Article Narrated by: Nicole Larder
Want some fashion advice? Email Nicole at askafashionstudent@gmail.com, or fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/9AD6KHeqsCDFcpc77
During the hot months, I usually stick to the same uniform: an oversized tee, with short athletic shorts or bike shorts and my air force ones. I feel like I’m in a fashion rut and want to switch up my style. Help!! — Breaking My Dress Code
Hello, Breaking My Dress Code! I totally understand feeling like you’re in a fashion rut! Everyone has their own uniform, including myself. Funnily enough, my summertime uniform is actually very similar to yours. Finding a new style can be completely overwhelming. It can be easier to start out with positives, so first, find what you like about your everyday outfit and what makes you gravitate towards those pieces. Then, you can build outfits around what you already like.
If you like the functionality of your everyday “uniform,” try to play around with different athleisure pieces, such as a pleated tennis skirt or a straight golf skirt instead of shorts. If you love the simplicity of your everyday outfit, try checking out a matching short set. Matching sets are a great way to look put together without getting overwhelmed by your closet. If you like the classic silhouette of your everyday outfit, maybe switch out your usual tee and athletic shorts for a plain white tee and denim cutoffs.
If you’re content with your top and bottoms, check out your footwear. If you love the white color of your sneakers, check out some other brands or models of white shoes, such as the New Balance White 550s, Reebok Women’s Club C Doubles or a white version of Adidas Sambas. If you want to stay within the sneaker family but add more color or shape, check out sneaker brands known for their colorful but stylish designs like Nike, Converse and Vans. If you want to try something completely different, Dr. Martens, mary janes, loafers, ballet flats and Birkenstocks are all great and comfortable options.
Again, changing up your style can be hard and very daunting. Hopefully, starting from a positive place and building outfits around what you already like will make this process less scary.
With football season starting, I’ve realized I have no idea what to wear to football games! I feel like I’ve exhausted all of my outfit options and I don’t want to be a gameday outfit repeater. Can you help me find a way to cheer on MU while still looking stylish? —Football Fashion Fears
Hey Football Fashion Fears! One of the easiest ways to create a game day outfit is to focus on school spirit. MU apparel is extremely easy to come by. There are plenty of options in the bookstore inside the MU Student Center, and if you’re looking for a more unique or funky look, check out second-hand websites like eBay, Poshmark, Mecari or Depop! Or, check out a MU student–run business such as Rad by Design! For bottom options, try to stick to options that will keep you comfortable in all types of weather, like jeans, denim shorts or MU overalls. Flowy mini and maxi skirts are also comfortable options that keep you cool. Footwear is a great way to stand out in a game day outfit. Go for white or black sneakers for a more casual feel. If you want to be extra, go for boots like Dr. Martens, black or white western boots or even heeled go-go boots. Accessories can make or break a game day outfit. If you’re into jewelry, the MU Student Center has a ton of options. The student center also sells tiger ears, which can turn any outfit game day ready. You can also add hats to your outfits, especially during sunny days. Cowboy hats, baseball hats and beanies are all great accessories, and you can find great MU options second-hand as well. I hope this gave you a lot of ideas on what to wear during football games. M-I-Z!
Hey! I’m trying out for a club here on campus, and our ‘audition’ has a business professional dress code. I want to stand out from everyone else wearing a suit and tie, but I’m hopeless when it comes to fashion. Could you give me some cool suit ideas? — Suit Scaries
Of course, Suit Scaries! Throughout high school, I competed in mock trials, where I often had to adhere to a professional dress code. Thankfully, I quickly became an expert in styling professional suits. An easy way to spice up a suit is to wear a turtleneck instead of a collared shirt. If you want to lean more towards an academic vibe, add a quick sweater vest and a pop of color into your ensemble. If you want to add even more color, think about going for a monochromatic moment, with a navy or darker-colored suit and pants. If you want to change up the structure of your outfit, vintage-inspired bottoms like wide-legged pants or barrel-legged trousers will add a subtle hint of style to your suit. If you’re bold enough to play with your footwear, a colorful loafer or even a 70s-inspired boot will add a little oomph to your suit! But make sure you feel comfortable in whatever you’re wearing. The most important part of an audition is showing off your personality and skills. However, it doesn’t hurt to have a fabulous outfit on while you blow your competition away!
Edited by Ever Cole | ecole@themaneater.com