The University News

Issue date: 9/11/06 Section: Culture

Media Credit: Jordan Kerfeld

I'm not very hip. I try, but I maintain an office job, which means on the weekends, it's jeans and a T-shirt. Oftentimes, things are just too far out of my price range for me to dress the way I'd like to.

That said, I still look longingly at the new fashions every season. Let's take a journey together and see what's in for ladies this fall.

A lot of things that were big last year are holding on, especially in the jacket department. Structured blazers are the buzz word, either for actual work or with jeans and a tee for rambling about campus. Along the same lines, the menswear look is a big hit with vests, oxfords and cozy wool pants for those cooler months - you can even go for some wool shorts if you're feeling adventurous, most of them in plaids.

Speaking of shorts, miniskirts for fall seem a little crazy, but not if you pair them with the latest hipster gear - a pair of leggings. When I first saw these catching on last year, I cringed. All we need is some more 1980s throwbacks, right? But actually I'm warming up to them - literally. I've tried out a pair myself, and they do a great job of keeping me warm - and I'm much less self-conscious about donning a miniskirt.

Of course, nothing goes better with some throwback tights than some cute flats. Flats are great with anything, and they make a wonderful alternative to heels when you want to look more formal than the everyday, but don't feel like killing your feet to do it.

This season also holds a whole barrage of boot styles to choose from. You can go Pat Benatar one day with suede slouch boots and vamp it up the next with some pointed heels.

Stripes are still in from last year, in various forms - sweaters, tees and even skirts.

I have to say one of the most disturbing trends I've seen for fall is oversized everything - pants, sweaters, jackets skirts - everything. Not that it's surprising with fashion, but this trend is focused on stick-thin body types. The idea is to accentuate slimness by engulfing it in fabric, sort of a "where's my waist?" game. Personally, as one blessed with what my mother would refer to as "a figure," this trend makes me sad. So little in fashion is made to accentuate real women's bodies, and that's a shame. On another note, it hearkens back to early 1990s oversized grunge - though perhaps with a different purpose.

If you're looking for trends that do celebrate curves, check out dresses this fall. Many of them have a 1950s elegance: button-down dresses made to accent waists, a-line bottoms and even flowy jersey dresses, to name just a few. On cold days, you can pair them with leggings for an edge or wool tights for extra warmth.

On a positive note, there is a lot to choose from this fall, so whether you're stick thin or have a figure, there is something for you. It's all about creativity and individualism.

nanheier@unews.com

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