Men: it's time to step up your style game. The change of season is a fresh opportunity for you to express yourself. The cherry blossoms are blooming ferociously; dress in accordance. For those who have burdened their winter/spring transitioning look with Adidas tear-offs, oversized AU hoodies and dirty basketball sneaks, it is time for a look in the mirror - followed by a glance outside at the flocks of style-savvy females that adorn the quad. So once the girls put their Uggs on the top shelf in the closet - marking the end of cold days - it's time for you to spring for some serious swag.
Aim to be casually smart this season. The Upgrader, a subsidiary publication of GQ, suggests never mixing both casual and smart. Either dress up or dress down. Look for a "build-off" piece, like a jacket. Guys, something light for spring like a Barracuda, a golf jacket or a windbreaker are all versatile - check out Zara, H&M and Lacoste, all good options.
Martin Lynch, a sophomore in the School of International Service, spoke about choosing his red Harrington polo jacket with the help of his friend Hanan Mahbouba, a freshman in SIS.
"I wanted something light," he said. "It works well for the winter to spring to summer period. I wore it in Palm Beach at night, when the city cooled off."
"It's versatile - made for any body type," Mahouba said. "In Martin's case, it's worn very chic, but for more filled-out body types, it accentuates their physique."
Most spring 2009 collections includes lightweight baseball jackets walking the runway, like Stussy and Gant. Think big colors for spring like red, reminiscent of the same colors that emerge from the campus' gardens. When sporting bold colors, tone down other parts of the outfit with pastels, graphic tees or with earthy, rough-washed slacks.
Underneath a baseball jacket, rock a button-down in a checkered pattern - the new stripes. Gingham is inviting and fun. In Marc Jacobs' fall 2009 plaid covered everything: flannel, cotton, silk and wool. On chillier nights, GQ proposes a V-neck tennis sweater over the button down. The tennis sweater or a well-fitted cardigan will formalize your look, readying you for classier venues. But do not overthink it - you might end up looking like your mom dressed you. Remember first grade?
Well now you're in college, so think creatively and comfortably. For comfort, get colored slacks: cotton, nylon or linen. American Apparel has a plethora of colors. A pair of distressed jeans always works, but think jeans on the beach: rock simple flip-flops whenever possible. What would you wear on the deck of a yacht (even though you're probably not going anywhere near one)? I presume something classic. Americana is back - Sperry boat shoes, striped belts and Ray Bans. Scott Sternberg's Band of Outsiders' spring 2009 collection emphasizes a late '60s, early '70s California vibe: a lot of red, blue (look out AU!) and yellow mixed with neutrals.
Don't hesitate to implement your own uniqueness throughout: a spacey-looking watch or a pair of obnoxious Nike Dunks with some crazy, rugby knee-socks. Peep at hypebeast.com - a retro, urban style and swagger blog - for some out of the ordinary ideas for accessories and composition. Consult the mirror and evaluate before you leave your dorm. The words "Damn, I look fresh" should leave your mouth before you hit the quad.
The point of spring '09 is to prove you're excited about summer. Show that in your style, but be composed. Also, remember we are still students, not 30-somethings. So incorporate your youth in what you wear because if not, you may appear pretentious. Guys, let us catch up to the women on campus this season in style. Let your look be refreshing and break free of the shackles of the cold.
You can reach this writer at thescene@theeagleonline.com.
