We would never count on our guy friends for fashion advice, but we admit that we’ve always been curious to know what they might have to say about our trendiest outfit choices. It’s no secret that fashion can be kooky and quirky, but we conclude that if it walks down the runway, it’s the hottest must-have frock of the season. Guys, it seems, sometimes feel differently and don’t always appreciate trends as much as we do. While collegiettes don’t necessarily dress with the intention of impressing guys on campus, we know that they can’t help but look as we strut our stuff as though we, ourselves, are walking down an exclusive-access Fashion Week runway. We know they’re looking, so we just had to find out what they’re thinking. We consulted seven college guys to get a better idea…
Guy-Approved
Oversized scarves: These cozy items are winter staples for collegiettes in cold climates, and they can still be a fashion statement where it’s slightly warmer. They’re meant to cover up (and some of the larger ones are hefty enough to serve as full-body sweaters) so we could understand why some guys might want girls to avoid anything “oversized.” But, it seems that guys are on board with this particular trend, perhaps because they understand fashion to be purely functional. Josh*, a senior from the University of Maryland, says, “During the winter, these are definitely an okay look.” The guys we questioned about oversized scarves felt that they’re totally fine, because they serve an obvious purpose.
Bold prints and printed jeans: Funky prints are all the rage lately, and it seems like guys are on board with them, too. Clothing with bold prints, one guy pointed out, makes girls stand out and expresses their personality. Seth, a senior at Boston College, approves of printed jeans, “because if you’re wearing them, you seem adventurous. Boring people wear boring pants, and fun people wear fun pants.” How logical. Prints are finding their way onto all articles of clothing and they make your outfit interesting and lively – a trait that guys are definitely into when it comes to girls.
Plaid and argyle prints: Maybe the preppy look conjures images of a sexy schoolgirl Halloween costume, but for whatever the reason, guys like it. Seth says, “I think if you’re going to wear that, you have to make it very classy, but try to add some sexy into it. I’m not talking ‘sl*tty school girl,’ but make a classic look like this more modern.” As long as you don’t go over-the-top with your prep – we’re thinking plaid skirt with knee-high socks and buckled loafers – it’s definitely a look to try incorporating into your wardrobe by adding some preppy patterns or polished Oxfords.
Dark nail polish: While guys caution against the very intense look of black polish, they’re all for dark shades on your tips. This trend is sexy, as long as it’s not pushing into “goth” territory. And truth be told, we’re probably changing up our nail polish way too often for them to notice that it’s actually black, so don’t worry too much about their disapproval. Jeff*, a senior at Vanderbilt University, says, “black nail polish is too much, but dark red or purple is cool and can be sexy.” Seth agrees, and says that “grunge” colors like dark gray and taupe are good looks as well.
Guy-Disapproved
Fur accents: Whether it’s real or faux, fur has been a staple in the latest fashions for fall 2012. And while it seems to up the ante on any jacket, skirt, top or shoe, it seems like guys don’t understand this lavish look. Josh* feels that fur “is a bit much for a college student” and doesn’t really do anything for a girl’s outfit but make guys question whether or not that’s a real animal she’s wearing around her neck.
Leather skirts: While guys have come to accept that the leather jacket is a wintertime going-out staple, they won’t say the same about leather pants and skirts. Despite their tendency to be skin-tight and ultra-luxe, guys can’t seem to appreciate what Josh calls a “stiff and unnatural” look like this. They’re more comfortable with regular jeans and skirts that hug our curves just the same.
High-waisted jeans: One guy we consulted dubbed high-waisted jeans, “the most unattractive thing girls wear.” While they’re super trendy and pleasantly retro, guys can’t exactly appreciate the silhouette that they produce. Seth says, “It makes you look like you’re wearing a huge adult diaper. It makes you look dumpy instead of showing off your butt.” No matter how long they’re supposed to make our legs look, the verging-on-a-camel-toe thing doesn’t fly with the guys.
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Sneaker wedges: We’re not sure that we even understand this trend ourselves, but it’s clear that guys definitely don’t dig wedged sneaks. They even went so far as to say that they “hate” them and think they’re “tacky.” Victor* an NYU student says, “It’s like it can’t make up its mind: is it a sneaker, or is it a high heel? If you want to wear heels, wear heels. If you want to wear sneakers, wear sneakers. Just make up your mind.” Instead of the hybrid, choose sneakers or wedges (according to what type of activity you’re planning on doing) to prevent disgusted looks and confused remarks from guys.
Peplum: The guys admitted that they didn’t even know what peplum was until they saw a picture, but they were quick to conclude that they didn’t like it at all. They saw that peplum “does the opposite of slimming.” Seth went on to say that “I want to be able to see a girl’s figure, and not have ruffles on a dress hide them.” Guys, it seems, are into simplicity and streamlined silhouettes, and not excessive waistline ruffles.
Up for debate
Sequined outfits: It’s no secret that sequins are festive and fun for a night out – they can certainly dazzle a guy, but they can also come off as too much. Josh likes when sequins make a girl look “fancy and sexy,” but Victor warned that too much sparkle is overkill. Guys seemed accepting though wary about this trend, stating that they appreciate some sparkle while also pointing out that it can appear “tacky” or outdated. Guys will certainly welcome any article of clothing that has the ability to catch their eye, but a dress that makes you look like a disco ball is one to avoid when trying to get a guy’s attention, in a positive way.
No matter which trends you try out this season, the most attention-grabbing look you can have rests on an air of confidence and a touch of fabulousness. He may not love peplum as much as you do and he might be uncertain about that sequined top, but he can accept that your choice of trend says more about you than just your ability to obey designers’ decrees of dressing. Seth says “I don’t know what all the trends are, so I don’t really care if your style is up-to-date. If you look good in what you’re wearing, then you look good to me and I can see a little bit of your personality in the way you dress. That’s what’s most attractive about girls’ clothing.” The way you compose an outfit around a particular trend reflects a sense of personal style and shows your awesome personality – something he’s bound to approve.
*Name has been changed.