BREAKING NEWS: The Claremont couture-ists are back in full force post-break, strutting the campus runways, and I, for one, could not be happier. Stay safe, because I nearly got whiplash multiple times this week, turning to take in the latest musings of these colleges’ fashion aficionados.
The February trend forecast looks promising with lots of inventive and inspiring looks popping up all around the Claremont campuses. From chunky footwear to bag charms, the 5C stylish are dishing up some piping hot fashions that I am ecstatic to report on.
The latest footwear trends revolve around embracing chunky, clunky and down-right impractical silhouettes. Clogs have been sprouting up on every campus, from the laid-back Pitzer-boy Birkenstock Boston to an art-teacher-esque wooden styling from Scrippsies. This look, although not for all, can be incredibly effective when paired with an oppositional younger piece. A suburban-mom shoe has never looked better than when donned by a Scrippsie in a flowing midi-length skirt and baby-tee.
Following a similar aesthetic, the timeless Doc Marten has once again resurfaced in ’90s-centric silhouettes such as the iconic Mary Jane or Oxford. I’ve witnessed them in every shade with a multitude of groovy flower cutouts. The Bethan model has become a recent favorite of mine, especially when married to a chunky grandfather sweater. The revival of this British powerhouse is perhaps symbolic of Claremont students’ worldliness and appreciation for the classics.
For those of us looking for practicality in our footwear choices, I have noticed a plethora of Onitsuka tigers in both the mirrored-metallic and bright yellow trotting around. And may I say, I am certainly not mad about this. These are beautiful shoes and I support a fun colorway to add spice to a simple outfit.
“The February trend forecast looks promising with lots of inventive and inspiring looks popping up all around the Claremont campuses.“
Uggs, on the other hand, are a touchy subject for me. I would like to make an official statement regarding the archaic styling of the Uggs. I fear that, as a collective, we can do better than the exposed Bailey Bow Uggs and leggings combination. Let our middle school selves lie and step into your full fashionista potential. That being said, a pair of Uggs can be a tasteful style choice when paired with straight-leg denim or sweatpants so that only a hint of the shoe can be seen. Or, the slip-on model is great when coupled with a cozy, laid-back sweat set or knitted co-ord.
On the topic of boots, nothing brings me more joy than seeing students strut around campus in elevated knee-high boots paired with a skirt. Be it a grunge aesthetic buckle and strap worn leather or a heeled suede, the boot is traipsing across runways from Harvey Mudd to Pomona.
A theme central to the Claremont closets is a favoring of thrifted and historically entrenched pieces. From a Rose Bowl Flea-find sweater to a smoke-stained leather jacket, what’s new is often old. Both my critical eye and the planet thank you all for that.
As long as cows have roamed the earth, so too have leather jackets and I thank none other than the biker community for that. (Now, this may not be historically accurate, but what can I say, I’m only a mere writing major).
Over the past two weeks, I have been blessed by a myriad of leather jackets trotting across the lawns of these fair schools. I stand by the statement that every outfit can be elevated with an interesting and perfectly oversized leather moment. I strongly urge the men of these campuses to give oversized leather a try.
The writers of Vogue and the students of this consortium are in agreement that loose-stitched-open sweaters are the perfect spring staple. The rattier and looser, the better, especially when coupled with a good pair of low-rise, wide-leg jeans and a simple top underneath.
Anna Wintour may consider this a sacrilegious offense but double-denim is coming in double-force at the consortium. From loose baggy jeans with an iron-on patch-coated denim jacket to a western blue jean button-down with straight-leg 501s, the Canadian Tux is classic and here to stay. I personally am the first to pray at this double-denim altar, and if my eyes don’t deceive me, then I am certainly not the only Claremont student practicing a denim religion.
Another denim comeback is the Rachel from “Friends”-inspired ’90s revival combination of light-wash denim overalls and a white top. To say obsessed is simply an understatement. This look is timeless, playful, classic, casual and perfect for the So-Cal fantasies we are all acting out in our heads.
And don’t forget about accessories. May I suggest the latest and most versatile trend of the bag charm? Silk scarves rescued from the bottom of the Goodwill bins, an iconic Coach cherry charm, ribbons and bows — the list goes on and on. This trend, in particular, is one of my favorites due to the endless shores of self-expression one can land upon. My top favorites include Jellycat bunnies, pearl lanyards and gold initials.
And lastly, style meets form and function with the belt, an accessory to break up a simple look. From your dad’s old leather to a bold gold buckle or silver studded strap, a belt elevates almost every outfit. The ones sitting in my cart waiting on my next paycheck are wide and feature a statement gold buckle, perfect for pairing with a simple satin slip dress.
I’d like to shout out the amazing professors who teach us not only important academic material but also the value of looking good while learning. One of my favorite professors once rocked up in gray silk pants, a sunset-colored mesh top and a gray blazer and like so many of her students, she chose to abandon binaries and pair the new with the classic, the male with the female, the casual with the elevated and style with academia.
As a token of my appreciation, I leave you with the latest and greatest style superstar: the poncho. A cozy wool cape in a neutral color with or without some leather embellishments is the newest, most sophisticated addition to your Claremont Closets.
Ellen Chapman SC ’27 is a fashion columnist.
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