The beginning of fall means a lot of things: new classes, new boy toys, stacks of September issues in your dorm room and new style trends. As much as you loved sporting a maxi dress this past season, you’re probably itching to trade in your tees and sandals for cozy knits and riding boots. Whether you obsessively watched every fall 2013 runway show or just noticed a few similarities when going back-to-school shopping, fall’s hottest trends have finally arrived. And while we may love plaid pieces and oversized jackets, we can’t help but wonder what guys think about these trends—after all, they had so much to say about those summer fashion trends. Are they just as smitten with thigh-high boots as we are, or do they think it’s a major faux pas? We asked real collegents for their opinions on the top 10 fall trends––check out what they had to say!
1. Sweatshirts
We know what you’re thinking: you might scream if you see one more sweat suit on campus. And if you’re one of those sweat suit-wearing collegiettes, you’re probably going to scream if you hear one more snarky comment about wearing them to class. Luckily, this cozy trend makes both parties happy. The geniuses behind Givenchy, Reed Krakoff and 3.1 Phillip Lim have spiced up the lazy day essential with funky graphics and fabrics. So even though you’re still wearing sweats, the innovative makeover is effortlessly chic. But what do collegents think of this trend?
- “A comfy look is always super hot, as long as there isn’t too much pizzazz,” says Ben Rader, a senior at Washington University in St. Louis. “Too much pizzazz equals trying too hard.”
- “I’m all about functionality and affordability, and it is for that reason that I don’t see the reason for ‘trendy’ sweats,” says Dale Lavine, a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University and HC’s resident Real Live College Guy. “Grey Champion brand sweatpants work just as well as high fashion brand sweatpants and they probably cost half as much.”
- “They are kind of hilarious though, because now something of leisure is so expensive and ‘chic,’” says Ramsey Musk, a junior at Boston University. “But I think they are really fun.”
How to Wear It
Since collegents are the unofficial kings of lazy attire—some of them don’t even wear belts—it only makes sense that this trend receives their stamp of approval. The great thing about this trend is that you can dress it up or down based on your audience. Your boy toy probably isn’t too concerned with the latest trends, so he’ll love it when you couple a trendy sweatshirt with a pair of skinny jeans. As for hanging out with your fashion-forward friends, mix it up by styling this piece with some leather shorts or slouchy trousers. Surprisingly, stylish sweats are a sartorial win-win!
2. Capes
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… a super trendy collegiette! With an array of sleek silhouettes and fun colors, this fall proves that capes aren’t just for superheroes. Instead, brands such as Chloé and Tadashi Shoji deem the cape a chic alternative to a jacket. Unfortunately, our panel of college guys isn’t so smitten with this statement piece.
- “Capes should be left to Batman and those trying to wingsuit jump,” says Ben R.
- “Are you a wizard?” asks Ben Bergstrom, a senior at SUNY Geneseo. “If so, then by all means wear a cape! If not, maybe a jacket would be a better choice.”
- “I’m not totally against capes… you know, I think they look great on figures like Batman,” says Dale. “As for anyone else? I’m not sure. They don’t seem to serve any particular purpose, and maybe it’s just me, but they don’t seem that flattering, either.”
- “I think they are so cool when done right, just no Harry Potter capes and I think you’ll be fine,” says Ramsey.
How to Wear It
Though your girlfriends may gush over your adorable cape, your beau is probably
going to think it’s weird that you’re dressing up like a superhero. We blame it on the hours guys have spent watching The Justice League. Rid any and all thoughts of Wonder Woman by pairing this piece with skinny jeans and booties. The different proportions will make a statement without intimidating your guy.
3. Oversized Coats
Thanks to the Olsen twins’ boho chic era, oversized clothing has been a key trend season after season. For the next few months, it’s all about supersized jackets. Carven and Céline juxtaposed the boxy shape with delicate pastels, while Rochas gave this masculine trend a feminine twist with delicate patterns. When it comes to oversized jackets, our collegent panel is torn.
- “Besides resembling garbage bags, these are also ugly because they completely hide a girl’s figure,” says Ben R.
- “I dig it. Oversized jackets seem to have a sort of simple elegance that is hard to find in other styles of coats,” says Ben B.
- “I’m not big on oversized jackets, really,” says Dale. “I don’t see the practicality. What are jackets for? To stay warm. What happens when you’re wearing an oversized coat in the middle of a downpour or a blizzard? I’ll tell you what happens: You go from wearing an already overweight dry jacket to an even more overweight wet one. On the upside, at least the blouse you’re wearing underneath is dry.”
- “They are kind of perfect because you don’t really need that much else to make a statement because your coat is doing that for you,” says Ramsey.
How to Wear It
Instead of ditching this trend because some guys think it hides your figure, flaunt your shape by sporting a fitted dress underneath and adding a pair of heels. This ensemble is perfect for date night –what guy wouldn’t love this feminine and sexy ensemble? Exactly.
4. (Faux) Fur
Though faux fur jackets have always been a wardrobe staple, many fall collections took this trend to the next level. From bags to shoes and shirts, Fendi’s fall collection showed us that there’s more ways to wear fur than throwing on a glamorous jacket. But just because fall offers a bevy of fierce pieces doesn’t mean they are collegent-approved.
- “There’s nothing attractive about a woman in a dead animal,” says Ben R. “You’ll never hear a guy say, ‘Damn, that dead mink really turns me on.’”
- “It’s okay, if you keep it simple,” says Ben B. “In general, I would say that this trend is useful if you’re looking to impress someone, but not for a stroll to the supermarket.”
- “There’s nothing wrong with fur, at least not in small amounts,” says Dale. “I’m okay with a little fur lining here or some fur piping there––it’s when people start to look like they’re wearing horses or wolves that I start to get a little iffy.”
- “The problem with fur for me is that you kind of have to go all out. Doing just the cuffs and/or collar can leave you looking like a general,” says Ramsey. “At the same time, though, too much fur can be overwhelming.”
How to Wear It
We get it, we get it: guys don’t love this trend. However, that doesn’t mean you have to throw all your faux fur away. Save your coveted leopard coat for a girl’s night, but sport an equally soft alternative when hitting the town with your guy: velvet is just as plush, and it’s guy-proof!
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5. Plaid
When you hear the word “plaid,” you probably think of lumberjacks, Scottish kilts or a boarding school uniform. But this season, you’ll start associating plaid with chic. Design houses such as Saint Laurent, Moschino and Céline have given this schoolgirl classic a lesson in on-the-pulse fashion. Tastemakers love plaid, collegiettes love plaid and, luckily for us, the guys also seem to dig the trend.
- “Plaid seems like an acceptable look as long as it’s not put on schoolgirl skirts,” says Ben R.
- “If you find some plaid that fits your body shape, then go for it,” says Ben B.
- “Plaid scarves and skirts are great,” says Dale. “Too much plaid and you’ll look like a Christmas present.”
- “I love plaid,” says Ramsey. “Always have, always will. It is such a good way to get a nice, grungy, punk-esque feel.”
How to Wear It
This season, it’s all about sporting hints of tartan. While a plaid playsuit may be too much, try a pair of checkered pants or a flirty dress. Just make sure your plaid pieces are well tailored. “If it’s too loose, you may come off looking like a lumberjack,” notes Ben B. For an innovative look, pair your plaid with tough girl combat boots. Whether you pair this trend with combat boots or ornate jewelry, you’ll be making a sartorial splash in tartan.
6. Sleepwear-Inspired Suits
No matter how stylish you are, there are some days when you want to go to class in your pajamas. Thanks to fashion’s finest––we mean you, Marc Jacobs ––sporting a pair of pajamas to class just became a realistic option. Not only did this trend rule the fall catwalk, style savants such as Jessica Alba and Rihanna were caught in some daytime–approved pajamas. Though these may be coveted on fashion blogs, sleepwear-inspired suits aren’t loved by most guys.
- “Make[s] sense; why change if you don’t have to?” Ben R. says. “If there’s one thing that pajamas provoke, it’s bed. And who doesn’t want to imagine a girl in bed?”
- “If you’re wearing pajamas in the daytime, it is because you are at home and not worried about how you look,” says Ben B. “Wearing pajamas out of the house is a no-no. If you want to go out, then get dressed like a big girl.”
- “There’s a difference between wearing sweatpants and couple-day-old T-shirts to the grocery store and wearing a full-on satin pajama getup in public,” says Dale. “Wear pajamas in the comfort of your own home during the day, but throw on something else if you plan on venturing outside for even just a few hours.”
- “I don’t think this is cool or chic,” says Ramsey. “This is lazy and weird.”
How to Wear It
Rest assured, collegiettes: there is a way to sport this trend without looking like you just rolled out of bed. Couple a pair of silk drawstring pants with a plain T-shirt or style a pajama-inspired top with some distressed jeans. Tres chic!
7. Thigh-High Boots
As every collegiette knows, boots are all the rage for the fall. But instead of riding boots, the new “it boots” are thigh-high. Though Karl Lagerfeld sent a slew of “up to there” boots down the runway in February, collegents aren’t so keen on this trend.
- “All I think when I see these is: ‘How do they get into them? How long is it going to take to get out of them? How bad does it smell in there?’” says Ben R.
- “You might as well just put on some pants if you want to cover up your legs,” says Ben B. “I can’t even imagine how much of a hassle it would be to put on/take off these boots. If I was dating someone and had to wait for them to put these on and take these off all the time, I think I’d be just a little annoyed.”
- “I’m not too keen on… dominatrix-style wear out in the daylight,” says Dale. “Send them up to your knees or just below the knees, and that’s all well and good. Any further and they become A) a pain in the a** to take off, and B) health risks by way of cutting off the circulation in your legs.”
- “I just get nervous seeing some people try and rock them and it just looks like they rock the corner at night,” says Ramsey.
How to Wear It
Our panel unanimously dislikes this trend, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock them. For a super sexy look, sport thigh high boots with a pair of leggings and an oversized top. Or kill two birds with one sartorial stone by pairing these kicks with an oversized jacket. The proportions combination is something to swoon over!
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8. Leopard Print
If you’re looking to unleash your animal instincts but aren’t ready to throw on some fur, invest in some leopard pieces. This fall, the wild print has been embraced by fashion heavyweights such as Burberry Prorsum and Kate Spade. Luckily, our roundup of college guys also adores this trend (albeit in moderation).
- “I think leopard print is kind of cool,” says Ben R. “But it’s terrible in large amounts. Just make sure it’s not too gaudy.”
- “It’s not the best look, it’s not the worst look, but if you find a way to make it fun an playful, then rock it,” says Ben B.
- “Maybe some leopard detail on your shoes, or on a scarf––hell, I’ve even seen leopard-print bras––but dedicating entire outfit to leopard print (dresses, shirts, pants) is a little excessive,” says Dale.
- “I have never really cared for leopard,” says Ramsey. “I think that a small amount goes a long way. So like a good trouser or shirt is great. But if you show up in a leopard suit, shoes, jacket, matching purse… then I think you need to check yourself because you kind of wrecked yourself a bit.”
How to Wear It
Someone wise once said that everything is good in moderation, and that includes leopard. While guys love the wild print, too much leopard may be intimidating instead of fierce. For a super chic look, pair a leopard pencil skirt with a black tee. Or, if you’re looking to spice up a basic outfit, add some cheetah flats.
9. Menswear-Inspired Pieces
From Yves Saint Laurent’s le smoking looks to boyfriend jeans, menswear-inspired pieces have consistently been a top trend— and this fall is no exception! Whether you throw a blazer over a flirty dress or sport a suit and tie (a la Justin Timberlake), the masculine trend is a fuss-free way to make a sartorial splash. But, according to our panel, this trend should be for boys only.
- “It’s called menswear for a reason,” says Ben R.
- “You can probably find some great outfits in this trend that accentuate your feminine features,” says Ben B. “But don’t wear this to the movies and don’t wear this on a date.”
- “Blazers are good for any gender, as are pants––I’ve even seen women pull off wearing ties, so if my blessing was ever needed (which it isn’t), you’ve definitely got it,” says Dale.
- “I think it’s a good trend, the masculinity just makes it strong,” says Ramsey. “It is great, although ladies be careful. Some gals get a bit lost in their sport coats and trousers.”
How to Wear It
We still think you can incorporate some menswear pieces into your daily ensembles. We’re in no way giving you the okay to dress up like Amanda Bynes in She’s the Man, but throwing on a blazer over a sundress or sporting trousers instead of jeans is a subtle way to stay on trend. Need some inspiration? Check out Saint Laurent’s fall 2013 ready-to-wear collection.
10. Moto Jackets
Just because you’re on the Dean’s List and are the president of a plethora of clubs doesn’t mean you can’t unleash your inner bad girl every now and then. Brands such as Saint Laurent, Rodarte and Moschino showed us that the best way to look tough-girl-chic is with a fabulous moto jacket. Love this trend? Well you’re in luck, because so does our panel!
- “[It] looks kinda sexy in a badass type way,” says Ben R.
- “Love it,” says Ben B. “It’s sassy and sexy.”
- “Now this is a look I can get behind,” says Dale.
- “I don’t think that the moto jacket can or ever will go out of style,” says Ramsey.
How to Wear It
So how can you wear this “it jacket”? Fortunately, moto jackets are one of the most versatile trends this season. Whether you style it with a pair of jeans and simple tee or throw it on over a dress—we think this would look amazing with a plaid frock—the moto jacket will instantly give your outfit that effortlessly cool vibe.
If our panel of collegents has taught us anything, it’s that there’s no unanimous opinion on fall’s hottest trends. Don’t worry, collegiettes; there’s one trend that cutie from sociology will love, regardless of what you’re wearing: confidence. Whether you’re rocking a trend that he loves or unknowingly committing a fashion faux pas, feeling comfortable in your clothes will shine through. Trends come and go, but confidence is a trend that he’ll always adore.