As I sat unassumingly in English class last week, a classmate asked me who I thought was the best-dressed student in the room. Everyone in the room froze, waiting for my response, which was a sheepish “I really don’t know.” I figured I would make my debut writing this column by commenting on what fashion actually is, in hopes of making this community a little more able to decide on its own. Getting back to my story, my answer should have been: “Fashion does not revolve around my taste, so I can’t name the best or worst dressed in the room.” Fashion is constructed around one’s personal taste and style—that’s what makes it original and appreciated. Any copy of Vogue will make this clear. The fashion that is most noticed and talked about is what people haven’t seen before, styles that are a bit edgy and new. No one else has thought of the approach that a designer or stylist has taken, and that fact makes it appreciated. Nobody would buy Vogue if it featured today’s fashions.
Now that we’ve defined how we must approach the way in which we attire ourselves, let’s look at some things that are going to be popular while still leaving the option of a personal touch. Those of us who wear ties might want to look into a tie bar to strengthen a tie-shirt combination when not wearing a jacket. J.Crew sells a simple-yet-elegant bar on its website. As for ties themselves, please go out and get a woven silk—or “sock”—tie. They’re gaining popularity and are fall-appropriate. Vests—a bit more functional given New England weather—are becoming increasingly popular, especially ones made by designers. Because they are commonly worn under wool jackets, vests can be worn about six to eight months of the year. Patagonia offers nice fleece ones, but I like the puffier ones. Finally, a note on accessories. Unfortunately, there are not enough belts on this campus. A belt is always needed to complete what you’re wearing—not having a belt makes the shirt-to-pant transition awkward. Every male needs a leather belt; brown is best because the color is more versatile than black.
For women, I’ll admit I’m kind of shooting in the dark. I’m going to give you what my sisters have given me. Number one, moon boots were never cool, regardless of brand. You look like an imbecile, don’t wear them—especially in the fall. Two, you could all do some good by going back to your Rosemary Hall roots and donning plaid skirts, adding your own modern twist in the process. Third, apparently shoes dubbed “Mary Janes” are coming back into style. I Googled these and saw a few pictures, and was less than impressed. I recommend you replace them with an ankle-high boot—they’re much better looking and don’t make you look like a five year old like the Mary Janes do.
Best Dressed: Lily Toland ’08 for girls. Alex Klaris ’09 and Alec Barnett ’09 for wearing “never-nude” cutoff shorts to the recent special program.
Alec Barnett ’09 (left) and Alex Klaris ’09 (right) demonstrate their keen sense of style. PHOTO/Contributed Photo
