From pools to papers: Break in style

By Catherine Hinsdale

After you've completed your last midterm, endured your final lecture, and feigned interest in that last, interminable section, the harried process of packing for spring break begins. And with two weeks of freedom comes quite a challenge: to go in style.

What to pack all depends on where you are going and what your plans are. If you are the distinguished recipient of an AYA externship, it might be a good idea to call your host or sponsor to ask what type of dress they expect. Most externships likely require something on the casual side of the professional look. For guys, that means shirts, ties, and slacks. Women have a bit more freedom here and would probably do well with a few basic skirts, slacks, blouses, and blazers to mix and match. Pack plenty of books, magazines, and calling cards to entertain yourself after the work day ends, and be sure to leave a courteous thank-you note in your wake.

If you are beach-bound this break, go minimalist. Shorts, t-shirts, and sandals will get you plenty of mileage. Women may consider tossing a few seductive sun dresses in their suitcases to show off more than just their IQ during those sultry spring nights. But, ladies, I would advise against the Co-op's "Clinique Spring Break Special." Although the bag is simply precious, its contents leave much to be desired.

Everyone should be sure to pack sun screen (melanoma is definitely not in style), and toss a cap or visor in their bag to protect the delicate skin on their face. Guys may find it wise to wear a Yale baseball hat. One anonymous male student swears by exploiting the Yale insignia, insisting that "chicks dig it." Proceed at your own risk, guys.

But alas, the final jeopardy of all beach questions: swimsuit? The February issue of GQ featured one svelte Rebecca Romijn romping on the beach with one scantily clad male model. The segment gave new meaning to the "less is more" dressing philosophy and suggested swimsuits for males which were "body conscious" to say the least. The suits were described with fear-inspiring phrases such as "box cut," "with silver buckle," and "lycra." Ever a fan of subtlety, I refer guys for whom this combination is a bit intimidating to the faithful pages of J.Crew where they might find some options less, uhhm, daring.

Ladies, apparently GQ has decided that we need not concern ourselves with wearing bathing suit tops this season. In an ingenious attempt to establish a new trend in swimwear, or perhaps an oh-so-creative attempt to sell magazines (you be the judge), the clever stylists at GQ featured our dear Rebecca sans brassiere. Again, minimalism taken to a new extreme. Believing in the old adage that warns against indulging in too much of a good thing, I would suggest wearing the swimsuits with their intended tops, or seeking out the lovely, yet modest, Calvin Klein suit. This one shoulder version which Calvin modeled after his hit dress of the season (Helen Hunt had a lovely one on at the Emmy's) is one of my favorites.

For those seniors who can look forward to spending the break working on their essays, take comfort in knowing that it is all downhill afterwards. One recent graduate advised that seniors should take care to bring home ALL materials they need to work on their essays, and should try to operate on a rewards system. He suggested setting a goal of either pages or ideas to be completed at the end of each day, and then allowing some reward for yourself once the work is completed. And remember, seniors, smart is sexy.

Obviously, I have not offered suggestions for all spring break possibilities, but as a general rule I would say go with your instinct, be yourself, and use a mirror!

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