Skinny Jeans, UGG Boots, Seven's for All Man Kind, Juicy Couture: If these four things are gibberish, then you fall under the category of fashionably impaired. This is not to offend those who are "fashionably impaired." It is completely understandable.
Some students simply don't have the time to eat, let alone keep up with the latest fashions, but with a couple of simple changes, anyone can take pride in their style.
Kristy Soda, the merchandise manager at Tony Walker and Company, located in the Walker Center on Main Street in Williamsville, believes that being smart about what one buys can help transform an outfit from day to night.
Students can conserve their clothing, and their money, by pairing new pieces with pieces they already own. A necessity for any trend-setting student this season is the skinny jean.
"Skinny jeans are huge right now, I would say they are the hottest thing out," Soda said. "The good thing about them is that they can be used to wear to class and also to go out at night.
"If you're going to class you could throw on your skinny jeans with a pair of UGG boots and a long hooded sweatshirt with the jean under the UGG," she said. "For night time, transform them by putting a long tight shirt on with a pair of stiletto heels, and a belt around your waist."
The skinny jean look can also be comfortable with leggings. These items can be paired with a simple beige sweater with a light brown tank underneath. As a plus, UGG boots also keep feet warm.
To add a little zing to an ensemble, don a beaded necklace and reach for a leather tote bag. Not only do these accessories add an additional flare of personality, but they also tie the outfit together for a polished look.
With so many details to pay attention to, it helps to take an inventory of what is in the closet the night before. That way, looking great can take a little as ten minutes to get ready the next morning. Iron what needs to be ironed and pick out accessories.
Another staple to include in a wardrobe is a nice blazer. Adding a bit of pizzazz to an ordinary ensemble, a blazer combined with a pair of designer jeans is the way to go.
And speaking of jeans, one pair of designer denim threads is a must for every wardrobe.
Although they are pricey, just one pair will do, so long as they are the right for your body. Seven for All Man Kind jeans are one of the top known designers cut jeans. Tony Walker is known as one of the best places to access designer jeans in Buffalo.
"Seven for All Man Kind, boot cut, dark New York is the classic cut that does not go out of style," Soda said. "The wash comes in many different cuts and is popular because it fits so many people so well."
Sonia Badawy, a junior English major, puts together a stylish outfit with her own twist. Rocking a pair of the latest seven jeans with a tight fitting army green blazer from Delia's, she finishes her outfit with a simple brown tank top underneath, a unique flower bracelet from Greece, matching green earrings from Target, and her favorite Kenzy wedge healed boots from Aldo.
"I think wearing clothes to fit the body, having your own unique style and expressing yourself through your clothing is what makes a person stylish, and also makes you feel good about yourself," Badaway said. "I swear by blazers and boots."
The stylish jean and blazer look can work for guys too. The trendiest look for a man right now is the designer jean, a chic tee shirt and blazer, and a mod shoe.
"I'm wearing a classic pair of seven's, a designed tee shirt, a blazer from Express and a pair of Puma's," said Patrick McShane, a junior biology major. "I'm comfortable and I put my own twist on the outfit so it's me, I think fashion is a form of expression."
To achieve the rock-star look for men, try a crazy tee shirt, jeans, a blazer and a pair of Al-Star's.
With a large variety of clothing choices out there, be careful to avoid committing cardinal sins of fashion. Wear UGG boots with care, because taking advantage of them can easily turn this footwear into a sloppy look. And too many colors and layers is another faux pas, and an attempt to be voguish can backfire.
Tomiko Stroud, a sophomore chemistry major, advises students to stay away from the sloppy look.
"I think students who want to be comfortable should put a little effort into matching," Stroud said. "UGG boots with big green sweatpants, a hot pink shirt and purple sweatshirt is definitely a fashion disaster, and it is not unlikely you will see this on campus."
For Stroud, complimenting different articles of clothing is key.
"I'm comfortable but I still match," she said. "I'm wearing Coach sneakers and a Coach tote bag, light wash jeans that compliment the colors of the shows and bag, and a black zip up hoodie with a with tee shirt underneath."
If you're stuck on what to wear or simply in need of inspiration, look at the high-end trend setting fashion designers for inspiration.
For a high-end combination of trendy and comfort, matching valor Juicy Couture sweat suits are the way to go. But if you are low on cash, matching valor sets can be found in stores such as the Gap, Express, Macy's or even Target, at half the cost.
"The hottest colors for Juicy are mostly earth tone, navy, maroon and greens," Soda said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
