Boys and Girls

If you’ve had a hard time figuring out whether the person walking toward you in the library is a girl or a boy, don’t fret--they’re just trendy.
The word tom-boy is becoming obsolete, with androgynous style dominating both the runways and the street.

Once a trend among urban hipsters, the blurring of gender lines has entered fashion in the form of oversized shirts and crisp tailored looks. Now don’t be jealous, boys, you, too, can dabble in androgyny. Narrow-legged jeans, scarves, and billowy shirts, once pegged as the emo rocker look, have become more mainstream, and retailers and advertisers alike have begun to notice. Stores such as American Apparel and Urban Outfitters have stocked up on unisex apparel, making the ambiguous styles more accessible. Items like trench coats, leather jackets and oversize boots also add to the look, and with many pieces, it’s hard to tell whether an item has actually been designed specifically for men or women. Check out The NYT for more on this emerging trend, it has a great audio slide show.

While I won’t be borrowing from my boyfriend’s closet anytime soon, I can’t get enough of tailored blazers and billowy button downs. The NYT was right to note that this is a style popular with young people--While sipping my daily cup of Twin Cities blend in the Cage, I’ve noticed a daily wave of students wearing leggings and long button down shirts, or dressing up a pair of jeans with structured jackets.
Today, I spotted senior Leila Roos, above, modeling what I think is the epitome of androgynous style--with flair.

Leila told me: “Everyday I try to dress in costume.” The top-hat makes this look unique. It reminds me of something you would see in downtown Manhattan. This is the kind of self-expression that makes style so personal. Special thanks to Leila for sharing her look!

Scandinavian Chic

It’s official. They’ve put the evergreen boughs in the urns in front of Buntrock Commons. That can mean only one thing—Christmasfest is approaching, bringing with it a sea of Scandinavian sweaters. As I discussed in my last entry, wearable looks are filling the shops and coincidentally style.com, Vogue’s website, just created a look-book chronicling “Scandinavian favorites” which are described as “wearable, simple, sporty, and elegant.”
After four years in Minnesota, I’ve learned that no one does Scandinavian chic better than the students at St. Olaf College. I also couldn’t help but notice that not one of the women in that look-book appears to be wearing a jacket warm enough to brave the winters of Northfield, let alone Norway. But enjoy the looks, there are quite a few, and be inspired to play with your own wardrobe--just remember to don a jacket.

Need something to wear to Christmasfest? With all the festivity on campus, it may be hard to resist buying a holiday outfit. The WSJ gives some tips on what to look for when shopping for a holiday event. Norwegians rejoice--the recommended item for men was a Nordic sweater, which can be worn throughout winter and not just during the month of December. For women, stick to items that can be made into multiple outfits, such as a black dress and a jewel-colored sweater. Even better, try shopping your own closet. That’s what I’ll be doing this year. My outfit of choice? A white ruffled shirt, black skirt with tights and a red beaded belt to add a splash of holiday cheer.

For an example of classic Norsk wear, see the pictures above, modeled by senior Greta Berg. I love the detailing in the pattern, absolutely beautiful. With this kind of craftsmanship, it's all in the details. Greta's siblings' names are Leif and Bjorn-- if you had any doubts about her Norwegian heritage. And yes, the sweaters were made in Norway, I checked. Enjoy!

It’s all Greek to me

While in the throes of economic turmoil or social unrest, the world of fashion has reverted to an old standby time and again-- Greek chic. While you don’t see too many Grecian dresses here on campus (if only Pause dances were more formal, sigh) the drapery used to make these dresses popular is also being used for wraps and sweaters this season. Thankfully, this look flatters almost every figure and can be worn from day to night. Who knew drapes could frame more than just windows? For more on draping and other fall trends click here.

This recurring trend emphasizes the consumer’s desire for more consistency in fashion. The economic downturn has made shoppers wary of throw-away fashion and has caused many high-end designers to reconsider their opulent ways. Zac Posen, famous for dressing a long list of celebrities from Reese Witherspoon to Blake Lively, has scaled down his designs, opting for more affordable fabrics, such as cotton, to make looks more wearable. Retailers have demanded lower prices, causing more designers to create more everyday looks. This is good news for the average woman, who doesn’t have a cocktail party every night, (not on this campus) and is just looking for a cozy cardigan in which to run to the library.