Discovery in three faces of Chic

JULIA TIERNAN/YH Miles Lasater, SY '01, swings for the glam-cam.

Coming from Virginia (the fashion epicenter of the universe), I was never exposed to any sort of fashion-forward look, much less deviation from the jeans-and-T-shirt norm. Being a part of the Yale community, which is infinitely more diverse than my hometown, has shown me that there are many different and beautiful people with unique styles. Fashion is confronting the same situation and now reflects a world that's embracing diversification through freer communication and dispersion of ideas.

This year's fall and winter clothing communicates this idea through an accessible combination of fabric and styling. In other words, it won't be hard to be the local coolie you've always dreamed of being while still being yourself. Here are a few simple versions of chic for the cold season that will turn even the most pitiful of trolls (you know who you are) into fly glamazonians (I know who you are).

Ethno-chic: The shot of a chunky Cristina Ricci (Wednesday Addams from the Addams Family movies) stuffed into an India-inspired, blue silk Anna Sui dress has been splashed all over magazines and, unfortunately, seared into memory. Regardless of fit, however, the look is fantastic. Call it imperialism or cultural appreciation, ethno-chic is en fuego. Whether the inspiration is African, Indian, South American, or Asian, kids on the street--as well as designers who steal from the kids on the street anyway--have displayed brilliant prints, jeweled fabrics, beads, and woven bags in conjunction with plain or preppy gear.

In New Haven alone, the Yale glam-cam has spotted: batik print sarongs, pua shell chokers and beaded necklaces (on guys and girls), fantastic woven Guatemalan satchels, Indian basmati rice totes, and Moroccan leather backpacks. Your junior year abroad could be the key to your winter fashion success, so long as you don't pick a sucky country like Elbonia or something.

Athletic-chic: What do you get when you mix Sporty Spice and Posh Spice? You get a wack, tone-deaf child--but you also get the hottest look of the year. Prada and Armani have shown hooded sweat jackets alongside pumps and penny loafers with running shoe soles. Your back-to-cool look can follow (jogging) suit in a much cheaper and more subversive manner. Think about mixing dress pants and Nikes, or Adidas track pants and a cashmere sweater. The only inner struggle you need to have is whether to go high tech or low brow with your gear--Nike Terra Humaras, Air Rifts, and Airmaxes versus the Nike Aquasock (so fourth grade, you have to love it). Pair either option with an article that's either preppy or dressy and your jock style will get you jocked hard-core.

Cargo-chic: This trend has been building through the year and has reached its frenzied peak this fall/winter season. The entire fashion world, from Ralph to Aberzombie, has gone buck-wild for anything with a pocket. Army surplus, wools, khakis, and even skirts have all been equipped with gigantic side patch pockets. It is utilitarian (finally you can fit a lipstick or a beer in your pants with ease), unisex, easy to accomplish, and cheap (translation: Old Navy--10 dollars). Combine it with a bulky turtleneck or a two-ply knit sweater (which is one more ply than the TP at this school) and relax!

Both guys and girls can combine any of the aforementioned looks without shame. Let your style this year reflect not only the duality of fashion, but also the diversity that exists in you.

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