We would never count on our guy friends for fashion advice, but we admit that we’ve always been curious to know what they might have to say about our trendiest outfit choices. It’s no secret that fashion can be kooky and quirky, but we conclude that if it walks down the runway, it’s the hottest must-have frock of the season. Guys, it seems, sometimes feel differently and don’t always appreciate trends as much as we do. While collegiettes don’t necessarily dress with the intention of impressing guys on campus, we know that they can’t help but look as we strut our stuff as though we, ourselves, are walking down an exclusive-access Fashion Week runway. We know they’re looking, so we just had to find out what they’re thinking. We consulted seven college guys to get a better idea…
Guy-Approved
Oversized scarves: These cozy items are winter staples for collegiettes in cold climates, and they can still be a fashion statement where it’s slightly warmer. They’re meant to cover up (and some of the larger ones are hefty enough to serve as full-body sweaters) so we could understand why some guys might want girls to avoid anything “oversized.” But, it seems that guys are on board with this particular trend, perhaps because they understand fashion to be purely functional. Josh*, a senior from the University of Maryland, says, “During the winter, these are definitely an okay look.” The guys we questioned about oversized scarves felt that they’re totally fine, because they serve an obvious purpose.
Bold prints and printed jeans: Funky prints are all the rage lately, and it seems like guys are on board with them, too. Clothing with bold prints, one guy pointed out, makes girls stand out and expresses their personality. Seth, a senior at Boston College, approves of printed jeans, “because if you’re wearing them, you seem adventurous. Boring people wear boring pants, and fun people wear fun pants.” How logical. Prints are finding their way onto all articles of clothing and they make your outfit interesting and lively – a trait that guys are definitely into when it comes to girls.
Plaid and argyle prints: Maybe the preppy look conjures images of a sexy schoolgirl Halloween costume, but for whatever the reason, guys like it. Seth says, “I think if you’re going to wear that, you have to make it very classy, but try to add some sexy into it. I’m not talking ‘sl*tty school girl,’ but make a classic look like this more modern.” As long as you don’t go over-the-top with your prep – we’re thinking plaid skirt with knee-high socks and buckled loafers – it’s definitely a look to try incorporating into your wardrobe by adding some preppy patterns or polished Oxfords.
Dark nail polish: While guys caution against the very intense look of black polish, they’re all for dark shades on your tips. This trend is sexy, as long as it’s not pushing into “goth” territory. And truth be told, we’re probably changing up our nail polish way too often for them to notice that it’s actually black, so don’t worry too much about their disapproval. Jeff*, a senior at Vanderbilt University, says, “black nail polish is too much, but dark red or purple is cool and can be sexy.” Seth agrees, and says that “grunge” colors like dark gray and taupe are good looks as well.
Guy-Disapproved
Fur accents: Whether it’s real or faux, fur has been a staple in the latest fashions for fall 2012. And while it seems to up the ante on any jacket, skirt, top or shoe, it seems like guys don’t understand this lavish look. Josh* feels that fur “is a bit much for a college student” and doesn’t really do anything for a girl’s outfit but make guys question whether or not that’s a real animal she’s wearing around her neck.
Leather skirts: While guys have come to accept that the leather jacket is a wintertime going-out staple, they won’t say the same about leather pants and skirts. Despite their tendency to be skin-tight and ultra-luxe, guys can’t seem to appreciate what Josh calls a “stiff and unnatural” look like this. They’re more comfortable with regular jeans and skirts that hug our curves just the same.
High-waisted jeans: One guy we consulted dubbed high-waisted jeans, “the most unattractive thing girls wear.” While they’re super trendy and pleasantly retro, guys can’t exactly appreciate the silhouette that they produce. Seth says, “It makes you look like you’re wearing a huge adult diaper. It makes you look dumpy instead of showing off your butt.” No matter how long they’re supposed to make our legs look, the verging-on-a-camel-toe thing doesn’t fly with the guys.
