What's old is new again in student style this spring. Even with shoppers looking for what's "in" for spring 2006 and designers rolling out lines for 2007, current looks for both guys and girls are steeped in the past.
"Retro-print t-shirts under a military jacket for guys," said Tara Sigler, a personal shopper in the Nordstrom department store. "Floral print skirts and ankle-wrap sandals are hot this season for the girls."
Sigler said that Nordstrom consistently stays on top of fashion trends, offering only the latest and greatest of the spring craze. She outlined a few of their top designer labels.
"Our store lines are geared toward the newest fashions," said Sigler. "Such lines for women this season include Tribal Vibe featuring earthy tones and cargo pockets, Eclectic Style featuring long tiered skirts, ruffles and beads, and Natural Wonders purely inspired by nature featuring floral prints, crochet and lace."
For guys this season, shoes that look worn are definitely in style, but the key is to look used, not grungy.
"Lightweight linen jackets, t-shirts and retro sneakers from Puma are definitely in this season for the guys," said Sigler. "But steer clear of the grunge look. That is old news."
However, if spending $150 on a dirty pair of Oxfords by Gordon Rush isn't in the budget, one could always try a new pair from Puma or Lacoste.
"Keeping up with the latest trends can really get expensive," said Anita Ankola, a second-year UB medical resident. "I usually try to mix things up with expensive accessories and shoes, and then I will do some bargain hunting for other things. The deals at the outlets are usually great for that."
The ladies have many themes this season including nautical, tribal and bohemian.
"We have a new line, Bohemian Rhapsody, which combines denim with floral print shirts and big accessories," said Jessica, a sales associate from Banana Republic. "Another great theme this season is nautical. Navy and whites, pastel colors, lightweight suit jackets for both men and women are all big this season."
With the wide range of themes this season, accessories are the one thing that can be passed among all the different styles. Chunky jewelry made from wood is all the rage along with African prints and bandaged dresses with strategically placed cut-outs.
For girls, bigger is better in spring with oversized hobos and slouch bags, especially in white.
"White is the new black this season," said Sigler.
Strappy sandals are also getting bigger. "Ribbon in the sky" or "Rock the boat" sandals by Seychelles are among this season's best with wrapped ribbon ankles and nautical themes.
"It can be difficult keeping those wrap sandals secure around the ankle," said Sigler. "We have fit tips on our Web site that give instructions for wrapping sandals securely."
A must-have for both guys and girls this season is premium denim.
"Dark denim is very popular this year," said Siegel. "Premium jeans such as Diesel, 7 For All Mankind, and True Religion are main staples of a functioning wardrobe."
A functioning wardrobe may not be as difficult to muster as financing a wardrobe in the latest trends. Fortunately, designers such as Isaac Mizrahi and Reaction by Kenneth Cole make fashion affordable while sticking to the fashion beat.
Thanks to www.edressme.com one can wear an Oscar-inspired dress to the next formal. The company offers exact replicas of red carpet dresses sold at affordable prices.
Tony Walker & Company, located at 5110 Main St. in Williamsville, sells designer couture such as 7 For All Mankind giving discounts to college students with proper identification.
So wrap up the ankles, scruff up the loafers, and find a bag big enough to carry a watermelon, and make sure it's white.
"Finding the right style can be easy this season," said Sigler. "It's finding the one that works best for you that can take a little time."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
