Whether you have been at Tufts for six weeks or three years, there will inevitably be something you find yourself without this season. It's time to say goodbye to tank tops and terry cloth, so take your autumn shopping cues from the list below for a stylish and practical transition to fall. Ladies and gentlemen, the top five things both of you will want in your wardrobe:
1. Soft Soles. From moccasins to moon boots, the key to fall footwear is comfort. Soft suede, faux fur and even foam will be a welcome change from your beat-up flip flops.
If warmth is your main concern, I strongly recommend Uggs. They may be "uggly," but they may also be the best thing that happens to your feet all year. And great news for guys: you can stop sneaking into your girlfriend's' pair when she's not looking (oh come on, you know you do it), because they make men's stuff, too. From loafers to bedroom slippers to apr??s-ski boots, there's really something for everyone.
But if you don't want to spend the money on Uggs, there are plenty of knock offs out there. Be sure to note the fabric - real sheepskin will be the warmest and at the same time allow your feet to breathe, unlike many synthetics. For an endless selection of great fall and winter boots and shoes, check out Nordstromshoes.com.
2. A Blazer. What is a blazer? It has buttons, but it's not a cardigan. It's worn instead of a jacket, but can be worn under a coat. It could be cotton or corduroy; calfskin or cashmere. It can be worn day or night; preppy or provocative. It's for him and for her. You get the idea. This fall, no wardrobe is complete without this staple garment.
Guys, take a t-shirt and jeans from dull to dressy with a blazer of any color or fabric. Ladies, take your look from business to pleasure by placing a flashy brooch on the lapel. If you have trouble choosing one, pick a color that will match the majority of your shirts, because most colors will naturally go with jeans or dress pants. Not sure where to shop for this? Sarah Jessica Parker and Lenny Kravitz would tell you to fall into the Gap.
3. A Fleece. I confess, I never wanted to own a fleece. In fact, I managed to survive two winters at Tufts without one - zipping and buttoning myself into an unnecessarily bulky coat while my friends simply slipped a fleece over their sweatshirts. I was merely a foolish underclassman from Arizona then. Now I own four fleeces.
The moral of this story is not to schlep around in an unnecessarily bulky coat when a fleece will provide the same amount of warmth (if not more) with half the hassle and twice the comfort. Plus, they come in just about any color and are great for layering. I recommend the Tannery for brands like North Face, Patagonia and Arcteryx because you'll get ten per cent off with your student ID!
4. Dark Denim. If you don't already have a pair of dark jeans hanging in your closet (or laying crumpled on your floor), now is the time to buy one. Think of it as an investment rather than an impulse. As you're no longer growing, they'll last you a decade if you wash them rarely (as if I have to ask!) and keep them out of the dryer (it will wear them out and dull the color).
For those that are convinced that their jean collection is already complete, there's plenty of new stuff out there. This fall's denim washes are bluer, blacker and bolder than ever. Guys, try a pair of Seven For All Mankind jeans in Panama wash. It's a dark, dirty blue that will look perfect with your favorite beat up hoodie or a nice button down. Girls, try Citizen's of Humanity jeans in black Humanity Pocket. Trust me, they look nothing like the stonewashed black jeans your mom wore in the '80s.
5. A Sweat Suit. These days, it's nearly impossible to walk through a store (from Target to Saks Fifth Avenue) and not see some rendition of the old school track and basketball warm-up gear. Perhaps this is because a stylish sweat suit is the most comfortable piece of casual wear on the market.
And while it may seem like Juicy Couture is the mother of the modern pant and zip-front hoodie ensemble, dig through your dad's closet, and you may find some velvet Puma gear buried with his old hair pick and other precious remnants from his disco days.
In addition to comfort, the top and bottom can be worn together or separately and matched with a multitude of other pieces in your closet. The outfit combination possibilities are endless. Nike, Puma and Juicy Couture (just to name a few) all make these must-haves for men and women. If you don't own one in velour, you're missing out; if you sport one, no one will be able to keep their hands off you.
