As gladiator sandals are put into storage bins for a long hibernation, cool-weather fashion breaks loose on campus. Whether wearing a blazer to impress visiting Syracuse University alumni this weekend or a trench coat to beat the rain, here are some key pieces of clothing to look fashionable for any occasion this season.

For one, military styles have landed on campus. And no, not your ROTC friends gearing up for their early morning workout. The military has had a huge impact on cold-weather trends. From army-green coats to lace-up boots, know that the style is hot.

Camille Diamond, a senior psychology major, said looking around the campus is evidence enough of this trend. With lace-up heels and black rugged combat boots, one version or another of this fall favorite is everywhere.

‘Military style jackets and front lace-up boots are cute together this fall,’ said Amanda Shane, a junior psychology major. Shane said she always wears a basic white tee, but she accessorizes it with military staples to make her look ready for combat. The addition of her combat boots makes her outfit more uniform. Adding a trench coat or motorcycle-inspired jacket to her basic tee is always an easy, fall-friendly option.

Motorcycle jackets, either fake or made from 100 percent real cowhide, are also gaining popularity. Emily Montgomery, a sophomore illustration and Spanish major, admits her favorite fall clothing item is her ‘fake leather jacket,’ which is perfect to beat the wind.

These faux leather jackets can be found in basic black or with funky zippers and metal studs. To make the motorcycle jacket more cold-weather appropriate, they can be found with sheepskin around the collar for a chic way to stay warm.

But as soon you step indoors for a meal in the Schine Student Center or a test in Grant Auditorium, the coats come off. There goes one accessory, now draped over your chair.

Montgomery said it is key to layer, layer, layer. ‘It’s really been a lot about the sweaters, layering them with dresses and other girly pieces,’ she said. A thick knitted sweater is the perfect tagalong for any fall outfit. Whether it is worn over a dress, over leggings, or with a pair of shorts and thick tights, sweaters add the much-needed warmth to fend off the cool breezes on the Hill.

Flannels are another fall trend resurfacing at SU. Susan Sadkowski, a sophomore advertising major, pairs her oversized flannel shirts with skinny jeans. Comfortable and inexpensive, they pair well with any bottom.

As alumni arrive on campus for Homecoming Week 2010, it may be necessary to dress a bit more sophisticated. After all, alumni are possible networking connections. Pairing a classic blazer with any outfit creates an innate sense of status and power. Blazers are a necessity, whether you’re rubbing elbows with the alumni or at that hard-to-get internship interview. And look at that: They are just as popular this fall. Adding a blazer to a basic v-neck and jeans is classy yet casual. This outfit will convey to the alumni that you are a young professional, not just a college kid.

aspizzi@syr.edu

 

Published on October 12, 2010 at 12:00 pm