Not only have we earned the reputation of being a "new Ivy" and "Hottest for Fitness," but, in my professional opinion as a Life columnist, University students are the best dressed in the nation. It's a shame that U.S. News and World Report has not created a ranking for all-around hotness and exemplary style, because we'd definitely be number one on that list. Newsweek take notice: We are bringing sexy back.
While most other inferior, stereotypical college kids roll up to class in sweats and pajamas, I've noticed that many of us bring a touch of class to class by wearing a sundress and pearls or a spiffy button-down shirt.
Some people even manage to pull off flawless fashion while studying at Clemons at 3 a.m., which has inspired me to coin the new phrase: "library chic."
To me, "library chic" involves a somewhat casual, yet put-together ensemble: some flattering jeans and a casual top -- maybe a pair of glasses for the visually-impaired to set the mood for studiousness. But, in my personal experience, only the truly stylish can get a handle on this look: After I left the library very early Monday morning, not only did I feel like a part of my soul had died, but that I was the antithesis of attractive.
If you have eyes and walk around Grounds a fair amount, you've surely noticed that many of us are patrons to fine brand names like Polo, Northface, Lacoste, Chanel, Coach and Louis Vuitton. And sometimes the student body as a whole is labeled preppy or elitist because of our fashion choices. Though I think some go a little overboard with the flashy branding, this criticism may be a little harsh. Everyone has their guilty pleasure -- people spend hundreds of dollars on CDs or wine or Arch's every day, why not on fashion?
Because most of my work experience has been in various clothing retail, I have contemplated the dilemma of how much is too much for a great pair of jeans. After all, jeans that fit well and flatter one's assets are hard to find. They are universally appropriate for class, parties, bars, football games or lazing around your apartment. And we all have that one pair we wear almost every day because they just make us look so damn sexy. If you're going to wear the jeans frequently enough, why not spend the extra cash for a nicer, more comfortable brand? I've seen many of my fellow female peers rocking Sevens, True Religion and Citizens jeans, which are all well over $100 per pair. But where do we draw the line on extravagancy here? Is 100 too much? How about 300? Will we soon need to buy insurance coverage for jeans to cover klutziness or a freak tomato sauce accident? I know I would.
I think if you are set on expensive wardrobe piece, jeans and a nice bag are the most practical because they go with everything and are durable. Plus, if you really care about everyone seeing the brand name (you snob, you), they will. This also brings up the question of whether expensive clothes are actually made better and with nicer material than cheaper clothes. I find in some cases this is true, but a cotton tank top is a cotton tank top, whether it is $5 or $50.
One accessory which I don't contemplate spending my rent checks on are the expensive sunglasses. Chanel and Dior are haute couture and all, but for me, shelling out $300 for cute specs would be a bad investment because, as I've mentioned before, I am certifiably the clumsiest person alive and would surely break them or lose them within five days of purchasing them. And I can't justify paying that much money for a piece of plastic that cost probably $10 to manufacture.
To the dudes who may have stopped reading this column halfway through, I apologize. Your wrinkled frat T-shirt and khakis add something extra special to the fashion scene here at the University. As long as you don't wear socks with loafers or jean shorts, you're fine.
And sorry about the headline too, but I simply couldn't resist.
Mary's column runs bi-weekly on Wednesdays. She can be reached at mbaroch@cavalierdaily.com.
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