Stephanie Tipple
Fashion Columnist

You know the old line your parents used to give you, the “If everyone jumped off a bridge, would you jump too?” Well, believe it or not, this should apply to fashion trends as well as major life decisions. Trends are meant to be interpreted, not copied right off of the runway. And while you may want to try every trend out there, there are some trends that work for your body type and some that need to be tweaked in order to work. Whether you’re in college or at that great internship you just scored, you need to find appropriate ways to style your looks and keep yourself from falling into the fashion faux pas category.

One trend that has prevailed through many seasons is leggings, in various patterns, colors and designs. While leggings are the perfect pairing with a skirt or dress and boots, people in some cases have taken it a step further, substituting the word “leggings” for “pants.”

Let’s be real here – leggings are not pants. They are in the hosiery section in many stores for a reason and don’t always provide the necessary coverage you need when walking around on campus in broad daylight. While there are many models who have taken on this trend, this is extremely difficult to pull off while still looking good. So refrain from wearing leggings as pants unless you’re going to yoga.

Heels are an essential component of many looks and have maintained iconic status for many years, but there are limits. A pair of kitten heels, or a modest heel is a great addition to any pulled together look, but this does not mean that you need to pull out your six-inch stilettos for your biology class. Those heels should be reserved for occasions like club night, as they are not only incredibly uncomfortable for long-term wear, but they can even act as a safety hazard when you’re walking the halls with your friends. Additionally, when you’re running late for class or are parked in the very back of the parking lot, stiletto heels are the last thing you want on your feet. You may also want to consider that frequently wearing high heels is actually bad for your feet.

If you’ve ever seen Flashdance or other popular 1980s movies, then chances are you’ve seen the sweats and neon colors that plagued that time period. Trouble is this neon is making a comeback in a big way. Neon as an accent piece in a monochromatic outfit or used in a fun accessory is a great way to spice up your look, but limit it to one piece. If you’ve got a jumble of dance wear, feathers and neon bright pieces, you’re going to look like you’ve come out of a bad 1980s aerobics dance video — and this should not be the goal when you’re shaping your personal look for the spring and summer seasons.

The key here is moderation and a level of modesty. You’re in college, so experimenting and getting creative with your look is the goal, but going overboard will do you no favors when you’re looking at snapshots of yourself a few years later. Adding small touches of trends and making them work for your body is the best way to be on point with the trends while honing in on your personal style.

By: Stephanie Tipple

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