posted: September 19, 2009

Written by: Yekaterina Burmatnova
Edited by: Jo Ann L.B. Duggins

Back to School Blues

Back to school season is upon us. Oh how I feel your pain. Now we get to spend hours sitting in the most uncomfortable chairs, listening to ridiculously long, boring lectures and daydream of the beautiful warm summer days. But it is not as hopeless as it might seem, I promise. Fashion can become your escape, your one creative outlet, as it is unlikely that you will have any time for other fun filled endeavors.You do however, have to get dressed in the morning.

As I go to a fashion school in Manhattan, I have plenty of time to observe the good, the bad, the misunderstood, the fashion-forward, and the unfortunate fashion oopses that make you cringe as though you have bitten into a rotten sock, oh yes, I am talking that bad.

Pajamas are the number one offense! We all run late at times, but there is absolutely no excuse for wearing pajamas to class. Those pj wearing messes need to be arrested by the fashion police and let out only when proper attire is provided. Not one person sitting in the classroom would want to see what you wore to bed last night. Not to mention, it raises the question of hygiene. If you didn’t change out of your pajamas in the morning, did you shower? Did you put on deodorant? These are not the thoughts that we, people who have to look at these lazy messes, should be thinking about in class, as we miss half of the lecture.

One step up from pajamas is the sweat suit ensemble. It is acceptable at the gym, not class. “Juicy” jogging suit is not the right answer either. It’s called a JOGGING suit for a reason. Are you running in class? No, so do the math and make a note to self, "DO NOT put on a “Juicy” suit unless you are going to work out.

It is crucial to keep in mind the weather. For example, New York is not Los Angeles and requires different attire based on the temperature difference. And yes, you should wear more than a fig leaf. I have seen girls on countless occasions wearing much less then they should, standing outside, hold a boiling hot cup of coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other as they shiver. Less is not always more, girlies.

Don’t over think and don’t try too hard, well at least try not to look it. Make sure to get ready the night before because getting dressed half-asleep can be hazardous to your image. Believe me you will be much safer picking out an outfit right before you head to bed. This way you don’t end up looking like a scarecrow the next morning when you realize that not one piece of clothing you’re wearing actually belongs together. You don’t want people like me gasping in horror as you walk by in that outfit. The easiest way to look put-together is wearing a structured jacket or blazer.

Get out your notebooks everyone and lets make a check list. In terms of a shirt: a t-shirt, a v-neck, or a button-down are all acceptable. A pair of skinny jeans are a must; bleached or acid-washed if you feel like unleashing your inner Gwen Stefani. A pair of medium-heel shoes or flats; if you’re going to be on your feet all day, wearing high heels is not only unwise, but also hilarious to the people around you. I say this because by the end of the day you will be moping around reminiscent of hunchback of Notre Dame. And the main course, a blazer with crazy embellishments or just a classically-chic one depending on how adventurous you’re feeling that day.

Please remember it is key to be comfortable and fashionable at the same time, so pick items that are structured yet cozy. Let me reiterate one last time, make sure you do your homework and prepare the night before. Class dismissed.


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