Fashion Forecast Cloudy Among Rainy Faux-Pas

Is it ever going to stop raining? I don't think so. With the terrible weather has come some terrible fashion. The sight of shorts and rainboots sends chills down my spine. Baggy, oversized coats, soaking wet hair, and even Ed Hardy rainboots led me to start thinking about all of my fashion pet peeves.

Though most believe Boston College students are very fashion-forward, the student body has plenty of fashion transgressions for which they must ask forgiveness. Men and women alike are guilty of numerous sins.

To begin, the Uggs and shorts combo falls in the same category as shorts and rainboots. If it is cold enough for Uggs there is no reason anyone should be pairing them with shorts. Think of your poor legs! Hypothermia is not cute. Additionally, shorts and rainboots, are just not a flattering look, the boots cut off your legs, making them appear stumpier than they actually are, and the short shorts really don't help the situation.

Men of BC, you have your own unique set of fashion faux pas. If your pants are short enough that I can see your ankles, or even more horrifying, your white athletic socks, they are too short. A nice new pair of pants that reach the ground should be in your immediate future. Speaking of white athletic socks, not playing a sport? Then you shouldn't be wearing them. Invest in some nice alternatives. Anything from a solid neutral grey or navy, to a bold argyle, will do.

Ask your female friends how long they spend getting ready, not just on a Saturday night, but any old day. You will most likely be appalled at the amount of time devoted to planning and executing a look that can span anywhere from half an hour to two to three hours. When I see a guy walking around campus every day in sweatpants, I am seriously just unimpressed. I put in a lot of effort to get dressed most mornings, have the courtesy to do the same, please. This will not only make you a more fashionable male at BC, something you will be applauded for, but will most likely attract way more female attention. Side note, there is never any reason to tuck a sweatpants into a sock, transgressors you know who you are.

The sweatpants comment pertains to the women of BC as well. You never know who you are going to run into, a professor, a perspective employer, or the future love of your life, so ditch the sweatpants and ponytail. Or maybe limit it to once a week, Fridays perhaps. College fashion is not about how hard you try, comfort is a factor, but it is definitely about making an impression. Like it or not, the first thing people notice about you is your appearance. And your mother was right, though you will never admit it, first impressions are everything.

Another trend that is running rampant among the women here is workout attire to class. Yoga pants, sneakers, and a T-shirt are not the way to make said impression. Note: the wearing of yoga pants (a casual bottom) with a nice top (any sort of blouse or attractive shirt) is a confusing combination. Don't get lazy, dress your whole body.

My final fashion qualm with the student body would have to be an overload of designer labels. We all appreciate a fine fashion house that knows how to produce wonderful garments of fine quality. But, the problem arises when people purchase designer brands simply for notoriety not simply for fashion. Just because your favorite designer is selling something doesn't mean it is flattering on you, or a good addition to your wardrobe. Any overload of designer labels is also an off putting effect. Head to toe Burberry, or whatever it may be, makes you look like a sham, since every fashionable person knows the art of mixing and matching (high end with cheap, vintage with designer, masculine with feminine). Vow to spring clean your style this season.