PHOTO COURTESY OF Imaxtree, Jeremy Kang/Fashionista
As New York Fashion Week 2019 comes to an end, it is time to take what we have learned and bring it to the Hill. Reflecting on the fresh ideas that the couture houses had to offer on the runway, the main takeaway is that old is new. It is time to restock our wardrobe with pieces from our past, our parents’ closets, or the secondhand market. Reinterpreting the clothes we already have is the name of the game this fall and winter.
One trend that has already taken Hamilton College’s campus by storm is “tacky.” Larger-than-life accessories, billowing sleeves, platform shoes, and obviously Crocs (Jibbitz optional) can be seen along Martins Way daily. “Tacky” has been redefined as expressing the youthful, energetic, and positive side of you. The shabby-chic appearance is malleable to individuals’ styles and tastes. The crunchy-granola AA leader could pair quirky socks with their Tevas or Chacos, whereas the future Morgan Stanley employee could rock a chunky statement necklace with their button down and slacks. Most importantly, this style is environmentally-friendly. One possible tactic to approach this trend could be to dive back into the dress-up buckets hiding under your childhood trundle beds. You can also replicate this style by shopping at Plato’s Closet or Goodwill.
While athleisure could only be worn to the gym (and perhaps during finals week,) your opportunity to stay comfy throughout the day has not gone out the window. Soft form pants are equally, if not more, in-style than jeans at the moment. Paperbag-waist wide-leg trousers both give you an edgy appearance and also allow you to cross your legs on the KJ couches.
Another option is the utility pant. This look helps your summer style make a swift transition to your Hamilton wardrobe. Those utility-cargo style pants are an easy, breezy choice that offer a swanky twist on the ol’ denim jeans. Not only do these pants redefine the classic denim jeans look, they offer you a great excuse to recycle and get more wear out of your well-loved, foolproof hiking pants.
Next up on the NYFW in-list this season is animal print. Haters should just give up now because the hot and heavy trend of the late ’90s and early 2000s is back and here to stay. Playful animal prints jazz up the most dull and ordinary of looks. They also give a funky flare to your personality. Animal print (not animal skin) could easily be worn on nearly any article of clothing: jackets, pants, shirts, socks, and hats. Animal print brings your old khakis back to life. Pairing animal print in your wardrobe is next level. Ultimately, the best part of the trend is its recurring nature. There is no need to jump onto Urban Outfitters’ or Topshop’s website because these trends live on your parents’, friends’, or local thrift shop’s hangers.
There is always an opportunity to reuse, recycle, and upcycle the trends of Martin’s Way’s past for the current season. The environment is the most important and crucial aspect of NYFW this year, and it should be every year. With climate change devastating our planet, it is time to completely rethink the way we are doing fashion. Fashion and being kind to the earth can go hand-in-hand. Doing so may take a little more effort or time, but will save our planet in the end. In essence, you should be shopping for morality, principles, and the environment this season.
