement of your own.
Uniquely yours t-shirts
Sure t-shirts have been a long-time staple of the frat boy’s wardrobe but this year they’re all about speaking your mind. Quote your favorite movie (“Napoleon Dynamite” is still going strong) promote your favorite band or spread the word about your favorite cause. There are websites where you can even personalize your college’s gear or create apparel with your own photos and text. Can personalized shoes be far behind?
Chuck Taylors to the rescue
Speaking of shoes Chuck Taylors those classic high-top basketball shoes are back in a big way. Although they’ve actually been around for almost 100 years today’s styles are transforming themselves turning up in everything from denim and brown suede to metallic and camouflage. Go a step further with ultra unique shoelaces.
Mad about plaid
Forget your grandmother’s couch. Plaid is making a comeback in virtually all corners of the wardrobe. Pants skirts coats and even boots are proving to be bold fashion statements that need no accessories. And the patterned pizzazz isn’t limiting itself to clothing. Plaid comforters purses and backpacks are snazzing up campus life big time. Enjoy it while you can. Talk among the fabric industry is that the look for 2007 is all things linen. Let’s hope it’s wrinkle free.
Got you covered
Granted black never goes out of style but what better place to forgo the standard leather computer case or cell phone holster than the ever-fashion-conscious college campus?
Coeds are keeping their gadgets in haute couture with crocheted wool corduroy tweed and even rubber wraps. From iPods and Powerbooks to Blackberries and cells high-tech and high fashion have collided for the benefit of all. Who are we to argue with fate?
Ahead of your time
Your bed head days are behind you thanks to the return of the newsboy hat. Originally seen on young lads in the 1920s (and then later on the disco dance floors of the 1970s) today’s version is rearing its head in chunky knits solid cottons and a wide variety of prints. Of course the unisex cap is more than a fashion statement; it’s a way to keep your noggin warm. Just be glad legwarmers aren’t making a comeback…yet.
