Looking forward: Stunning spring staples
By Margaret Schafer | Apr. 19, 2011Although 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.
