As the weather gets warmer in Cambridge, going on a quick shopping spree becomes more and more appealing. Stores have started selling clothes in colors other than black, grey, and navy! You’re totally tan from Spring Break so suddenly you look five pounds skinnier and even the skimpiest sundresses flatter you! Or, maybe your midterm papers are passed in so you just have tons of time on your hands? That last excuse probably doesn’t apply to most girls here at Harvard, but hey, what’s a better way to procrastinate than a little retail therapy?
Whatever the reasoning behind a weekend trip to Newbury Street, or that quick stop at Urban Outfitters after class (and believe us, there is no need to justify it), we suggest hitting the stores with a few essential items in mind. This way you can pinpoint items you actually need to avoid frantically digging through a mountain of clothes that your friend calls a closet, looking for something to borrow last-minute. Here are our suggestions for a few spring Harvard must-haves!
- One to two cocktail dresses: Every Harvard undergrad house will throw a spring formal, and even freshmen can attend the one sponsored by their assigned house. Unlike winter formals, where long is acceptable and old prom dresses occasionally make an appearance, spring formal attire should be short (or at least shorter). If you or any guys in your life are members of social groups like sororities, frats or final clubs, it’s pretty safe to say you’ll have another formal to attend, so be sure to pick up a second dress. Even some extracurricular groups throw these events! Though it might seem extravagant to purchase more than one dress, you can always wear them again later, swap with friends, or even sell worn dresses to a vintage or consignment store. Plus, having extra dresses avoids the awkwardness of back-to-back pictures on facebook of you wearing the same exact thing on three different occasions.
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One to two floral (or otherwise patterned) sundresses: During the spring months some of the final clubs with outdoor spaces throw garden parties. Take these events as an opportunity to break out a cute summery dress, paired with a sweater or blazer and some fun sandals. Don’t worry about standing out in bright colors; the more the merrier. In fact, if you want to look out of place, wear black!
- A preppy dress and a matching hat: Perfect for any Kentucky Derby parties you’re invited to during Reading Period. Expect lots of men wearing pink, seersucker, and all other things preppy. Be sure to wear a hat if you can find one to go with your dress: it will truly make the outfit!
- A cute bikini and a tube top: Once the weather starts getting warm, girls (and some sun-worshipping guys) head down to the Charles River to tan, picnic, and for some brave souls, bridge-jump. Not everyone has the confidence or desire to don a bikini next to such a busy route for joggers and bicyclists, however, so bring a strapless top and some shorts to cover up in case you’re feeling too on-display.
- Colorful rain boots: Yes, by spring most people have already purchased some form of the requisite rain boot. However, wearing black Hunter boots in the middle of April is totally depressing. Try looking at Target or online for a pair of inexpensive rain boots in a fun and springy pattern. Trust us; it will brighten your mood when you’re traipsing through puddles! Alternatively, look into buying a pair of rubber soled rain shoes. Sperry Topsider makes a great version of these, which can be more comfortable during the warmer months since they don’t cover up your legs.