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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

Going Out-side

going-outside-WEB
Keri O'Mara
Keri O'Mara
Tired of spending the night overly conscience of your body-conscious dress? Sick of shivering in short skirts? It’s time for a going-out look that will leave you with snow regrets.

Although its length suggests otherwise, the crop-top has not been a short-lived trend. Despite the temperature drop, the crop top is still on top. Make the girls shivering in their lightweight, summery versions envious in a thick knit or sweatshirt with a cropped hem.

To make your crop-top stand out for the right reasons, pair it with a skirt or pant in the same color or print for a matching set (PSA: your sweatpant groutfit, although technically a matching set, is not what I'm getting at). This ensemble will channel a dress or jumpsuit vibe with just a peek of skin. The monochromatic look is great in any color, but opt for a fashionable winter white ensemble (think Solange Knowles' wedding or the Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way" music video) or a rich, jewel tone for a cold-weather appropriate look that stands out from the inevitable sea of black outfits.

It seems like everyone dons black on the weekends; perhaps because it goes with anything, is supposed to slim you and everyone is actually really nostalgic for the 90s goth/stretch-choker phase. But with shows like “Orange Is The New Black” why not take a hint and choose a color that stands out? An especially easy way to wear a bright top without clashing is to go for the monochromatic, matchy-matchy look I mentioned above — pairing it with a bottom of the same color.

You can also forgo the coordinated two-piece trend for a sleek one-piece. We’re not talking swimwear or Miley-inspired onesies with ears and tails here, but rather chic jumpsuits. Jumpsuits are a great going out look to keep your legs protected from the elements — because blue legs only look good on Jennifer Lawrence in “X-Men.”

There are many variations on this look that won’t channel a convict or auto mechanic. The monochromatic, lengthening look will have you pulling a Sandra Dee in no time. There are lots of printed versions out there as well, but opt for a small, repeated print so as not to become overwhelmed. You may think printed, full-length jumpsuits will do nothing for your body, but think about how tall and dignified giraffes look. That’s because they perpetually wear full-length print, avoiding body proportion distortion.

When pursuing a jumpsuit, choose a style that is not restricting to allow you take full advantage of the fact that you don’t need to worry about a short skirt or dress riding up. A jumpsuit (and some matrix experience) will let you bust out the splits and backflips on the dance floor with no worries. Wide leg versions are on trend and low-backs allow you to show some skin — just avoid long sleeved, polyester jumpsuits to prevent looking like you just left Comic Con.

Opt for closed-toe, heeled booties — you can sneak some warm socks underneath — over pumps that leave your toes and feet numb by the time you get to Main Circle.

Or you could just snuggle up on your couch all winter in pajamas with Netflix, Nutella, no friends and no regrets.