Staff Writer
Nicole Reitz

Ring in the New Year with a fresh look. Start by updating articles of clothing from last season to this season.

At the start of the second semester, the most prevalent female fashions around campus have included horizontal stripes, layering, headbands and side-swept bangs. “I think the vintage look will be big in the spring,” sophomore Aubrey Traver said. 

Color pallettes for the upcoming season include shades of the southwest (sunset oranges and chocolate brown) and water tones (pale greens, blues, silver and pure white).

Some look to Hollywood for inspiration for their wardrobe. “I really like Lindsay Lohan’s colorful bathing suits and Kate Winslet’s vintage chic style,” sophomore Sarah Reittinger said.

During Olympus Fashion Week, models were sporting chunky shoe silhouettes, sculptural bags and oversized cocktail rings. On the runway, the combination or mixture of black and white is the most evident trend of them all for the spring. Fuchsia and hot red are also prominent colors.

Statement-making accessories add a special touch to any outfit. Metallic bags, a trend that constantly comes in and out of fashion, are predicted to be one of the hottest accessories for the spring.

The soft and brightly-patterned Vera Bradley totes are spotted frequently on shoulders across campus. “I’ve joined the Vera Bradley bag wearers. Sooner or later I usually cave,” junior Kristi Brown said.

Glamour magazine suggests updating your wardrobe with pieces, such as high-waisted pants, slim-fit jeans, an oversized bag, platform shoes, a tunic top and a shrunken trench coat.

High-rise pants emphasize your waist, the smallest part of your midsection, as opposed to your hips. This look is best for women with long or normal torsos. Cinched in waists with wide belts were all the rage in 2006 and the look continues onward.

According to Cosmopolitan, cropped jackets, multi strand necklaces and faux-fur vests are must haves for the upcoming season. If you are concerned with your New Years resolution midsection, try a cropped jacket with a billowing tunic underneath. Fabrics and materials such as ruffles and lace are also chic.

Skinny jeans are a perfect weekend look to be worn with flats, a little sweater and an oversized bag. Also, wearing heels with skinny jeans give a leg-lengthening look.

“Thongs showing is the worst thing ever,” said sophomore Rebecca Hoekstra. Luckily, low-rise jeans will lose their popularity this spring.  In addition, the once flattering boot-cut jean will come runner up to skinny-leg jeans.

Gauchos, calf-length pants with flared legs, were a hit in 2006. The whimsical bottoms can be dressed up or down, making them a staple in a college girl’s closet.

In an Associated Press article entitled, “Fashion makeover for 2007,” rounded toes, platforms and wedges in a neutral color will replace pointy-toe pumps.

Recent footwear fads include Ugg boots and Crocs. Ugg boots, a costly sheepskin boot, are commonly worn with jeans. “You can’t put a price on love,” sophomore Meghan Schenkenberger said. Crocs were originally intended as a boating or outdoor shoe because of its slip-resistant sole.

Some students on campus feel neutral when it comes to fashion. “I grew up [on a farm where a fashion sense wasn’t important. Up until recently I didn’t own a blow dryer,” Murray resident assistant Amanda Acomb said.

As a rule of thumb, save classic pieces and purge the rest to make room for the new. Donate them to Rochester Teen Challenge, Open Door Mission and The Salvation Army. The locations listed accept clothing of all sizes for men and women.