I know the most important fashion rule: Don't pull your socks up above your ankle line when you're wearing shorts because that will make you look stocky. Or just extremely bizarre; I'm not sure, but I think either explanation is rather solid. But beyond that, I don't know or care much about the particulars of fashion.
In fact, when taken to an extreme, I think it's pretty inane. I mean, really, what's the point of following the new trends when there are perfectly good old ones to recycle and make your own?
Here's an example: Look through your closet the next time you're home. See any Pumas from ninth grade with the pink stripes, and the black pair that matched almost all of your shirts? What about your Sauconys or Steve Madden platforms? Assuming your shoe size hasn't changed, what's keeping you from putting them back on now, when you sported them so eagerly just a few years ago?
But all judgment aside, I do understand the importance of looking good. It's a sad fact that I learned last year, but people will not take you seriously if you constantly dress like a slob. Who will listen if you wear sweatpants and sweatshirts all the time?
With this lesson in mind, I'd like share my take on this season's must haves:
?Brightly colored gloves: I bought bright green gloves my senior of high school before a school trip to Poland. They were cheap, extremely soft and, you guessed it, very bright. They were actually really helpful for my teachers; when they did a head count in Warsaw, they knew I was present immediately. Here at school, your friends will have no trouble picking you out of a crowd. As a secondary purpose to the identifying properties of bright gloves, they will also keep your hands warm as you walk between classes. Why not just put your hands in your pockets, you might ask? Gloves allow you to utilize your hands despite the cold weather.
?Vests! Of any color and of any kind! I currently have a black vest that I love very much. I wear it everywhere, talk about it incessantly and annoy my roommate in the process. I'm actually wearing it right now. Unfortunately some think vests are useless.
A friend asked me today, "What's the point of a vest? If you're cold, wouldn't you just wear a jacket?" And my own mother crudely referred to my vest as "that jacket without the sleeves." I tried to explain the "vest appeal" to the nay-sayers: It keeps your chest area so very warm, leaving your arms free to write, type, hug and swing happily about. They just shook their heads, unconvinced, but I stood, and still stand, firm in my loyalty. If you're cold, just add a sweatshirt underneath the vest, leading me to my next point.
?Layers! One of the best ways to keep warm this winter is to layer clothing. This is especially handy for those Southerners not used to cold weather and have no cold weather-appropriate gear.
Try a tank top with a long-sleeved shirt and a sweater. Or wear a turtleneck underneath a shortsleeved top. And no, you won't end up looking like you gained a lot of weight; you just have to do it correctly. For example,. don't put on everything you own at the same time - then you will look fat.
?Patterned jackets and funky coats! The easiest way to brighten up the really ugly days of winter is to put on a bold-patterned coat or a jacket with a distinct feature, like patchwork pockets. It's a fun way to make the jacket a part of your outfit, and it doesn't just have to be another burden of the cold weather.
And finally ...
?Psychedelic boots! Boots, in general, are probably the best part of winter wear. They are comfortable and make every outfit look better. Plus there are so many different kinds to buy! I bought shiny silver boots before that same trip to Poland. They are waterproof, sturdy, and warm and fuzzy. In addition to being both extremely practical and aesthetically pleasing, they're a great talking piece. Someone asked me last year if I bought them on the moon. I gave a disappointed no, but I made a new friend in the process.
In short, if you don't go out and buy these essentials right now, you will never survive the coming winter.
Just kidding, but I hope that you do take my advice to heart, because frankly, winter can be dreary, and these pieces will help you stay warm and make you look a hell of a lot cooler.
