Be You, Be Unique: Bust Your Own Fit

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Sophomore Chris Neal models in an elaborate dashikiBYRON MASON II
Sophomore Chris Neal models in an elaborate dashikiBYRON MASON II
Sophomore Chris Neal models in an elaborate dashikiBYRON MASON II
Sophomore Chris Neal models in an elaborate dashikiBYRON MASON II

Honestly, this should have been the first issue of the trends portion of this fashion column, but better late than never right? With the exception of the handful of fashionable people on campus, it seems as if a lot of students go for the same "looks." But that's normal, right? People in the same friend groups tend to dress the same, but I also think that the environments that people are in and what they think is "cool" determines what they wear. If I had a dollar for every time I saw a group of guys wearing the basketball jerseys of NBA players they don't even know, I could probably cover the gaps in their tuition payments. The backward visors and the Vineyard Vine t-shirts? It's like everybody has the same stuff. But the guys aren't just at fault here, the ladies are just as guilty. I've seen rows of girls all with the same Lululemon leggings and white shell-toe Adidas. We've all seen it. Now, I want to be clear that I'm not knocking these people or throwing any kind of shade. At the end of the day you wear what you want to. But I think that so many people wear the same stuff because they think that it is what is accepted or what's cool. Or it could be pure convenience, but we’re going to focus more on the former.

At any rate, I say all of this to tell you reader, to wear whatever the hell you want. But try to be unique. Step outside your comfort zone. Wear that fluffy hoodie that you really want to wear but think you'll get made of fun for. Try on that jacket that's so different from the usual colors you wear. And most importantly, don't be apologetic for what you wear. Now, I wouldn’t go as far to suggest that you wear your pajamas. I mean some people do it, but personally I wouldn’t. You might agree. You might not.

Anyway, please don't let people dictate what you can and can't wear. At the end of the day, you’re wearing what you're wearing for you. So whoever tells you that dress is too "revealing" or "inappropriate," tell them they can kiss your “you know what.” It’s 2017, and if you still equate what women wear to them being more “sexually inclined,” you’re going to have some trouble here on a liberal arts campus. Or any campus for that matter.

Now guys, don't let your friends peer pressure you into conforming to certain clothing standards set by them. Bust out that jacket and stand out. I think that some guys on campus believe that the basketball jerseys attract the ladies and the people who think that are terribly misinformed. Wear what you want to. But make sure it's you. Don't create your style for anyone or because you want to be liked by anyone. What you wear should be a reflection of you.

P.S.

If you were offended in any way by what was said in this column, I wouldn’t take it completely to heart. It’s all in good fun but if you happen to realize that you’re that person that looks like everyone else, well...