As school begins, it’s time to make the annual back-to-school visit to the mall.
Each year, students always seem to need the same things: jeans, a backpack, a coat, sweaters and a dress or two for those nights out on the town. We fall into a cycle. I know I always find myself reaching for the same dark wash skinny jeans time after time.
However, this year can be a new era for tedious back-to-school shopping. While it’s difficult to know what cues to take from the runway, this season it’s easier to adapt to these new trends than ever before.
Since most of us are 1990s babies, the jewelry and clothing of this decade is nothing new to our closets.
Between the countless choker necklaces and high-waisted shorts on college students’ Instagram feeds, it’s clear we are enjoying the fashion throwback that’s trending right now. In fact, this flashback continues to trend with inspiration from the ‘90s.
The item that always seems to be at the top of everyone’s list is jeans. We find a style and shade that flatters us best and we stick with it.
Like I said, I’ve been in a long-term relationship with dark blue skinny jeans since my freshman year of high school, but even I can admit it gets boring at times, especially with tempting patchwork and embroidered jeans being all the buzz.
This season, designers like Rag & Bone and Gucci are encouraging a switch up from the uni-shade jeans. Whether the pants are skinny hip huggers, flares with bright flower appliqué or three different washes of denim, you may be surprised to find a statement pair of jeans becoming your favorite pair.
And as you begin your search for something a little more dressy, don’t be so quick to tuck away those choker necklaces. Designers like Erickson Beamon and Lanvin are embracing the high neck jewelry on the runway by dressing their models with statement necklaces of pearls and large gems.
While this may be too gaudy for Bloomington, don’t limit yourself to those stretchy black braided ones from our childhoods. As you browse around, don’t fear the bold and gold metal or embellished black pleather necklaces.
And rather than pairing it with the usual chiffon dress or romper, try a change in texture with velvet or faux velvet. This woven material was the statement fabric of the ‘90s, and continues to catch eyes to this day.
Lastly, and most importantly, the clothes we throw on everyday are a huge priority, even though it’s hard to find the motivation to wear anything but comfy T-shirts to those ungodly 8 a.m. classes.
However, the latest trend on the runway will make life easier because reaching for the oversized hoodie is no longer frowned upon when designers like Alexander Wang encourage it.
While it may seem like a trick, this athlesiure trend is all the rage for fall 2016. Pairing a hoodie with leggings or even finding one long enough to pull off as a dress will leave you comfortable and in touch with the latest trends.
No matter if it’s your first or final year at IU, it’s never too soon or too late to take a risk with your back-to-school wardrobe.
apoudrie@indiana.edu
