Arts

July 1, 2010 at 3:44 PM

Local fashionistas recommend summer trends

By Megan Rogers
Collegian Staff Writer

The key to acing fashion at Penn State this summer is to keep it casual yet classy. By following a few simple rules, new freshmen can easily blend into the crowd of students strutting their stuff down Pollock Road. Step one: Ditch the lanyard and drawstring bag given at orientation. Liz Dawson, sales associate at Access, 224 E. College Ave., advises students to opt for a small ID card holder that can easily be stowed in a backpack or shoulder bag. The Vera Bradley, Coach and Longchamp brands are all good choices for both an ID card and shoulder bag, she said. "They are just so much cuter and classier than those lanyards," she said. "And even backpacks are better than drawstring bags." Everyone has an inner fashionista, but keep it casual when heading to class: Comfort is key when you're packed in a mammoth lecture hall. Dawson (senior-English) said both jeggings and skinny jeans are essential items for students to have in their closets -- and they're perfect for the classroom. Both jeggings -- jean patterned leggings -- and skinny jeans are casual enough to wear to class, but can also be dressed up with cute shoes or a nice top for nightwear. Those looking to bring a little more glamour to a classroom should check out the brand The Joe's Ts, which features oversized T-shirts, Dawson said. "They're comfy and cozy and still look presentable," she said. Breezy summer dresses are a great way to stay cool while looking stylish in the summer heat. Sundresses of all types are selling at Mr. Charles, 228 E. College Ave., sales associate Cathy Hurvitz said. Flowing sleeves and tunics are especially popular, she said. And there's no limit on colors or patterns -- everything is in style this summer. Dresses are always a good option, Dawson agreed. She also recommends that Penn State women wear either dresses or moderately embellished tops for a night out on the town. She said it is important to stress "moderately embellished," as too much of anything is simply too much. As far as tops go, A-line tops or shirts with empire waists are trendy at the moment, Dawson said. To dress up any outfit, Chan Luu wrap bracelets and necklaces are great for accessorizing and really "in" at the moment. They're "funky and edgy, but classy at the same time," Dawson said. The No. 1 rule, she said, is to make sure students look put-together. It's a big mistake to try too hard to look like you're not trying at all. And there is one rookie mistake to avoid, she said. "I can usually spot a freshman a mile away when it's September and 50 degrees out and they have their UGG boots on," she said. Above all, don't forget to stock up on the Penn State uniform to stay comfortable in classes: a comfy pair of sweats and a T-shirt.

Arts

July 1, 2010 at 3:44 PM

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