Well dearest fashionistas, it's that time of the year again. And as we tearfully say goodbye to summer with its intoxicating adventures and turn our minds to the goals and ambitions we have set for our upcoming semester, one important question still remains: What are we going to wear?
Like any other young women of ambition and sophistication, we have each evolved over the summer. We have learned new languages, traveled to far off non-English speaking countries where we found fashion accessories the key to bartering for a coveted bottle of water (long story involving large hand gestures, Oscar-worthy acting and loud bohemian prints ... inquire at your own peril). We've created bonfires on the beach, gotten fabulous tans and plumbed our emotional depths to discover the mature woman inside our girlish figures.
Some of us are saying farewell to our old selves and Bonjour to the new psyche we aim to create in the college environment. Others are keeping their designer selves, while those of us in our last year are already dreaming of the haute couture wardrobe we know to be part of our destiny after graduation (Darling Dior- J'arrive!!). We need back-to-school fashion choices that broadcast our summer accomplishments on visual loudspeakers while still leading us to conquer our own personal Rubicon in style.
Back in the 1940s, Katharine Hepburn made her own rules in Hollywood by challenging the establishment in pants instead of the traditional pencil skirt. Recently, our European counterparts have taken this female power-dressing to a new extreme by putting pants into a Technicolor setting of which even Scarlett O'Hara would be proud. It is this fashion choice that promises to unite summer and school: fellow fashion followers, I give you the bright pant!
Fitted, straight leg pants are a necessary part of a finished wardrobe. There is nothing more visually unappealing than observing a pair of pants that does not fit their owner properly. Pants should never be too baggy or too tight, too long or too short. Just as the fit through the hip area is crucially important, so is the length of the pant, which can either elongate your leg or abbreviate it. The classic trouser leg should end at the top of your ankle bone, whether you wear them with flats or heels.
For the petite among us, this elongates our gams, while the already statuesque remain in their goddess-like atmosphere. Do not be afraid to take your pants to a talented tailor for a good hemming (I, myself, am a huge fan of the lovely seamstress at our very own St. Michael's Laundry). Frayed edges and street blackened pant ends will only frighten those dresses and blouses neighboring your pants in that sacred closet space.
In terms of color, the brighter the better. Italy has always been a fan of bright red (even on men), while trendy Londoners proclaim their groove in bright blues. The Spanish love classic sunset colors: orange, golden yellows and even green. Pair your bright pants with a classic oxford shirt to mellow the effect, or a wild print to call the spirits of bohemia to you. Use the pants' color as a springboard for accessory matching: pair bright red pants with gold sandals and a gold bag, green pants with black sandals and your fabulous school satchel.
Think of your bright pants as a visual remembrance of summer that has evolved into your academic armor. As you step into that classroom, you'll have your own source of inspirational light.
The views in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer
Contact Felicia Caponigri at fcaponig@nd.edu
