Spring Break
Introducing the New Prep: flaunt it while you've got it
Issue date: 4/30/09
My system has been messed up for some time now. I've started drinking coffee multiple times a day and I've been busy with less than interesting courses. On top of that, the whole two days of sun, five days of rain thing has thrown me off balance. As I bid you adieu this very fashionable spring, I'd like to provide a little social commentary on what I've seen on campus these past few weeks.
First off, I've noticed that the East Coast prep-school look has been in full swing this spring. A lot of men on campus have opted for a more refined look while pounding back forties on the Beach. I actually wrote my first ever column on the checks and plaid trend two years ago, and the look has finally trickled down into the college student's closet. I think this is great. I personally love the look because it allows you to be casually classy on campus without being ostracized for being overdressed. In the words of my gracious counterpart Amanda Jean Boyle, who filled in for me last week, "most guys shy away from color and pattern, but color and pattern look great on everyone."
No doubt that the number of plaid, checked and even madras shorts have been on the rise lately. It leaves me wondering how long it will take for the athletically-inclined to start wearing paisley and floral-printed shirts too.
The dominant combinations I've seen are patterned shorts with a polo or untucked button-down shirt. I'd encourage a little nonconformity here and there, perhaps with a thin V-neck or argyle sweater vest. Experiment with different styles and patterns. Who wants to blend in anyway?
It's interesting to think about this trend though: Why, in times of mass lay-offs and economic trouble, are college students turning to clothing originally made by upper class companies for wealthy New Englanders? Is it the old Max Bialystock phrase, "Flaunt it while you got it!" or is it perhaps a reassurance of our self-worth? Or maybe I've just been bullshitting myself because I've been spending too much time on a forsaken essay and in actuality, college boys have been watching too much Gossip Girl for their own good. Either way, I enjoy the trend and the color and pattern combinations students keep coming up with.
First off, I've noticed that the East Coast prep-school look has been in full swing this spring. A lot of men on campus have opted for a more refined look while pounding back forties on the Beach. I actually wrote my first ever column on the checks and plaid trend two years ago, and the look has finally trickled down into the college student's closet. I think this is great. I personally love the look because it allows you to be casually classy on campus without being ostracized for being overdressed. In the words of my gracious counterpart Amanda Jean Boyle, who filled in for me last week, "most guys shy away from color and pattern, but color and pattern look great on everyone."
No doubt that the number of plaid, checked and even madras shorts have been on the rise lately. It leaves me wondering how long it will take for the athletically-inclined to start wearing paisley and floral-printed shirts too.
The dominant combinations I've seen are patterned shorts with a polo or untucked button-down shirt. I'd encourage a little nonconformity here and there, perhaps with a thin V-neck or argyle sweater vest. Experiment with different styles and patterns. Who wants to blend in anyway?
It's interesting to think about this trend though: Why, in times of mass lay-offs and economic trouble, are college students turning to clothing originally made by upper class companies for wealthy New Englanders? Is it the old Max Bialystock phrase, "Flaunt it while you got it!" or is it perhaps a reassurance of our self-worth? Or maybe I've just been bullshitting myself because I've been spending too much time on a forsaken essay and in actuality, college boys have been watching too much Gossip Girl for their own good. Either way, I enjoy the trend and the color and pattern combinations students keep coming up with.
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