By Kelly Kasulis, News Staff
Whether spring fashion means looking like an earthy, bohemian beach queen or like a bubbly, fresh-faced flirt, now is the time for students to hit the racks and reinvent themselves. And that also means putting away the dark sweaters, evergreen cargo jackets, Uggs and voluptuous infinity scarves.
Marina Elizabeth, a Boston-based stylist, said that she expects college students to bust out the “crop tops and high-waisted shorts,” but that it’s ultimately up to the individual to decide whether or not they should stray away from the most popular trends.
“I think every person is different and every body type is different,” she said. “A jumpsuit might not look good on someone who is very short, or a crop top may look great on a more petite person – but there’s something out there for everybody. Don’t follow the trends so much as figure out what looks great for your body type.”
Floral patterns and robin-egg blue are going to be big these next few months, Elizabeth said. For freshman undeclared major Natalia Lareisgoti, who said she has a special affinity for fashion, white is going to be her most immediate wardrobe change.
“I went to Zara and they have a whole thing of white linens, because white isn’t really something you wear much in winter. They also had a lot of yellow and pink,” she said. “I love Zara. And all the stores change their clothes for the spring – I like American Eagle, Anthropologie and J. Crew.”
This look book’s first theme is made of vibrant, rosy colors, florals and statement pieces. Accessories like black and white chiffon bow hair clips can be purchased at Claire’s for $5.50 each and add an extra flirt factor to any outfit, along with sassy, rounded glasses from Forever 21 for $5.80. The intricate, red-orange knitting of the Mossimo tank (once available at Target) provides a warm layer of clothing while still allowing the wearer to show off his or her arms. A long, thin, dangly necklace with gold accents will give it an indie vibe, or a thick, three-chain pink, gold and Tiffany box blue necklace from Burlington Coat Factory can spice it up to add a Zooey Deschanel-style. These accessories can also be worn with the classic ivory-colored, lace-knit rose babydoll dress with glimmers of jasmine green leaves.
The second theme, which has a more jewel-colored, free spirited nature, combines textural details and bold prints with artsy, chunky jewelry. It makes big statements like the first look, but in a more low-key way. Students can wear their travels with the large, oval-shaped turquoise ring surrounded by Victorian, winding brass details from Spain. Or, they can shop a little closer – Zara on Newbury Street, which has the multi-colored, three layer “diamante and cord” necklace for $29.90.
Long, flowing maxi dresses or maxi skirts and braided brown leather will look serene with these pieces, as well. They also shield legs from the much-anticipated rain and notorious Boston wind tunnels.
“Maxi dresses are perfect for spring – they’re comfy, stylish and can be dressed up with wedges and a statement necklace or dressed down with sandals and a fun bag,” Taylor Friedwald, a freshman undeclared major, said. “They also flatter many body types, depending on the pattern and material.”
