North Face and leggings and Uggs…oh, why?!
Of all the changes I’ve endured since landing in London, there is one in particular that takes the most getting used to…even more so than having the ability to buy my wine without getting carded. Everyone here, male or female, dresses up to go to class. That’s right…my 10am lecture is consistently full of girls in wedges and guys in designer scarves.
I’m not exactly a sweatpants enthusiast, but come on! These chicks don’t even wear yoga pants! I’m on edge, waiting to see if just one student will look like they hit the snooze button and were forced to get dressed in a frenzy.
So instead of continuing my culture-shock induced rant, I’ll catch you up on some fashion combos that are all the rage on my campus this semester. If you dare to rock them at QU – and rock them correctly – you’ll be turning heads, guaranteed.
Shorts & Tights
I’m not lying when I say every single girl on this campus has donned a pair of winter shorts with tights underneath…this trend is literally everywhere! I was skeptical at first, but ended up conforming to the masses (and totally loved it). If you stock up on neutral colored shorts and tights, just about every pairing will look fabulous. Trust me, if you can wear leggings, you can indulge in this killer combo.
WARNING: Avoid looking seasonally confused at all costs – veer away from layering your favorite winter tights with your favorite summer shorts. The end result is visually detrimental.
Boots & Thigh High Socks
Don’t want to splurge on those fierce thigh high boots? Get the same knockout effect with a pair of high socks peeking out above your favorite winter boots. This look not only adds texture and dimension to your outfit, but it’s super warm! Just like the shorts and tights, any combination of neutral colors between your boots and socks will look 100% fashion forward.
WARNING: Make sure to wear this trend in proportion! Ankle boots and thigh highs probably won’t look too appealing – instead, pair those combat boots with a sock that goes no higher than halfway up your calf.
Statement Hair Piece & Up-do
You may think that hair accessories are overkill for class, but hear me out! Pairing a statement piece with a simple up-do looks glamorous and effortless all at the same time. From what I’ve seen, the louder piece, the more lax your hair should be. Save your one-on-one flat iron time for the weekends – instead, introduce a bedazzled headband to your messy bun…there’s really nothing messy about it!
WARNING: Wearing a cute hair accessory doesn’t make total bed-head acceptable. Run a brush through your strands at the very least!
Chunky Heel & Jeans
If you’re like me, your shoe rack is full of two extremes: Toad’s heels and flats. Believe it or not, there is a world of shoes that we can call the “middle man” – comfortable enough for a walk to Echlin, but presentable enough for Saturday night pictures. I introduce to you…the chunky heel! Girls all over campus rock these shoes with no evident discomfort or regret – imagine that! I particularly love the chunky heel + skinny jean look because it’s casual and chic all at once.
WARNING: Take the chunky heel in stride (no pun intended) – don’t overdo the height! You can’t excuse falling on your face during the week like you can after a night out of drinking…
Now is our chance, girls! Say goodbye to our unspoken dress code and change it the hell up! Dare to stand out – you’ll thank me later J.