Although Madison's weather can't decide if it's
winter or spring, sporadically fluctuating from snow to sunshine,
it is eventually going to take a turn for the better. In light of
this fact, we must be wardrobe-ready. On these random sunny days,
collegians all over town are rejoicing and shedding their layers to
show off their spring styles. It seems like years since we've been
able to walk down State Street without a jacket covering any
attempts we have made at being trendy. This spring's fashion is
all about mixing masculine with feminine. Dainty meets tough,
which is perfect for festivals, bike rides and barbecues. It's
time to show skin in unexpected yet sexy and sweet ways. For the
boys: a casual beachy look gets a touch of
sophistication by mixing in timeless, preppy pieces.
On a warm spring day,
a collegiettes can't go wrong with basing her outfit
around a girly centerpiece. Key materials such as lace and patterns
such as polka dots and dainty florals give your spring
look a ladylike flair. Let these materials manifest themselves in
your dresses, blouses and accessories. Popular dresses for this
season include fitted bodices with fuller skirts. These come with a
variety of necklines include, v-neck and scoop neck. Floral
blouses prove to be irresistible with Peter Pan collars, delicate
buttons and flowy fabrics.
Balance overtly feminine
styles with blunt and rough details to create a look that is unique
yet adorable. Heavy combat boots are a perfect counterpart to
light summery styles and do wonders to accentuate bare legs. High
waisted cutoff shorts with a leather belt give a casual tomboy edge
to an otherwise sophisticated look. Throw a shrunken motorcycle
jacket or denim vest over a floral dresses to add another piece of
interest.
Of course, we all know that
warmer weather is great for the more risque touch of
skin. However, this season designers have begun to focus on unique
ways of achieving this look. Although cutouts were originally
focused on accenting the sexiness of a dress, this season they lend
an edge to dresses femininity.
Another subtle way to show
skin is through sheer fabrics. Whether layered over more solid
pieces or simply worn over a bandeau, this unique fabric adds a bit
of unexpected chic to a look. If you are afraid of going all-out
sheer, opt for a shirt with a sheer back, showing just the right
amount of skin without being too exposed and
out-there.
Girls aren't the only ones
whose fashionable sides rejoice when warm weather emerges. Guys
can be just a stylish with a few spring and summer must-haves. The
staple for the men is inevitably the cutoff short. These jean
shorts (jorts) fit tightly around the thighs and are
cut off directly above the knee. For casual days, pair these with
a loose fitting tank top in solids or patterns such as stripes. A
short sleeve button-down shirt in a light color is a sophisticated
option for the warm weather. Keep this shirt preppy and clean to
balance out the casualness of cutoffs. For shoes, skip the dirty
flip-flops and gym shoes and instead opt for simple sneakers such
as Vans or Keds, boat shoes or, my personal favorite,
Oxfords.
A summer look isn't complete
without summer's most necessary and stylish accessory: sunglasses.
There are many different styles that have gained popularity this
summer. Whether you opt for cat eyes, small round lenses
or clubmasters, the most stylish sunglasses add a
vintage cool to your style.
