Ahh, spring. Time to dump those frumpy sweaters in the back of your closet and break out your new wardrobe of skirts, floral dresses, tank-tops and flip-flops (not to mention that pair of wedge sandals you’ve been dying to wear all season)! As much as we collegiette trendsetters love the warmer weather fashion trends of neon florals, pretty pastels, and colorful capris… what do the guysthink? It’s always helpful to hear what guys think of our date night looks. We’ve rounded up the top ten trends of the Spring/Summer 2013 season and asked the guys what they think. Which did they love? Which did they hate? And which did they just plain not get? Read their thoughts below and find out! Then it’s up to you whether or not you care.
Maxi Dresses
We love maxi dresses in the summer, don’t we ladies? Free-flowing and versatile, these ankle-length dresses are perfect for a day at the beach or a picnic at the park. And while they’ve been trending for a few spring/summer seasons now, the maxis are coming back this year stronger than ever. But what did the guy shave to say?
“When girls wear maxi dresses, I think of the beach.” –Matthew, Northeastern University
“I’m sad that it covers so much. Showing off a little leg might please the gentleman that you’re dating.” –Scott, University of Vermont
“If a woman has a nice body, then the dress fits her curves nicely.” –Aaron, Manhattan College
“I would rather see something accentuating your body. They’re borderline bags.” –Vance, University of Missouri
“As long as the setting for this is right – I’m thinking something outdoors – this kind of dress definitely gets my vote.” –Brent, Boston University
The verdict?
Guys have mixed feelings about maxi dresses.
What do the guys suggest?
Maxi dresses make great outfits for beach dates, say a lot of college guys. The only problem that they seem to have with maxi dresses is that they are a little tooloose. Ryan, a junior at Penn State, complains that the maxi dress “doesn’t show enough skin.” “I want to touch skin,” he says. “I don’t want a girl who’s all out there for the campus to see, but if I can’t see any kind of figure under there, how can I know what you really look like?” To make a maxi dress more formfitting to your figure, try to create an hourglass shape by adding a fitted denim jacket, a cropped cardigan or even a belt cinched around your waist. Or better yet, shop for maxi dresses that are pre-fitted with some built-in shape. That way, you’ll still have that flowing, free comfort of a maxi dress, but it will hug you in all the right places.
Peplum
Peplum is pretty popular this spring and it’s been popping up everywhere on skirts, blouses, and cocktail dresses, from the red carpet to the runway. It’s by far one of the trendiest style details this season and with its power to minimize your waist by accentuating your hips, this fashion trend is a big hit with the boys this spring.
“I think it gives a girl a nice hourglass shape.” –Spencer, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
“It adds curves? I’m a fan.” –Karl, Boston College
“Scaled right to the girl wearing it, I like [peplum] added to dresses. It can get a little over the top, but in the right amount, it can add some flair.” –Eric, Columbia University
The verdict?
For most college guys, peplum is date perfect!
What do the guys suggest?
Peplum is one of those fashion details that guys tend to overlook. It turns out, some guys don’t even noticepeplum! So use this to your advantage by adding curves to your silhouette and filling out your figure! Peplum dresses were highly approved by the college guys we asked, so on date night, opt for a LBD with a modest flare of peplum detailing at the hips so you’ll look a little more like Kate Middleton and a little less like Scarlett O’Hara.
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Bold Prints
From art deco graphics to futuristic florals, there’s something about head-to-toe prints that makes us collegiettes swoon. But as much as we love mixing and matching our patterns, it’s all about moderation for the guys.
“Too much of this gives me a headache.” –Jermaine, UMass Amherst
“It can be fun and flirty, and it makes you stand out.” –Raul, Wake Forest University
“Patterns in general can be good as long as they don’t hurt my eyes.” –Andy, UConn
The verdict?
Prints (in moderation) are great for the guys.
What do the guys suggest?
Have fun with your prints! Just don’t overdo it. A bird scarf paired with a polka dot blouse? Go for it! Zebra on tribal zig-zagging stripes? You’d probably have to spend a little more time trying to sell him on that one. For most of the guys we talked to, a little print goes a long way. “I like a girl who isn’t afraid of being bold,” says Ethan, a senior at Becker College. “But if you look like a walking art project, I might think you’re a little too out there for me.”
Color-blocking
Loud and proud color combos are heating up on the runway with the comeback of color-blocking. That being said, how do the guys feel about this mix-and-match color trend? Most guys think it’s all fun!
“Playing with color scheme isn’t a bad thing, but there’s a fine line between being avant-garde and just looking weird.” –Aiden, Manhattan College
“I think they can be cool. I feel like the neon would be a little much.” –Max, Stonehill College
“As long as you actually know what colors go well together this could look good.” –Bradley, New York University
“If it’s not too overwhelming it can really make a girl stand out.” –Terrence, SUNY
The verdict?
Color-blocking is cool to the guys!
What do the guys suggest?
Daytime dates are perfect for sporting this trend from graphic tops to sundresses, skirts to accessories that make otherwise hum-drum monochromatic cuts colorfully dramatic. Sarah Dubow, Contributing Writer for HC Bucknell, says her boyfriend Nick loves color-blocking and he thinks her colored denim is “fun.” But as always, think in moderation. Bright colors like royal blues and vibrant reds? All for it. Blinding neons? Ladies, save it for girls’ night.
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Oversized sunglasses
We know how much you love your oversized Fendis, but this is one trend the guys are notdigging. While you think you’re channeling your inner Jackie O, most guys just think you’re channeling your inner Lady Gaga (or as a lot of guys called it, your inner “bug”).
“It makes you look like a bug!” –Justin, Hofstra University
“To be able to look into a girl’s eyes is very sexy… so when you’re wearing these giant sunglasses consuming your face, I don’t get to see that. It detracts from your face.” –Alexander, CUNY
“These things are almost as bad as Uggs. Almost. But still, you look like an alien space bug.” –Jim, CUNY
“Why are you covering up your face? Something to hide?” –Cameron, Berkeley College
“Why do you remind me of Lady Gaga?” –Parker, UCLA
The verdict?
Big sunglasses are a bigno-no for the boys.
What do the guys suggest?
It’s simple–shop for smaller shades! “It’s not the sunglasses that I have a problem with,” says Jared, a sophomore from UCLA. “It’s the sheer size of them. Your shades can be a sexy thing. It’s when they cover your face that it makes you look like a diva.”
Sporty Chic
If anything, the springtime sporty chic trend is inspiration for all of us collegiettes to get back in shape. With mesh fabrics, tracksuits, utility vests and track-ready gear, it’s a big trend with designers. But it turns out, sporty chic is the one style trend this season that doesn’t translate off the runway and onto the streets for guys.
“I’ve never understood this. Don’t you ladies understand that we’re attracted to you because you’re women? We don’t want you to dress like us.” –Louis, University of Connecticut
“She looks like a Marine. I’m not into girls who look like they can beat me up.” –Jon, Vassar College
“I feel like if you’re going to look like you’re going to the gym, there’s no way to dress that up.” –Jason, University of New Hampshire–Manchester
“I don’t find sportswear sexy–except for yoga pants.” –Robbie, University of Maryland
“Nooooooo.” –Andrew
The verdict?
The guys don’t get it. Leave your commando booties at home!
What do the guys suggest?
Needless to say, sporty chic is not loved by the guys. If you’re going to keep rocking your inner Olympic champion, keep it to a minimum. Soften your look with feminine colors and details, and avoid heaping on a lot of harsh, gothic details like buckles, zippers, and studs. Instead, opt for streamlined silhouettes and soft colors. And as for those lace-up combat booties you love? HC Contributing Writer Alicia Thomas from Penn State says her boyfriend Chad and his friends are all in agreement that they “look ridiculous.” Its best you leave those Rag Bone booties to the back end of your closet on date night.
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Neons and Neutrals
As fierce fashionistas, I’m sure you know that this ‘80s inspired look is back in full swing, but we’re not talking about sweatbands and leg warmers. We’re talking about neons and neutrals, the hottest pair of hues to the hit the runway this spring. But it turns out this show-stopping mix of neons and neutrals aren’t so hot with the guys.
“Woah! When did my time machine take me back to 1983?” –Tim, Berklee College of Music
“You look like you belong on the Vegas strip… too flashy!” –Shane, Emerson College
“Do you need to attract attention with neon, really?” –Gary, Sonoma State University
“It burns my eyes. It’s like, ‘Help! My retinas are frying!’”
The verdict?
Guys say “no way” to neons and neutrals.
What do the guys suggest?
It’s safe to say that the neons and neutrals color match can be a color overload for the guys. But campus cutie Tim from Berklee College of Music says that neons are OK for a concert or rave. When it comes to this trend, opt for simplicity and understated makeup. And instead of wearing a head to toe ensemble of neon, incorporate neon and nude into your accessories. Try fluorescent pink heels or a clutch with electric blue accents. The guys (and their retinas) will thank you for it.
Espadrille & Wedge Sandals
Every summer I look forward to breaking out my pair of chic espadrille sandals. Espadrille wedges provide a stylish and comfortable springtime switch up from those winter-worn pumps and booties. But what did the guys have to say?
“I think in the right setting they can be good–like out to a picnic or something.”
“They look really, reallyheavy, like they’re weighing down your feet. I recently saw a girl at a beach wearing wedge sandals with a bikini and all I could think of was that she’d better watch out because she was going to sink in the tide.” –Greg, Miami University
“Depends on what type of outfit she has on. If it’s a nice sundress or a beach cover-up, then sure.” –Tyler, University of New Hampshire
The verdict?
Espadrille wedges work… with the right outfit.
What do the guys suggest?
This look is playful and stylish, perfect for outdoor outings. Look for wedges that can be worn to outdoorsy dates (think: summer barbeques or parties) and matched with chic daytime outfits like silk blouses and cuffed shorts, sundresses, and skirts. So for your daytime date, it’s safe to put down your stilettos and slip into a pair of espadrille sandals instead.
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Pastels
If wild, show-stopping neons or futuristic prints are a little too wild for you, girly girls: this one’s totally for you. This spring is all about sweet sorbet shades and pastel hues from baby pink to sky blue that give a feminine flair to any outfit.
“Pretty colors for a girl.” –Steven, Andover College
“There’s something about it that makes her look like an Easter egg, but it’s alright.” –Dan, University of New Hampshire
“I think it looks cute. Very feminine.” –Ricardo, Wake Forest University
The verdict?
The guys say girls are pretty in pastel.
What do the guys suggest?
Since guys appreciate these fair, feminine colors, feel free to experiment with them! Pastel colors don’t have to mean florals, lace, and Easter egg hues. You can use them to counterbalance tough-looking outfits and rocker accessories on date night.
Gladiator Sandals
This isn’t exactly ancient Rome, but lucky for us collegiettes, gladiator sandals are back as a big trend this season. And while you might feel like a Roman goddess in your gladiator sandals, you should know the guys aren’t digging this Roman-inspired footwear style.
“I’m not a fan. They look kinda mannish. It’s not a shoe or a sandal – it’s like this weird in-between thing.” –Austin, Miami University
“They look ridiculous. I don’t really want to think of my girlfriend as a gladiator.” –Cory, Boston College
“All I can think of is the movie. ‘This is Spartaaa!’” –Hank, University of Maine
The verdict?
The guys are not fans of gladiator sandals.
What do the guys suggest?
The mid-calf gladiator sandal might be too fashion-forward for the guys. So instead, try a heeled gold, shimmery gladiator sandal that can upscale your evening dress for that dinner date or try a bohemian brown leather gladiator sandal with a summery dress at the beach.