With the new year comes a new set of rules for what is in and what needs to get moved to the back of the closet. As for State College shop owners, many were ready and willing to shed some light on what fashion-savvy students should expect for the rest of the winter season in 2009.
Clothing
Clothes are arguably the most important aspect of style, and many of the trends that have recently become popular will linger into 2009.
The climate in State College is always an important factor for students as they get dressed every morning, said Courtney Scott, a manager at Metro, 320 E. College Ave.
Scott added students value comfort over style in the winter months.
"Most things people wear to class; it's kind of grungy," she said. "It's kind of just our trend."
The trend is one Scott said she thinks will stick around for a long time.
"It would be nice if Penn State students dressed up and looked better for class, but I don't think it will happen anytime soon," Scott said.
In terms of going-out apparel, silk and satin fabrics in shades of red and black are big right now, Scott said.
In addition, liquid leggings -- which look like liquid metals -- are gaining popularity, she added.
The in accessory for the winter is a scarf.
"Scarves are really huge right now, like fashion scarves," Scott said. Silk and linen scarves are especially popular around State College, providing warmth without sacrificing style.
"People will wear scarves all year round and it will just be more lightweight," Scott said.
Hair
Girls will be trading in their long tresses for shorter, no-fuss styles this year, said Amy Gray, manager for Gio's Hair Design II, 484 E. College Ave.
Styles like the shag pixie that have started to gain popularity will continue into 2009, Gray said, attributing the popularity of the cut to high-profile fashionista Victoria Beckham.
In addition to the shag pixie, the jaw bob may also be popular in 2009, she said.
"The bob is a really big cut this year, with the heavy bangs," Gray said.
For girls who aren't ready to let go of their length, Gray said mid-length hair is a popular choice that allows for some length while still staying trendy.
Flat irons aren't the only hair styling tool that should be out on the dresser this year, either.
"Curls are really in," Gray said.
To achieve a curly style, Gray recommends applying "a thermal active heating setting lotion" to hair before setting it in hot rollers or using a curling iron for thinner hair.
Whether a straight style or a curly coiffure is your choice, Gray said the goal for each is the same.
"Anything that's slick and clean is really big this year," Gray said.
Darker shades are what Gray expects will be highly requested this year.
"White blond is gone," she said. "Red is really big this year."
Shoes
Footwear in State College, at least for the winter months, will remain fairly similar in 2009 as it has been for the past few years.
Ugg boots and the occasional rain boots will continue to shelter students' feet from the elements, and Jenn Henry, manager for Bare Foot, 130 E. College Ave., said the weather is what keeps them around.
"In our town, they're definitely sticking around because they're so functional and cute at the same time," Henry said. "I think that's why the Uggs will stick around for a long time."
Students looking for another type of trendy boot to sport around campus should check out Frye boots or suede flat boots, she said.
Other shoes that may be popular this year include Minnetonka moccasins or anything with fringe, Henry added.
For the spring, Henry said to hang onto those gladiator sandals because they will be popular as the weather warms.
"Flat sandals are pretty hot," she said, adding shoes with a little more height will also be in style.
"Big cork wedges are going to be big in the spring," Henry said.
As for shoes to let go of, Henry said to make sure to consider both the heel height and shape. Mid-height heels are taking a backseat to sky-high or completely flat styles.
"Anything with that '90s chunk heel -- you don't want too square of a heel," Henry said.
