Not to Wear
Lifestyles

What Not to Wear: Fashion Trends at the University

Dictionary.com defines fashion as “a prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, socializing, etc.” But is it really that simple?

Fashion is more than just a definition. It shapes who we are as people. “Fads are ever changing,” says Elena Cirillo, retail sales associate at Posch Boutique in Rumson. “Fashion is when your style is everlasting and classic.”

The power of fashion is that you can do with it what you want. However, have you ever questioned someone in the past, thinking to yourself, “That is exactly what NOT to wear?” Students in Professor Claude Taylor’s communication theory class recently had a lively discussion about the communication concept of symbolic interactionism and related it to fashion on campus. With Taylor’s guidance and a collaboration of the students’ ideas, the class agreed that “conformity is a difficult concept. Being in style means you dress like other people in some way.” Within these parameters, however, there are personal constructs that everyone has regarding fashion do’s and donts

So what classifies an outfit a fashion no-no? Well for starters, it depends on the place, time, and situation in which the fashion crime has been committed. Let’s face it -we live in a world where we are judged on our appearance on a daily basis. Whether dressing for a professional or social occasion, what we wear makes a first impression within a matter of seconds.

Victoria Markus, IT and Compliance Team Leader at Merck Pharmaceuticals, agreed that one common mistake the majority of individuals make is dressing too casually at work. Markus said that she is aware that some work places are more low-key and casual than others but her word of advice, “It is better to be over-dressed than under-dressed in a professional setting.”

Dr. Ravindra Sharma, professor and employee of the University Career Services Department, expresses the importance of the right interview outfit in her career search class. “The wrong outfit can make or break an interview for a potential job,” Sharma states. “If you are preparing for an interview for an internship or full-time career, the contending employer will take your outfit during the interview into consideration.”

Other professional fashion suggestions provided by Sharma include: conservative two-piece business suits (solid dark blue or grey is best), conservative long-sleeved shirts or blouses (white is best, pastel is next best), and clean, polished conservative shoes. Sharma also indicates that other factors that attribute to the professional outfit are a well-groomed hairstyle, clean trimmed fingernails, minimal cologne or perfume, and no visible piercings.

Outside of the professional atmosphere is the social-casual zone with which students are all too familiar. What do students consider “in” and “out” when it comes to dressing? Taylor’s communication theory class came up with a range of styles which they consider to be the most prevalent on campus: preppy, hipster, urban/contemporary, goth, and jock. Within these styles, students have their own opinions on what works and what doesn’t.

After taking time to analyze common fashions trends within these categories on campus, my list concludes that the most popular University clothing articles are: leggings, high boots, trendy hats, sweat pants, sweat shirts, and jeans.

Taylor also noted that he once counted eight consecutive students wearing North Face jackets on campus- another popular trend. So this is what the students seem to be wearing most frequently, but what advice do they have about these commonalities?

Kristen Shedlock, a senior, states it’s a fashion no-no when “boys wear their pants too low and wear shirts with offensive pictures of girls and sayings.” Take note fellas- some of your shirts with barely covered woman or shirts with “funny” sayings may be offensive to female students.

Kara Hunt, senior, believes that wearing real fur is a major fashion “don’t.” “There are so many other fashion trends out there that do not require the fur of an animal,” said Hunt. “Real fur can upset a lot of people, and it’s better off to stick with the faux, which is just as chic!”

Sweats and sweat pants were a reoccurring observation on campus. Is it for comfort, laziness, or just a true expression of style that students opt for sweats and a sweatshirt to go to class? “I usually just wear a sweatshirt and jeans or track pants to class after the first week because I never wake up early enough to put anything nice on,” said Chris Spirito, senior. “Plus it makes classes easier to sit through when you’re comfortable.”

Consistent with the University’s female population, ehow.com notes that leggings and boots are one of the top fashion trends this season and come in a variety of styles. Senior, Stephanie Strunewski, said that she doesn’t like when people wear brown leggings and shiny toed boots. Some fashion advice is to stick to black leggings and avoid shoes that are too obnoxious.

Some students say they also see a lot of celebrity inspired looks. Jaimee Saracen, a senior, said that she sees a lot of students wearing brands like Ed Hardy. “Ed Hardy and gem-stone hats remind me of the ‘Jersey Shore’ cast,” said Saracen. “I suggest girls and guys give up their Ed Hardy days. Save it for a ‘Jersey Shore’ themed party!”

Another fashion crime that senior Samantha Berry has noticed is hanging on to high school glory days. “I see people wearing varsity jackets,” said Berry. “We’re in college now! Time for a new era of expression and high school varsity jackets look like you’re trying to hold onto your high school years.”

When it comes down to it, however, never forget that the beauty of fashion is that we can make our own choices, so don’t be discouraged by student’s opinions. After all, everyone is entitled to his or her own fashion sense. Infamous host of E News’ “Fashion Police,” Joan Rivers, once brutally described actress Hailee Steinfeld’s outfit. “Just because she likes rainbow sherbet doesn’t mean she has to dress like it,” said Rivers. “I mean I don’t dress like Metamucil and prunes.” Comical and direct? Yes. But at least Steinfeld wore what she wanted.

PHOTO COURTESY of tlc.com