Housatonic Has Style
Fashion and style are both very apparent among the students who attend HCC. Each student has their own sense of style while also tying in the latest fashion trends and making it their own.
The current fashion trends for women for Fall/Winter 2014, according to Vogue Magazine, are: embellished pieces, capes, layered statement garments, bold eyes with a neutral lip, boots, fur, fuzzy sweaters, monochromatic outfits, lace up heels, relaxed silhouettes, patchwork pattern, quilted fabric, bold prints, mixed prints, velvet, oversized jackets, blanket coats, color blocking, and metallic everything.
A way to decode all of this trend information is to take it in small doses. For example, try to take color blocking (a red top paired with cobalt blue pants) with a neutral colored blanket coat and finish with metallic shoes; or wear a chunky knit sweater with a patterned scarf, a mini skirt, and bold colored shoes.
The author, Amanda Wright, showing how to wear a chunky knit sweater, patterned scarf, mini skirt, and bold colored shoes
Aware of the fashion trends, HCC student (and Horizons editor) Latisa Pacheco said, “students are conditioned by what they see from celebrities, so trends are created here at HCC based on what’s popular in the media.”
Alixa Rosa, an Early Childhood Education major, who also noticed the current fashion trend said, “trends that are popular at HCC are harem pants and joggers with a more dressy type of shoes. Also, there are a lot of styles that are practical for the fall season; such as flannels, leggings, boots, and scarves.”
Horizons Editor-at-Large Latisa Pacheco, showing off her impeccable sense of style.
A photography major, Joseph DeFrancisco, adds, “I see a lot of autumn street style trends, oversized tops paired with fitted bottoms and vibrant colors, but some people just throw on whatever they can find and it still works, like the average college style of wearing sweatpants and sweatshirts.”
But for those who are interested in upgrading their closet, Elle Magazine said, “here is our short list of the top 14 trends of 2014; robe coats, ‘60s inspired outfits, such as mini skirts, knee-high boots, and mod patterns, head-to-toe knit outfits, oversized coats, straight jacket inspired coats, fair isle prints, urban styled outfits, astrakhan (sheep) fur, layering dresses over pants, cowboy inspired hats, shearling material, chunky turtlenecks, bold fur, sneakers.”
From this list, try pairing oversized coats, chunky turtlenecks, knee-high boots, and mini skirts. Also, try wearing a dress, bold fur, and sneakers for a chic sporty look.
Plus, “I see a lot of ankle boots, scarves, chunky sweaters, chunky jewelry, riding boots, and animal prints,” said Domonique Jackson, a Political Science major. This shows that HCC students are right on track with the current trends.
“A majority of the students here keep up with the latest trends, but most students use the trends in their own sense of style,” she adds.
Even though trends are a good way to keep up with the latest fashion, trends may seem overwhelming. It is important to maintain your own sense of style and not letting trends take over your wardrobe. You do not have to go out and wear a cowboy inspired hat with head-to-toe knit with a bold fur vest and sneakers because it was seen on a celebrity. Stay true to your own sense of style.
Political Science major Domonique Jackson, wearing some of Fall’s latest trends.
On the other hand, if you are having trouble finding out what your sense of style is, try to focus on the pieces in your closet that you are most drawn to – think of how you want people to perceive you. Do not be afraid of using creativity to express yourself.
In addition, I have my own fashion blog at www.heartfullofglitter.com that I use to express my views on style and upcoming trends. My blog provides fashion tips and trend alerts to help with fashion related needs.
If you have any questions or need more help exploring your own style feel free to email me at [email protected]