Why not look good every day?
By LAUREN PADILLA
Longmeadow High
Back to school - I hate to say it - is upon us. Work, books, essays.
I'm exhausted just thinking about it. However, there is one bonus -- new clothes. Personally, I love fall fashion more than any other season. There are far more options for mixing silhouettes (layering, three-quarter length blouses, trench coats), and therefore much more room for creativity.
For a great many of my friends though, fall shopping is just as daunting as a physics' exam. Although it may sound ridiculous, I really can't say I blame them; there is an absurd amount of importance placed on one's back-to-school wardrobe - in particular, the first day's ensemble - which leads me to one question: What is so important about that outfit?
I know a number of students who will spend an entire savings on a new first day's attire, only to return the next day wearing a pair of sweatpants. More often than not, the latter choice in clothing will serve as his (or her) uniform for the rest of the year.
My question is - why? Why throw every ounce of effort into one day? If I had to choose among looking like Anna Wintour for a day and a disheveled hobbit for the remaining 179, or looking presentable for all 180, without a doubt I would choose the latter.
Yet, whenever I pose my argument to one of my shall we say, less chicly-inclined acquaintances, I always end up at the same place. But, that takes so much effort. All right, all right - I understand. Dressing up is not for everyone. I'll admit, I tend to push fashion to the extreme (I also want to make a career out of it, but that's beside the point).
Nonetheless, I hold on to my belief that everyone can look stylish (and with relatively little effort).
So without further ado, here is my (nearly) Faultless Advice to Looking Chic, painlessly.
1. If possible, pass on the sweatpants. Leggings are just as comfortable and almost always look 10 times more flattering. When paired with the right accessories, they look just as (if not better), than a pair of structured pants.
2. Leave the sweatshirt at the gym. How about a nice little cardigan? Literally, they come in almost every imaginable silhouette. An added bonus, cardigans work for nearly every occasion. For school, layer them over a simple Oxford shirt and jeans; for an interview, pair with a little dress and heels (or flats, if you prefer).
3. Give flats a chance. All right, I know for some sneakers seem to be the only choice for comfortable footwear. But please, please just try a pair of flats. For those who doubt me, Nike partners with Cole Haan to make some of the most wonderful (and dare I say, comfortable) shoes ever.
4. Accessories are key. For whatever reason, whenever I mention "accessory," the word tends to be associated with handbags. Yet, accessories are far more than that - jewelry, gloves, sunglasses, scarves - just remember individuality is crucial.
Oh, and please don't be someone who feels obliged to buy an item just because a label is stamped across it; monograms can be tasteful, just not when combined seven at a time.
5. BWC. Black, white, and color. If you're ever in doubt about color coordination, do as the Europeans to - stick to black and white. If you're striving for a classic look, look no further; however, if you don't want to appear serious, add some pops of color. As long as the garments fit well, this method is almost foolproof.
So there you are: my guide to looking chic. If you take anything away from this article, let it be you do not have to be a follower of first day-exclusive fashion. When you step into school on day two surrounded by a sea of loungewear, toss your satchel over your shoulder, peer out over those oversized-sunglasses, and smile - knowing you have made the wiser decision.