Bundling up with the latest fashion trends

Winter fashion is easy to get excited about because of the ever-changing trends, the promises of layering, and the diversity of popular accessories for the season. This winter, we have seen a great focus towards the graphic black and white styles that come off as both classy and elegant, as well as witnessing a more stringent approach to the delicate embellishments that we find on our outfits, such as the ruffles, bows, and broaches that are tied into the patterning. What is particularly unique about this year’s winter fashion trends is that you can mix and match a little bit from each genre of fashion and come up with a fantastically unique look that is all your own.

By Stephanie Wytovich

Staff Writer

Winter fashion is easy to get excited about because of the ever-changing trends, the promises of layering, and the diversity of popular accessories for the season. This winter, we have seen a great focus towards the graphic black and white styles that come off as both classy and elegant, as well as witnessing a more stringent approach to the delicate embellishments that we find on our outfits, such as the ruffles, bows, and broaches that are tied into the patterning. What is particularly unique about this year’s winter fashion trends is that you can mix and match a little bit from each genre of fashion and come up with a fantastically unique look that is all your own.

Since most of us live on campus grounds, I wanted to start off reviewing some Seton Hill-friendly clothing and accessory choices for the long, windy, cold walk from DeChantal to Maura. In terms of the comfortable and the warm, I would direct you to the Victoria’s Secret (VS) PINK and Body by Victoria lines. VS offers a lot of comfortable yet fashionable outfits that are easy to mix and match with your favorite styles of sweatshirts and sweatpants. But for those of you that are a little less colorful and a tad less sparkly, Body by Victoria offers a more gentle color wheel with the same comfort and appeasement of the PINK line.

So now that we have the outfit, we need a nice pair of boots that will keep us warm but not clash with our outfit. UGG boots continue to be the must-have boot of the season, but a cheaper and equally comfortable knock off brand of them can be found in the design of EMU boots. They have the same shape and style, combined with the fur interior; one will just be missing out on the name brand.

“This winter I have been heavily relying on my boots. I wear them practically every day. I have several pairs.

Something I don’t really have but feel is a necessity is a good scarf. It looks good and you definately need one to protect your neck on the windy Seton Hill campus.

The last thing that I have grown a liking to this winter is the sweater dress and leggings. It’s dressy, worm, and sexy. This is also a style that can be abused. Sweater dresses can be very flattering, but one needs to be careful that the dress fits well. Some sweater dresses tend to show any ounce of fat you have on your body so buyer beware!” said Angela Palumbo, a junior.

“It seems like alot of people wear peacoats and Ugg boots. I’m personally not a fan of the Ugg boots, but peacoats are nice because they still keep you really warm while allowing you to look a little dressed up,” said Katie Vann, a junior.

Heavy knitted sweaters turned out to be huge this season because they not only keep you warm, but also give off a slight hint of skin allowing it to be both comfortable and sexy at the same time. This is a great example of how a conservative look can still pass as attractively appealing, and catch the eyes of the opposite sex.

Some more examples of what hit the runways this season would be a ripped look found in both stockings and jeans, as well as see through clothing. A lot of fashionistas seemed to really get into this because of the ability to layer, layer, and layer! This style is really appealing to different genres of chic because it is as if hardcore punk trends have met up with the delicate and more feminine looks of the present.

Another fabric that has become versatile in its approach to the fashion world would be leather. This season, leather has moved beyond the jacket and into skirts, leggings and shorts, among other things, transforming into a classy addition to your outfit without making you look like a biker about to hit the roads.

Accessorizing is also a huge part of winter fashion, and every outfit can be improved with a scarf, vest, belt or handbag. A lot of styles seem to be meshing together this season so we have a mix of classy meets hardcore and bohemian chic meets soft and delicate. This means retro flowers, lengthy charm necklaces, big bracelets and rings, and especially ornamented earrings, both studs (yes they came back!) and hoops.

“Well I definitely believe that plaid is the must have pattern of the season. A scarf, a hat or flats…..any color, any way you want to wear it. Boots for us….is a must have for the snow, any style or color works, just pair it up with the right vest or jacket. I love love love scarfs….it takes any outfit to the next level of fab. It spices up any plain winter outfit and adds color. No need to spend the money on a new outfit, just splurge for a fun, colorful, or funky scarf….or any accessory for that matter,” said Katie Fritsch, a junior.

Moving onto a girl’s first love, shoes are the epitome of what makes or breaks an outfit. High stilettos with a hybrid platform in the front have graced the walkways, and said goodbye to the chunky heels of the past. To complement the front of the shoe, the squared off toe chic was made big this season by Prada and Christian Dior, but the pointed toe is as always a definite classic and always in style. These types of heels are great for every style whether you’re pulling off a dressier Goth outfit, or a business casual look.

Also popular this season is above the knee, and lace up boots (and heels) with folk inspired fringe designs. In addition, there is classic open toed heel that can be paired up with both vibrant and dark colors and cinched with a delicate, patterned pair of tights. Now throw on a peacoat, and you’re set to go.

And to give all you trend setters a look into spring, staff writer, Violet Moon Gaynor of ELLE magazine, believes that the spring 2010 fashion trend will be denim.

“From denim-on-denim done right to the perfect jean jacket, the spring runways were awash with modern updates to the all-American classic,” she said.

“Anyways, as far as Winter style goes, I think I have my own unique style. I like to take a lot of different styles and trends and combine them. One of my favorite outfits for winter is a wool mini with patterned stockings and boots! I am pretty much a HUGE fan of the patterned stockings and also love to layer everything and anything.

Instead of buying a bunch of new outfits for the seasons, I like to pair clothing from the fall and even summer (if I can get away with it) and put layers under or over them! I think my new favorite is layering with casual dresses! I also pair boots with practically EVERYTHING! Jeans, skirts, dresses etc.

I am obsessed with scarves! I think they are a great accessory, but I also think a stylish bag is always a good route to go in to add something special to an outfit!” said Bethany Merryman, a senior.