By Danielle Livoti
With winter quickly approaching, The News wondered what fashion statements would be seen on campus. Flip flops, polo shirts or warm coats. What is the look of NU students? Not only this season, but for everyday wear. Are most students preppy, hippie or laid back dressers? To learn more about student fashion on campus, The Northeastern News spoke to Sarah Cormiea, a freshman biochemistry major. This student was spotted wearing her Levi’s and peasant style tops with her blue Converse sneakers. Cormiea discussed some fashion do’s and don’ts as well as some tips on how to dress on campus.
The Northeastern News: What do you think the “look” here at Northeastern is?
Sarah Cormiea: Well, I think that everyone just does pretty much what they want. Nobody is worried about what others will think of your “look” and dress pretty casual and in a simple way.
The News: What do you think is one of the most popular clothing items around?
Cormiea: I guess those sweat pants with the words on the butt. I mean, I guess they are cute, but they are not my personal favorites. Also, I’ve seen a lot of peacoats and long scarves for the winter, they are nice accessories that make you look a little more dressed up without over doing it.
The News: Do you think it’s hard to try to look casual while getting ready for an 8 a.m. class?
Cormiea: Yeah, it’s a little hard because you can be tired or doing last minute homework and therefore you don’t worry much about how you look. Still, you can wear a nice necklace or put you hair in a ponytail and wear a hat, little easy things like that can make you look decent instead of like a zombie or something.
The News: Are you a fan of the “just rolled out of bed” look?
Cormiea: Personally, yes. I think it’s so comfortable to wake up, put on sweats and go to class some mornings, instead of waking up early waiting to shower, running to get breakfast and be late for class. Of course, there’s a difference between getting out of bed and going to class, and literally coming in with your old, ragged, pajamas in front of everyone. I mean if you want us to see your old jammies, no problem, but it isn’t a good thing to be known for.
The News: What about flip flops and shorts or skirts?
Cormiea: I have seen people with flip-flops still. Aren’t their feet cold? I guess if they are comfortable they can wear them, I just hope people wear actual shoes when it’s snowing outside. As for skirts and shorts, I have seen some of those too, even in this weather, and again if the person is comfortable go ahead. But I mean it’s not summer, so there’s no need for boy shorts in a 30-degree day.
The News: You have said that one can dress casual, but just a reminder: we are college students on a budget.
Cormiea: I know. That doesn’t mean we can’t dress well though, no need for rags. There are a lot of stores that have amazing sales in the fall and winter and also after Christmas. Besides the mall stores, there are thrift shops, too. It might sound cheap but you can find wicked cool clothes that are great for the vintage look right now for less money than at department stores and others. You can even make your own clothes if you’re creative and can sew. I know a couple of people who do that and they have one-of-a-kind shirts [that] express their personality.
The News: Are there any stores you can suggest?
Cormiea: Well, always check at the mall, because The Gap, H’M and all those have pretty good sales and you can get your name brand clothing from there. My rule of thumb though: I do not pay more than $15 for a shirt. Besides checking the mall, try some small boutiques over at Newbury Street, they also have good sales and sell cool items.
The News: Are there any tips you would like to share with us?
Cormiea: Basically, wear what feels good to you. Remember that here, people don’t care about what you are wearing as much as they care about who you are as a person, so let your clothes show your personality. Oh, if you are wearing those jeans that look worn off in the butt, make sure they are not too shaded with white or it will look like you just sat on paint. I personally don’t like that look. Try to cover up in the winter, not as much as out-of-towners who aren’t used to the weather, but be sure you at least wear a coat so that you don’t end up sick for three days and then making up homework for a week.