Nylah Mitchell/Fourth Estate
Copy editor, Nylah, shares a few ways to dress in time for the best season of the year
BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR
Gone are the days of snow, ice and frost. Here enter the days of blooming flowers, sunshine and rain. With the arrival of the vernal equinox comes cherry blossoms and pastel colors. As temperatures rise on campus, students will be studying and snacking outside on the Mason Pond Lawn, Wilkin plaza, the quads and more. It only makes sense to want to dress fashionably for the new season. Here are some stylish ways to refresh your wardrobe and embrace spring.
Jewelry, jewelry, and more jewelry
Yes, Coco Chanel once said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” However, here me out—one of the best ways to upscale any outfit is by layering jewelry. If you’re into permanent jewelry, a jade bangle is a cultural yet chic addition to your stack. Or, Italian charm bracelets are perfect as you count down the days until summer.
Dainty and funky earrings are a small yet impactful touch to accessorize for the warming season. Fruit and flower-themed earrings add a dash of playfulness to your outfit when spending more time outside. Feeling something more refined? Pearls are a timeless choice—they aren’t just for evening wear or LinkedIn headshots. Pearl drop earrings and spaced pearl necklaces bring an elegant vibe to any outfit.
Where to shop: Etsy, Amazon, flea markets, secondhand shops and any other local boutiques.
Baseball caps
Baseball season is here! Whether you’re a Yankees, Nationals, or another team’s fan, the key to styling your cap is personalization. Start small by pairing your baseball or dad cap with a silk scarf for an elevated street-style look.
For a vintage, distressed vibe, use scissors, a seam ripper or sandpaper along the edges to create an out of the ‘90s look. Feeling artsy? Add custom sketch figures and doodles with Sharpies on or around the logo for a more cartoonish touch. (Tip: go for an old cap first or sketch using pencils, if not confident in your drawing skills.) Feeling more creative and crafty? Bring out patches, threads and needles for a more unique and eccentric cap. Stitch your initials, your favorite player’s number or your lucky number on the side to add a personal flair.
Where to shop: Any sportswear store or a gift shop.
Unique color sneakers
A new season calls for new sneakers! Dad shoes are forever trending; they offer comfort and pair perfectly with a streetwear look. The Salomons XT-6, add a sporty yet stylish flare to your outfit, while the Salomon X Sandy Liang XT-Whisper in color ‘Fairy Tale’ and the Salomon XT-6 in Mahogany Rose and Earth Brown sneakers are a dream pick for those who love pastel hues.
Adidas Sambas are timeless, but if you want a twist, consider the long tongue style or opt for a less common color. Perhaps one not already in your closet. For those seeking alternatives to Sambas, the silver metallic Adidas Taekwondo and the Adidas Japan in any color are unique alternatives to what everyone is wearing. Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 and the Onitsuka Tiger Serrano are also great alternatives to Adidas Sambas and its variants. I am a fan of the metallic Crystal Pink Mexico 66 and the Mako Blue and Cream Serrano because they exude a fun, fresh and sporty spring look.
Where to shop: Online sneaker retailers, Adidas, Onitsuka Tiger, and secondhand marketplaces.
Light jackets
It’s the season of wind, rain and sun. A light jacket that’s stylish and comfy is an absolute must for the weather. Quilted jackets have been ‘in’ for a while but why not spice it up with some floral or paisley patterns? Shop at: Free People, ASOS, Zara and Etsy.
Long coats are a classic and stylish way to elevate any campus outfit. I’m talking unbuttoned khaki trench coats, gingham trench coats and long quilted jackets. Shop at: Online secondhand shops (ThredUp, Poshmark, Depop, eBay, TheRealReal), Sézane and Damson Madder.
Light knits
It’s getting warmer, but it’s also the perfect time for a chilly wind to cut through or ruin a spring outfit. A good cashmere or cotton knitted sweater will have you set for the group study picnics and cold lecture rooms. To match the season’s aesthetic, go for a colorful striped or embroidered sweater and pair them with light blue jeans.
Want something different? Try boatneck and asymmetrical sweaters styled with a white tee peeking around the collar for a more effortless look.
Where to shop: ASOS, J. Crew, Zara and T.J. Maxx
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe, and with spring sales, it’s a great opportunity to explore new styles and update your look. Whether you’re accessorizing with bold jewelry, sporting unique sneakers, or layering light knits, there are countless ways to dress to impress.
