Fall is clearly upon us here at Kenyon. Fall fashion is so versatile that I feel this is a season where one has the most freedom to be creative with their style. Although we might still have the option of going bare-legged in these last days of decent weather, the variety of tights and pants available offer us even more diverse prospective fall outfits. However, being stylish at Kenyon is somewhat different than being stylish in New York City. Yeah, looking like Lady Gaga may be cool if you go to Pratt but let’s be honest, you will be judged in Peirce. For one, we’re in bumble-f*ck-nowhere Ohio and secondly, we’re sleep deprived college students who would all prefer to get as much beauty sleep as possible instead of spending time primping, and styling the perfect outfit …for class, or perhaps a grand entrance into the libs.
I’ve been thinking about this for some time and have come to the conclusion that to be fashionable at Kenyon is to have an effortlessly (or what appears to be an effortlessly) pulled together look that is both practical and understated. The following is my own fall fashion guideline:
1. Scarves. I am such a huge fan of scarves for many reasons. Namely, they keep you warm while also creating a finished and polished look. Scarves are an easy way to add color to a neutral outfit and make your overall look more dynamic.
2. Layering. Layering is basically a necessity at Kenyon because while it might be cold outside, some classrooms are saunas. I hate sweating, it’s gross and it makes me uncomfortable and layering is the solution that solves this problem. Pairing a body-skimming v-neck or sheer button-up (if it’s daytime: wear a tank underneath) under a chunky sweater makes for a complex look that requires very little effort.
3. Boots. I LOVE boots. I kind of have a boot fetish and it’s a bit of a problem but I mean they’re so practical, right? Shorter boots offer a more laid back vibe however; they are sometimes harder to wear since you always have to be mindful of your body proportions. ALWAYS wear skinny jeans or tights with short boots. When jeans are too loose and stuffed into short, tight lace-ups, it looks both sloppy and frumpy. Also, I think short boots that open up at the top and provide more volume are more slimming since they don’t truncate your legs (and us shorter girls need all the height we can get). Plus, they balance your top half. I mean, if you’re super tall and skinny with long legs (I see you, Noa Matson) then you can rock any style and well, I kind of hate you.
I believe that fashion is a great means for creativity and self-expression and I love that Kenyon is such an open and inclusive community. However, if you’re spending 10 minutes picking out the “perfect” piece of grilled chicken in Peirce when it is a known fact that they all taste exactly the same AND you look like Karl Lagerfeld or Paris Hilton circa 2005, I will judge you.