a href=https://berkeleybeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/michelle.jpgimg class=aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3813917 title=michelle src=https://berkeleybeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/michelle-268×300.jpg alt= width=268 height=300 //a
strongMichelle King, Beacon Columnist/strong
Even at college where everyone is emseriously so unique/em there are situations that anyone can find themselves in. No matter the circumstance, seek to create an outfit that is stylish, functional, and affordable.
strongWeekend Party:/strong The most obvious party outfit for ladies is a bodycon dress — also known as a bandage dress, or a dress so tight you’re practically mummified — and 8-inch heels. Not only is this incredibly uncomfortable, it’s boring. Instead, think outside the Kardashian box. You want to feel more special than you do Monday through Thursday, without looking like every other girl. Black dress shorts in a luxe fabric like velvet, opaque black tights, and a tee is an easy outfit with edge. You can also try a matte sequin tank with black pants. Throw on a chambray — a fabric similar to denim, only softer and more worn-in — or plaid button down to offset the sequins. Avoid constrictive pieces — they’ll restrict you from having a good time, which is kind of the point of a party.
strongThe Is-This-Even-a-Date-Date:/strong A casual date is far more stressful to dress for than an evening date. The goal is to create an effortless, chic look — not something that says, “Prom is going to be great!” If you wear a dress, pair it under a chunky knit sweater. Skinny jeans with a semi-sheer blouse also works. Consider wearing an item with a story behind it, especially if you tend to be shy. Talking about the ring you got while studying at the Castle will lead to different conversation topics. Avoid high-heels and anything super trendy — you want your date to leave remembering the conversation. For guys, I’d suggest a similar aesthetic. A knit sweater in gray, black, or navy with dark wash jeans, and leather lace-ups are classic.
strongPainfully Early Class:/strong Coffee isn’t the only thing that will help keep you alert in your 8 a.m. If you look polished and professional, you’re more likely to feel that way too. However, heels or a suit feel inappropriate that early in the morning. For both girls and guys, a crisp button down tucked into light-wash denim is the perfect balance of collegiate and laid-back. Keep it from being too prim with rugged accents, like a leather backpack (Etsy.com has great options) and avoid anything too flashy, like thigh-high boots or stacked bangles.
strongAdult Event: /strongWhether your parents are coming into town or you’re interviewing for your dream job, go for something less obvious than a black dress. Pair a silk blouse with chinos in an unexpected color, like teal or red. Smoking slippers are an alternative to ballet flats. Originally made popular by designer Stubbs and Wootton, affordable versions in velvet and suede are now popping up in Zara and Steve Madden. Gentlemen, I cannot stress the importance of a well-tailored suit: it’s the difference between looking like Ryan Gosling in emCrazy, Stupid, Love/em, and looking like you’re about to be Bar Mitzvahed. A tailor is an investment, but you’ll gain an option that will last you years. I can suggest Boston-based Robin Chalfin, who will come to your apartment or dorm and get your clothes fitting perfectly (www.robinchalfin.com). If you don’t want to make that splurge, take the time to go to different stores, talk to the staff, and find what works best for you.
emMichelle King is a junior writing, literature, and publishing major, co-editor-in-chief of em Magazine, and a Beacon/em emcolumnist. She can be reached at [email protected]. /em
emFollow her on Twitter @michellelynking/em