It’s the first day of spring semester. The snow is melting, the sun is shining… you’re surrounded by old friends and new hotties.Â
As with all new beginnings, you’re eager to make a good first impression.
Fashion is your tool — either to use or abuse.Â
Fall 2013 boasted many iconic fashion trends, some of which we hope will stick around for a season, like classy emerald pieces and eternally sassy leopard print.Â
Not all 2013 fashion trends flaunted from Milan to the Treasure Valley and everywhere in between are diamonds, however.Â
Fortunately, there is still time to correct these cringeworthy fashion crimes before strutting out onto the collegiette catwalk.
Item #1: Tights as pants.Â
Tights ≠pants.
The gradient for full-length bottoms ranges from dress pants to pantyhose, with jeans and jeggings and leggings in between. Not all are acceptable standalone legwear, however.Â
The year 2014 is high time to shy away from the ghastly habit of wearing pantyhose, tights, or less-than-opaque leggings as pants.
Super-skin-tight legwear that matches every contour of your below-the-waist area—I repeat, EVERY contour—is not flattering.
If the sun is at your back, or overhear, or anywhere, really, everyone around you will be able to tell you’re wearing a thong.
That means your “pants” are too thin, i.e. are not pants.Â
Need further proof that this trend is headed in the wrong direction? Behold, the world of “meggings”.Â
Item #2: Platform/wedge sneakers.Â
Exercise footwear or rocket boots??? The world may never know.
I just cannot wrap my mind around the concept of wedge sneakers. These babies have one-upped crocs on the list of comfortable-fashion-gone-wrong.
Don’t wear them.Â
Triva: which item(s) below should be “forgotten” in the back of your closet?Â
Answer: all of them!Â
Item #3: Peplum.Â
Beware the peplum. Doesn’t that sound almost Shakespearean? That is just one of many reasons to heed the warning.
Yes, peplum is cute and feminine.
No, it does not merit an appearance on Monday and Tuesday of the same week.
Item #4: Fur.Â
I’m not entirely sure that faux fur, or real fur, was ever really “in”… unless you’re Amy Adams in American Hustle or it’s still the ’70’s.Â
The Cruella Deville look and the furby look are both out, unless you want to look like you come from a family of poachers, in which case you are unlikely to have many college-age friends.
Item #5: Harem pants.Â
These are extra-baggy pajama pants, for the uninitiated. In the comfy privacy of your bedroom is where these pants ought to remain.
I understand the theory here: take something comfortable, like pajama pants, and wear them in public, in places besides pajama parties or the gym.
The only problem is that they are unflattering and kind of ugly.Â
The Perfect Crime?
Do two fashion wrongs make a right?Â
Exhibit A: Legging-pants + wedge sneakersÂ
Exhibit B: furry peplum — yikes!Â
Email your thoughts and opinions to katiemeikle@hercampus.com.