MEG MORROW / THE DEPAUW
Styles come and go but fashion is forever. The standard of preppy has changed significantly in the last year. Though you still see riding boots paired with gingham button downs from time to time, preps are integrating trendy fashions such as Boho, Edgy and Vintage into their everyday wardrobe.
The first fad that has made its mark on campus is L.L. Bean Boots. Originally designed for hunting in Maine, Bean Boots have replaced riding boots and have become a staple for collegiate men and women. The boot become popular in the 1920’s when farmers and woodsmen everywhere craved a sturdy, yet fashionable boot, to wear while husking corn and hacking trees. Those with the highest sense of fashion are aware that Bean Boots not only keep your feet dry, but they also have a lifetime warranty. The only item in my closest with a lifetime warranty is the hammer my grandmother purchased from Ace Hardware in 1956.
Sperry’s may be an appropriate choice when sailing along the East Coast but when it comes to fashion, people are finding comfort in shoes that were made for land over sea. The second trend combines comfy and edgy in one. Sneakers such as Converse All-Stars and New Balances are dominating college campuses. Both shoes can be purchased in an assortment of colors compared to the three shades of brown Sperry Top-Siders offer. Although loafers provide long-lasting comfort and are the perfect compliment to khakis and quarter zips, undergrads are selecting sneakers and tennis shoes over Sperry Top-Siders.
Students no longer need to fear hiding their beer bellies or their excess weight gained from the amount of Papa Johns found on campus because we have found a solution: oversized everything. Shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, socks and more! The phrase “bigger is better” is fitting for this fad. You’ll find both men and women wearing clothing two sizes too big. Students should be aware that prices are going up for Comfort Colors, Patagonias and Spirit Jerseys. There has even been a shortage of fabric in the market due to this trend. If the demand for oversized clothing continues to increase, students may have to start wearing clothing that fits to overcompensate the limited supply of cloth.
Leather wristwatches are finding their way back into the 21st century. Watches are a timeless staple. For a while, silver and gold watches were the modern man’s top choice. Now, men and women are slowly transitioning to a vintage look by finding handcrafted premium leather watches such as Shinola’s. Days of mass-produced metal watches are coming to an end as people are falling in love with American-made leather secured timepieces.
Speaking of vintage, three years ago Macklemore released “Thrift Shop” which sparked an interest in second hand shops such as Goodwill. Shopping at thrift stores is a craze that makes you look chic while keeping your bank account from being overdrawn. Here you can find dated Bean Boots, broken-in converse, clothes that are too big and leather wristwatches to add to your closet.
