Last semester’s text books have been replaced with newer ones. New curriculum, new schedules, new students, new friends and new professors — it’s all part of the new semester. But there is one thing that hasn’t changed — the numbing cold. And every year, Plattsburgh State students struggle to stay warm and stylish without wearing out those credit cards.
According to the academic calendar and the fashion calendar it’s already spring. Stores have started to stock lighter clothes, and the February issues of every fashion magazine are jam-packed with editorials targeted toward those who live in warmer climates. Though the weather in Plattsburgh may not be suitable for those clothes at the moment, PSUC students still manage to incorporate them in their winter outfits.
In the Angell College Center, female students can be seen wearing jeans styled with knee-high socks and boots, while male students can be seen wearing graphic t-shirts over button downs. Marketing student and Fashion Club President Dennis Jimenez said layering is the most effective way to stay warm and incorporate lighter clothing. Girls in particular have more options that help boost up their winter wardrobe he said.
Alternating between skirts, dresses, jeans and dress-pants while accessorizing with colorful scarves, jewelry and head-bands, women can quickly bring new life to the most outdated items. Men, on the other hand, are more limited in the winter having only pants, jeans and sweatpants to choose from.
Though sweatpants are great alternative, students need to be aware of how to style them to avoid looking like they just rolled out of bed.
“If you’re wearing a pair of sweats, wear colorful socks or colorful sneakers so that other things stick out other than the sweats. You can also wear a button down or a nice sweater with the sweats. It went from being sloppy to being stylish,” Jimenez said.
Accounting and International business major Maimuna Camara is one of the many PSUC students who’s attentive to details. Two of her winter staples are boots and scarves. She believes it’s important to spend good money on them.
“I always wear boots and I’m always wearing a scarf. When I wear a scarf it makes a huge difference. It’s warmer. I can’t go in the winter without a scarf,” Camara said.
When thinking about winter fashion most people think muted colors and knitted clothes, but that couldn’t be any further from the truth. A quick look at Tommy Ton’s street-style photos on Style.com, a fashion website, will show that it’s all about mixing it up. All the colors in the spectrum are represented and so are all the materials ever made. And though this may seem like total freedom, fashion does have some rules everyone needs to abide by — no shorts (for men) and flip-flops during the colder months. This is something many PSUC men do and something Jimenez, who believes in dressing for success, has a hard time understanding.
“We’re in college and trying to sell ourselves. We’re trying to have something to go to after college. And if you’re not standing out, how do you expect someone to remember you? If you stand out (style-wise) and do everything you’re supposed to, then people are going to remember you,” Jimenez said.
One who also thinks it’s important to dress for class is Business Administration major Algeniz Diaz. Diaz’s winter outfit is usually composed of sweaters and coats because that is what he thinks is most comfortable when the temperature is in the negatives. But for classes Diaz thinks that the students major is what should dictate the students choice of attire.
“If you’re a business student you don’t want to look all raggedy,” Diaz said.
Having said that, Jimenez notes that standing out doesn’t have to be about being a slave to trends and/or brand names. Being stylish doesn’t necessarily mean to own the latest designer piece. Students need to be aware of their bodies and their financial resources.
Thankfully, with sites like Pinterest that has catapulted the DIY-culture, students can easily find new ways to make their old t-shirt look like a runway piece. And with commercial brands imitating the high-end brands students can easily look their best without breaking the bank.
There is also a solution to those who despair at the thought of DIY or to those who don’t want to spend a penny. Diaz looks for his new look in the back of his closet and so does Camara. But when they are looking to spending money on their wardrobe, they do it at home during breaks.
Students who can’t go shopping in the city shouldn’t dispair. Jimenez suggests stores like Target, Old Navy and Pacsun. And with almost every brand having a virtual component, students can do it from the comfort of their rooms.
However, regardless of where PSUC students choose to shop and for whatever reason, they should be doing it for themselves.
“If you want to dress nice (do it) just for you. Just so you can make yourself feel good. Not for anybody else,” Camara said.
Email Winta Mebrahti at winta.mebrahti@cardinalpointsonline.com.
