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S P R I N G & S U M M E R
F A S H I O N March 30, 2017
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The Auburn Plainsman: Fashion Guide
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Check it out Male accessories guide Tripping on festival wear Stepping into someone else’s shoes Time traveling to today’s retro
Letter from the lifestyle editor: comfort is key for confidence LILY JACKSON LIFESTYLE EDITOR
The phrase “just be yourself” has sadly been buried in a borrowed coffin along with millions of similar clichés that seemingly make the world go ‘round. It’s lost the sting — the power it once had. It’s been a catch line in hundreds of poorly written journal entries disguised as articles, leaving it bare and meaningless. We’ve come up with a million translations, but the concept is still one of the most challenging to grasp. You’d think staying true to oneself would be common knowledge and habit after listening to song after song
bolstering those who doubt and conveying a message of being born one way and loving it. Considering the circumstances, it isn’t hard to see why. Influence is a key component in combatting or fostering self-awareness. The scale could tip either way, depending on perception and action. We tend to let minuscule, petty opinions infiltrate our personal perception of who we are or who we know we should be. Some people are taken over, body and soul, by trends, fads and judgmental gazes that have no right to influence. Dressing the way in which one feels comfortable and confident shouldn’t be a question, it should be an innate fact smack-dab, front and center. While we should feel welcome to look around and learn from others, staying true to changes as they fly
through our minds is just as important. If you love designer names, pull out that wad of cash and strut down the sidewalk in the your new threads. If you appreciate a fantastic deal at a thrift store and don’t mind the musty smell of new-to-me clothing, be confident in that purchase and relish that one-of-a-kind treasure. This special spring and summer issue showcases styles that were once loved, then lost and have been brought back, 20 times more expensive, of course. The 70s’ retro vibes and bold choices brought life and color to play. Who’s to say it can’t do the same today? It’s sad to think about styles fleeing, as they are bound to re-appear a few decades later. I say, hold on to what you love and find comfort in whatever provides such. Confidence and self-awareness should be stitched in the pockets of your favorite faded flannel.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
The Auburn Plainsman: Fasion Guide
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Pollin’ On a hunt for fashionable truth, we asked The Auburn Plainsman Twitter followers for their opinions on fashion issues and favorites. Here’s what they had to say. Have opinions of your own? Follow us.
@TheAUPlainsman
What’s your preferred swimwear? 149 votes 41% Bikini all the way 22% One pieces have class 30% The basic trunks 7% Speedo or no go
Do you shave your beard in the summer?
135 votes
52% Yes, free the chin 48% No, I’d never go naked
What is your favorite outdoor sandal? 119 votes 22% Teva 74% Chaco 4%Magellan
Are bell-bottom jeans back?
187 votes
28% Yes, thankfully 72% No, let’s hope not
DAKOTA SUMPTER / MANAGING EDITOR
Moderately mundane How a hectic lifestyle meets a simplistic look DAKOTA SUMPTER
MANAGING EDITOR
I set strict rules for myself, regarding things that may seem inconsequential to others. For example, if I’m not drinking my coffee black, it either gets one creamer or one sugar packet. Never both and never more than that. If the cream isn’t in individual portions, I mix it according to the shade of brown it creates. These rules also translate to the way I dress. Although my clothing choices are simple, there are many factors that go into my daily dress equation. For the sake of space, I’ll only include the rules that pertain to the late spring season. First, check the weather. Since the temperature from morning to noon varies greatly, layers are essential. If I haven’t checked the weather the night before, I check on my phone before even rolling out of bed. Second, colors must be coordinated. I don’t like wearing bright colors or flashy patterns, but making sure that even mundane colors such as grey, olive green, khaki and faded blues work nicely together is essential.
Third, footwear choice is dependent upon two conditions: weather and anticipated walking distance for the day. I suppose I should clarify the reason as to why I maintain these ridiculous rules. I spend my day going from an art studio, newspaper office and wherever else my photo assignments may take me. Because of this, it is essential to always maintain some level of professionalism while being able to go from different places without standing out too much. Hence the neutral colors and either jeans or khakis. Apparently I wasn’t the only one in my family that thought this way. During a conversation with my mother as to my strict rules in clothing, she told me my grandfather was the same way. Although they lived on a farm, he always kept a button-up work shirt near the front door, for fear of someone catching him outside of the house with just a t-shirt on. My grandfather also never wore shorts unless he was swimming, probably for fear of blinding others with his bright white legs. It’s hard to believe that so much consideration can go into something as simple as wearing the same color schemes and picking between four pairs of shoes. Unfortunately, we live in a world where people are often judged based upon their appearances, so hopefully I come off as boring and simple.
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REAL MEN ACCESSORIZE
The Auburn Plainsman: Fashion Guide
PHOTOS BY DAKOTA SUMPTER / MANAGING EDITOR
Chip Brownlee COMMUNITY EDITOR
It doesn’t take a lot of observation to notice that men don’t have that much of a choice when it comes to business and professional attire. You pick a suit, usually navy or black, a white or blue shirt and match your tie. But it doesn’t have to end there, and it shouldn’t. Accessories are the hallmark of a man’s professional attire, even if we don’t want to admit it. The watch, the tie, the belt and the socks make or break one’s outfit. You can’t go overboard, but you don’t want to be too dull either. By selecting classy and eye-catching accessories, a guy can really add a lot to his professional outfit. If one has a good belt, a nice watch, a classy, colorful tie and even a pair of snazzy cuff links, you don’t have to worry about anything else. The combination of the accessories can make a guy’s outfit more than the sum of its bland parts. Choose a watch that matches your belt and shoes. If you choose a black suit, match the suit with dark shoes, a black belt and sharp black watch. The same goes for a blue suit. A brown belt, brown dress shoes or boots and a leather watch make for a great combination with a navy suit. And the accessories don’t have to be expensive or flashy, either, unless that’s what you’re going for.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
The Auburn Plainsman: Fashion Guide
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always open @ btgauburn.com
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Somewhere in a field
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The Auburn Plainsman: Fashion Guide Jessica Ballard COPY EDITOR
Music festivals are notorious for many things, but most notably, they’re known for heat. Dressing for festivals can be tricky. Everyone wants to look the best they can while enduring long days and unnatural amounts of sweat. The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to wear the least amount of clothing socially acceptable and to utilize loose fabrics. Patterned, loose pants are all the rage at festivals and for good reason. They’re vibrant and make a statement in an outfit but don’t suffocate your legs. Pair a plain crop top with them, and you’ve got a comfortable, cute outfit for the day.
Festival wear
Thursday, March 30, 2017 High-wasted shorts are also a solid choice at festivals with either another crop top or even a cute bralette. Festivals are a great place to break out the over-the-top accessories and makeup. They add to a look without extra clothes weighing you down. Statement rings and necklaces are a great way to elevate your outfit. The environment at festivals is usually a no-judgment zone, so the blue lipstick wouldn’t be too bizarre or out of place. Music festivals are the perfect place to wear exactly what you want to and express yourself in any way you see fit. The music is great, the people are laid back and admiring your own and other people’s outfits is just one more perk of the whole experience.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
The Auburn Plainsman: Fashion Guide
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Dressing smart for spring and summer Kris Martins
ENTERPRISE EDITOR
You’ve been through it. You wear the tank top and shorts, pull your hair up into a sleek ponytail and step into the piercing hot sunshine that screams, “You live in the South, and don’t you forget it.” You walk across campus with your backpack stuck to the sweat that’s stuck to your shirt then burst into a building where you’re blasted by that chilling classroom temperature that feels like below zero compared to seconds ago. You forgot to bring a cardigan or sweater too. Peachy. Yes, you’ve been through it on campus, but the challenge becomes a bit more difficult when you have to dress professionally for your job or summer internship. Depending on the city and the job, you could be walking to the office, leaving the office to talk to clients or sources or con-
ducting meetings outside. With that in mind, let’s try to find some sensible fashion options so you can look your best and minimize discomfort. Gauge the dress code Your best ally will be a more casual workplace dress code. You may not need a pencil skirt-blazer-heels trio. Some offices may embrace more denim and shorter sleeves. You also might be able to get some ideas from the people who have dressed the part for several years. The office blazer/cardigan Walk to work sleeveless and leave a blazer or cardigan on the back of your office chair to complete your professional attire and to have ready in case you get chilly. If you’re going out, take it with you or leave another one handy in the car so you can slip it on when you’re about to meet your party.
Get the cut and fabric Go three-quarters if you don’t want to layer. Opt for the pencil skirt or even a sleeveless dress. Pair it with sandal wedges if appropriate. Loafers and flats are also spring and summer friendly as well as professional. Light chiffon blouses fall away from the skin to give you some breathing room and a relaxed silhouette. They come in a variety of cuts, look great without layering and pair well with classic trousers. Make it fun Comfort and confidence should go together. Get the crop cut pants, the drapey sleeveless shell tops, the floral dress, the pleated skirt. Get the soft spring and summer hues and couple them with the neutral professional colors. Get creative and dress up some of your favorite pieces. The heat can’t beat a killer outfit or the smart woman in it.
DAKOTA SUMPTER / MANAGING EDITOR Dressing professionally in the summer isn’t always easy, but it’s doable.
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The Auburn Plainsman: Fashion Guide
Thursday, March 30, 2017
These shoes were made for walking
Style starts from the bottom up. Take a closer look at what’s walking down Auburn’s concourses.
How I justify putting forth little to no effort EMILY SHOFFIT
DESIGN EDITOR
It’s another beautiful day on The Plains. You wake up at any time after 10 a.m. (because any time before that is just unnecessary), roll out of bed and make your way to the nearest mirror. Yikes. You’ve got classes the rest of the day, aside from that 8 a.m. you skipped, and need to mentally prepare for what’s ahead. Should you shower? You’d be doing everyone a favor. Dress nice, do your hair, etc.? Meh. Who needs to dress nice when you can just throw on a t-shirt and shorts because it’s been unreasonably hot since February. Classic underachiever. You could look nice, but that takes up time that you could be eating or sleep-
ing. What’s really more important here? It doesn’t take much to live a carefree, unimpressive lifestyle. “Hi, I’m (insert your name here), and I give zero.” Let’s be honest here, any person that you’d be trying to impress won’t give you a second look anyway. Are you really going to stress yourself to dress nice everyday with no reward? So go on, wear that giant t-shirt and make it hard to tell if you actually have pants on underneath. Pants suck anyway. Wear those old gym shorts and tennis shoes, but leave your old high school shirts at home. This is college – we do have some standards. There’s a difference between dressing like an underachiever and dressing like a lost kid. Attention Auburn University, there’s a lost child on the concourse that looks unreasonably old, but we’re pretty sure they don’t go here. Don’t have your legitimacy questioned because you can’t figure out where you are or how old you are. Don’t
DAKOTA SUMPTER / MANAGING EDITOR
be that guy. Remember the best way to underachieve is to do like everything else in your life and absolutely, positively, do not try. Just don’t. It’s not worth it. The only thing you’re really getting dressed for when you get out of bed is
to get back in bed. Dress appropriately for your bed. You don’t want to upset it. And if someone gives you a look or asks why you’re dressed the way you are, simply take a deep breath and calmly respond, “Who are you? That’s right – no one,” and walk away.
Thursday, March 30 2017
The Auburn Plainsman: Fashion Guide
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The Auburn Plainsman: Fashion Guide
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Putting the ‘hip’ in hippie
PHOTOS BY MADISON OGLETREE / PHOTO EDITOR
Thursday, March 30, 2017
The Auburn Plainsman: Fashion Guide
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