Acting Out Autumn
Know what’s in and what’s out in the latest fashion trends this season
By Sean Santiago, contributing writer
Posted on August 31, 2006

As September rolls in and warm-weather wears return to the depths of many a closet, the question that (should) be on everyone’s mind is, “Now what?” And what is “now” can be a very daunting undertaking: plaids, peacoats, leggings, layers and of course, skinny jeans. Oh my! One thing to maintain during every season, throughout every trend, is a sense of self; wear what you feel comfortable in. Unless that would leave you in a miniskirt and Uggs, in which case how uncomfortable you make everyone around you feel constitutes a threat to society.

For those guys and gals who are more fashion-forward, the first trend many want to work their way around is the skinny jean. When buying a pair, make sure that you actually look good in them. Get outside opinions from friends you trust and be sure you have the confidence to pull the look off with panache; don’t wear them with your head held low and your hands in your pockets (they won’t fit anyway). Everyone will be looking at you so you’re going to have to know how to work a crowd. If the calf-sucking demons prove too gnarly a challenge for you, then take the high road and get a nice pair of skinny straight-legged jeans (that don’t taper in at your calves) and live the best of both worlds.
           
Speaking of other worlds, fall’s somber color palette is a marked contrast to the razzle-dazzle of spring 2006. As attested to in this months’ Vogue, you should expect your outfits to get their “va-va-voom” from textures such as wool, corduroy, and cashmere. Anglo favorites such as houndstooth, Fair Isle and tweed are big, and don’t be afraid to play with volume. Be the big woman on campus by pairing your skinny jeans with an oversized jacket. Even if you side with sophomore Joce Mallin, who declares that “trends only look good on the people they’re made for: models and actresses,” you shouldn’t shy away from experimenting (maybe just a little) with fun patterns and unusual cuts.
           
On the other side of the fashion spectrum you’ll find that it’s surprisingly hip to hide your shape by artistically piling on the pounds (of clothing). Marc Jacobs’ infamous grunge collection has once again defined the look du jour for many of today’s hottest trendsetters, which means that layering is très chic. Sophomore Liz Bikowski loves to layer because “it’s comfortable and easy,” but admits, “there’s a fine line between looking good and looking like a bag lady.” Which brings up another point: don’t mess with volume and layers if you come out looking more like Kirstie Alley than Kate Moss.
           
For the fellas, there are three main looks to grapple with this fall, according to style.com: “frontiersman,” “neo-prepster,” and “minimalist.” I’d like to fancy myself a pseudo-frontiersman-cum-neo-prepster, but I’m not sure if these boundaries should be crossed. Basically, invest in an awesome jacket this season, preferably in a plaid, or, if you’d like the most bang for your buck, a peacoat in traditional navy or black. The fashion-savvy editors of Details suggest tweed as a hip way to update the omnipresent blazer, and you can’t go wrong highlighting your choice outerwear with straight-legged, unwashed jeans, which are much more “in” than your shredded boot-cut pair. As a matter of fact, that pair belongs where it looks like you found them – in the trash.
           
A sound bit of sartorial advice for both sexes is to dress in moderation. Don’t go overboard with any trend; fashion victim is spelled o-v-e-r-k-i-l-l. Dressing up like a lumberjack just because plaids are hot right now? Not a good idea. Invest too much of your time and money trying to pull off The Perfect Outfit and you will wind up looking like a blind hermit who just ransacked Lindsay Lohan’s closet.