When I began writing Hop Couture nearly four years ago, during second semester of my freshman year, I had a reason for my rhyme. Furthermore, I had a genuine cause.
Frankly, I came to Hopkins and I didn't like what I saw. It wasn't the campus, the professors, classes or even the students themselves that irked me. Oh no, these components of our venerable university were sound. That which needed immediate attention was Hopkins' fashion sense - or lack thereof.
In short, never had I laid eyes on a community of bright, well-to-do individuals who dressed with such disregard. Oh, the horrors! There were grown men roaming the campus in clothes clearly purchased by their mothers. And then there were the young ladies who, believe it or not, were still bobbing about campus with scrunchies in their hair.
No, no. This would not do. Something had to be done; and that something had to communicate effectively about fashion, and, above all, take on a persona that would be entirely UN-Hopkins.
And so began Hop Couture.
Now as I prepare to leave the incubator that is college life, scribing my departing column, I hope to impart some passing knowledge.
This is my final will, if you like - a "goodbye" guide to ensuring an existence free of fashion fouls. And while I've spent many a column inundating my readers with a deluge of quirky new fashion finds by designers as generally un-wearable as Christian Lacroix and Gareth Pugh, this here is my foolproof, straightforward guide to looking your best no matter the season or future trends.
My first rule of thumb: when in doubt, stick to the classics. This means stepping back and thinking, "which styles and items remain constant staples in a tasteful person's wardrobe?" Look to fashion icons like Jackie Onassis and Warren Beatty. The former sported chic Chanel, the latter clean-cut three-piece suits. Neither will ever fall from grace.
Second, never wear the same outfit more than once in a two-week span. Even if you have just 14 outfits, spreading them out over a fortnight will make your wardrobe appear plump and plentiful.
Third, invest in a few really stunning, timeless accessories. If, in your lifetime, you purchase just two handbags, making one of those a black caviar leather quilted Chanel will ensure that you will forever be seen as flawlessly stylish. Other "stunners" include black stilettos, patent leather pumps and a couple of fitted blazers.
Fourth, wear black clothing, but use the aforementioned accessories to create a more vamped-up look. Therefore, your black trousers and turtleneck - two timeless garments - can be lower-end (Club Monaco, Banana Republic), but you can snazz it up and create a more lavish look by slipping on a pair of sky-high Christian Louboutin heels and a colorful, luxe crocodile belt. It's all in the accessories.
The fifth rule is never to splurge on of-the-moment trends. This means avoiding those Swarovski-studded hobos and wear-it-once metallic pants the fashion magazines are raving about during any given month. Unless you have an excess of disposable income, these purchases will forever be regretted.
Sixth, invest in vintage. Whether it's a leather jacket from the 1980s or a funky bauble, these are one-of-kind purchases that you can wear and re-wear as the years go on.
But above all, just get out there! Explore shopping districts you've never heard of, check out your local thrift store, mix and match designer duds with high-street finds and never be afraid to be the first person to sport an emerging trend.
In addition to these fashion guidelines, remember that clothing is not only to sheath the body, but also to make you look and feel your best.
If you've learned anything from me and my fastidious fashion ramblings, it's to take risks in fashion, and always opt for clothes that you feel express your personality. If there's one thing I know, it's the power of good clothing, with the majority of that power coming from the way they make you feel. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, when you dress your best, you feel your best.
So, bon voyage, Hopkins! You're free to set sail solo, traversing the seas of fashion in all their glory. Just remember: be fabulous, dress tastefully and always, always have fun with fashion. After all, the game of dress up is one we play throughout life - and what a fun game it can be.
