When I was about 12 years old, I, Madison Feller, had the stunning realization that I would never be the editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine. The source of my realization? My name did not start with an A. Yes, that’s right. Ann Shoket, Amy Astley, Anna Wintour: these are the women who run some of the better-known fashion magazines, and let’s face it – my non-A first name clearly messes up the alliteration of that list.
So where to channel my hours of stalking fashion websites, blogs and magazines? Why, MOVE Magazine, of course! There are no preexisting standards about having an A first name here! MOVE is the perfect place for me to live out my fashion-writing pipe dreams while also keeping all of you MU students inspired and interested in the wonderful world of fashion that Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld has so graciously built for us. So, in between studying and pretending to attend yoga class, I’ll be sure to do my best to bring you all of the fashion knowledge you could possibly want – all with some sass on the side.
To ring in a new year (and my new column!), I think we should all take a look back at our last few weeks of fall semester. If you’re anything like me, you spent most of finals time adorned in bookstore sweatpants and a messy hair bun. And if you’re a guy, there’s a good chance you took all of your tests in your pajamas. But Tigers, I know we can do better than that.
In addition to all of your resolutions about hitting the rec three times a day and avoiding Hot Box Cookies ’til June (yeah, good luck with that), how about making some fashion resolutions? While a constant uniform of skinny jeans and v-necks is classic and simple, let’s vow to think outside the box this year.
One of the bigger and bolder trends out there this winter has been the invasion of printed jeans. Snake print, polka dot, floral, paisley – nothing’s off limits this season. Push your basic blue jeans to the back of your closet and instead try pulling off one of these more unique pairs of pants. If you’re a little hesitant to rock something this ballsy, try pairing them with something a little more neutral. A cream or oatmeal knit sweater goes with just about anything and adds a level of easiness and comfort to your outfit while still keeping you fashionable and warm.
If you’re a little more daring, though, try mixing your prints. As long as you stay in the same color family, you’re most likely good to go. And if you’re in need of additional inspiration on how to juxtapose prints wisely, just take a look at Oscar de la Renta’s Pre-Fall 2013 show; that designer knows what he’s doing.
However, if the idea of wearing something that adventurous makes you a little scared, another great way to amp up your style is with color. With the winter months still drudging on, it’s only natural to see people reverting back to boring blacks, browns and neutrals as they throw on whatever wool contraption will keep them from turning to ice. Color, though, can be one of the most effective ways to spice up your closet. And, in the spirit of trying out new things, my mission for all of you is simple: clash. Try wearing colors that wouldn’t normally be seen together. Easy pairings to try are red and pink, blue and green or even gold and silver, if you want to try mixing up your jewelry. Though this may seem like a little walk on the wild side, it’s a surefire way to step out of your comfort zone.
Whether it’s one of these ideas, or even deciding that you’re going to finally pick up some riding boots to replace your UGGs (no offense guys, but it’s time), I hope that 2013 will be the year of opening up your fashion mind to options you may have never considered before. I mean, you already survived Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez breaking up. What else do you have to lose?
