News Guest Writer
Just as birds migrate north in the spring, so to do the hems of Choate skirts. The ladies are excited to have their legs finally liberated, and the gentlemen are excited...for different reasons. Choate has broken free of winter’s tyranny. Gone are the days of tall Ugg boots and identical North Face fleeces. For the Prep, corduroys and sweaters can be exchanged for pastel shorts, long polos, and the flip - flops you wore all winter for some ungodly reason. (Props to Rainbows, Vineyard Vines, and C. K. Bradely for providing the requisite footwear.)
The skirts on campus this season seem to be of the short, flippy variety that requires constant monitoring to avoid accidents. Just watch a girl grab her hem as she runs up hill house steps. Not only does this have intrinsic viewing pleasure for the guys, it also reveals a flaw in Choate fashion. We have a big, breezy campus and it is time to accept that we walk about two miles a day. This much exertion should negate the possibility of wearing heels or skirts that might betray you at any moment. However, there are some solutions. One of them, seen more on the fringes of the Choate fashion scene, is to wear leggings. For those not familiar, leggings differ from average tights in that they are thicker, end at the mid calf, and are worn to be noticed. This holdover from winter brings warmth and security, all the while reducing friction. Another solution is to wear a skirt over pants. This must be very carefully done, because the look can be awkward. Of course there are other options besides skirts. The Capri seems to be the most popular alternative. These are great because they are comfortable, look summery, and come in a huge variety of styles. As there are so many styles available, I wonder at the rationale behind wearing skin-tight capris. As most of us amble to class, the aim cannot possibly be reducing wind resistance to maximize speed. If the Capri is obviously tapering as it goes down your leg, then it’s the wrong cut for you.
I am immensely pleased with how most of Choate’s fine upstanding gentlemen are dressing this season. The boys have taken this season’s myriad of colors into their wardrobe. Painfully pink and green pants are a common sight. Best of all though are the men seen wearing seersucker shorts that hit above the knee. Add these and a couple of J Crew’s “critter shorts” to achieve popped-collar pedigree. But please gentlemen, leave the golf shoes and vest with your caddie. As always, the cargo shorts must be properly frayed and the collar suitably floppy. Be careful not to wear pastel shorts and shirts at the same time. Make sure one of them is bright, and preferable patterned, to avoid looking washed out. To summarize, spring is here – complete with Frisbee-playing, sun basking, and loud music. Reflect this carefree happiness in the way you dress, however that may be.
Best Dressed-Girls: Lisa “Sweden” Tengberg ‘09 brings breezy European elegance to our school. She knows how to look “springy” without a miniskirt - exemplified through her navy capris paired with a tangerine cashmere sweater.
Best Dressed-Boys: Jared Bailey ‘06 is a man who clearly knows how to utilize color. Clean lines, bright prints, and cool accessories epitomize his style.
