I’m fashionable… you’re style-ish: fashion forecasting

By Kyle Warner in Columns, Front Page, Opinion, Style on Nov 8, 2011 5:18 / comments

We all know the weather in Colorado is as unpredictable as a night on the town with Lindsay Lohan. One minute the weather is easy, breezy, beautiful Covergirl and the next it’s hell-bent on ruining your day—and your outfit. Rejoice, for there are simple measures to ensure that you won’t be one of the unfortunate who look like Carrie Bradshaw, post-gutter water assault.

For the sake of that messy bun you so elegantly placed on the top of your head, buy an umbrella. If not to keep the rain away, it will prevent a family of small birds from nesting there.

While I wouldn’t object to a Burberry plaid cane umbrella, I will settle for a plastic, retractable alternative. Compact and portable,

(CU Independent illustration/Chelsea Shettler)

there isn’t a reason for not having it on hand. Most rainwater is acidic, something I learned in that environmental studies course I slept through. Exposures to high levels of acid rain can not only eat through your clothes, but it will get you pregnant and ruin your life… That may not be true, but why risk the chance?

For those rainy days, or really any day there is weather, I suggest upgrading those UGG boots for a pair of Hunter rain boots. Take it from me, they are more water resistant than the random freshman I use as a makeshift bridge whenever I encounter a puddle.

UGG boots went out of style before they were even in style. Don’t let Kate Hudson movies fool you into believing otherwise. Also the Hunter boot cable knit sock insole is the perfect addition for a pop of personality and charm.

Socks of any variety are in and provide a welcomed alternative to tights and their bastard cousin leggings. Keep them knee high. That way you have the luxury of versatility. My motto for socks is the mirror image of my motto for heels: The higher the better. As the temperature warms, simply scrunch them down for a nod to 80s legwarmers. You’ll be giving schoolgirl realness while combating the elements.

Stop me if I sound like a broken record, but layering is key in any transition season. Much like Kim Kardashian, I have commitment issues. Why stick with one ball-and-chain when you can have thrilling trysts with any number of layer combinations?

My current favorite is an open draped cardigan. Keep an eye out for any that have an interesting collar, it’s all about adding dimension and volume. Synch it with a thin belt at the waist, no need to lose your figure in the tiers of clothing.

Remember that little bag intervention we had recently? That outermost layering element will fit nicely in that oversized bag you are carrying around when the weather gets too toasty.

My final bit of advice for fashion preparedness is Swackett, an Apple-specific app that presents your daily weather report in a stylish package. Swackett, which is a hybrid of sweater/jacket/coat, takes daily weather reports and suggests users how to layer a trendy outfit accordingly.

Bad weather is inevitable, why let it dictate your wardrobe choices? Instead, channel your inner Stalin and dictate it.

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kyle Warner at Kyle.r.warner@colorado.edu.