Although you may not be convinced based on the current Claremont weather, we have officially entered the spring/summer season and it is time to switch out those puffer jackets for open-toed shoes and flowy, summery dresses.
Are you in need of a little guidance on what new additions you should make to your summer closet and what you should leave behind in the old, frosty season?
You’ve come to the right place. Let’s talk about what is in and out of fashion this spring/summer season, exclusively in my own, unqualified opinion.
Wearing shoes is back in style! I’m looking at you Pitzer College students … Now, I’m not going to argue with you on the health pros and cons of wearing shoes; my colleagues have already covered this here. All that I’m going to say is this: If you want to walk into a dining hall barefoot and enjoy your dinner whilst touching toes with all of your friends, stick to McConnell Dining Hall and respect Collins Dining Hall’s “no shirt, no shoes, no service” policy.
Using headphones in public is so in right now. Please do not subjugate your fellow busy bees at the Hub to a 45-minute chemistry lecture that you are clearly disinterested in — don’t make us suffer along with you!
Matching pajama sets, slippers and bathrobes is the hottest fashion combo today. Who said that your sleepwear can’t be runway-ready? The only time that it is justifiable to wear your pajamas outside of your dorm is when they are paired with a fluffy robe and slippers. Make sure to catch me at Collins late-night snack in my Victoria’s Secret satin pajama set, hot pink robe and leopard print slippers for some loungewear inspiration.
Pedicures have always been in style, but especially so during the spring/summer season. Remember that there is a totally acceptable middle ground between sneakers and no shoes: Open-toed shoes. This means flip-flops, sandals and slides (please no Crocs, though). If you are planning on stepping out in this type of footwear, you have to make sure that your toenails and heels are looking fresh — nobody wants to see flakes of skin sprinkling across the floor you just graced.
Electrical scooters are out and hopefully forever. Did you know that the Claremont Colleges are all situated within one square mile of each other?! Fascinating, isn’t it? This means that unless you live far in the wilderness of off-campus housing, there is absolutely no reason why you would need an electric scooter to get around the campuses.
“You’ve come to the right place. Let’s talk about what is in and out of fashion this spring/summer season, exclusively in my own, unqualified opinion.”
Going to Joshua Tree is so last season. It’s been done too many times before, it’s overplayed and we’re bored. Or at least if you decide to hit up the desert energy vortex, refrain from dedicating a whole Instagram post to your trip — they’re just rocks.
“Hey Dude Wally” shoes were never in style, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise. The least fashionable shoe ever made has successfully reached its target audience of the least fashionable men on campus. I have seen this type of shoe paired with anything from swimming trunks, sweatpants, jeans and workout clothes. I say no to all of the above. Please, just get sneakers. You can wear boat shoes when you become a dad.
Posting photos from spring break is no longer acceptable. It’s been over two weeks since the end of the break and by social media rules, you have missed the deadline to post your wild, crazy, off-the-rails snaps from Cabo. Don’t worry, though, you can always try again next year when you will undoubtedly visit the same open-bar resort with thousands of other Southern California college students.
It is time to retire the Patagonia vest in the office. I know, I know, I’m sorry Claremont McKenna College econ bros! You were probably so excited to wear this piece of finance uniform this summer at your Goldman Sachs internship, but trust me, you can still get into the exclusive “boys club” at your investment banking firm without having to conform to the corporate fashion trends.
“Birkenstock Boston” clogs have unfortunately reached their expiration date. Listen, this one is painful for me too because I never got the chance to jump on the hype train, but alas, it is too far, too late for us now. The clogs are still an awesome shoe and if you are an OG clogger, don’t change what you’re doing. But for the rest of us, let’s find something new and exciting — maybe the Dr. Martens Mules?
Buying makeup specifically branded for men is not cute this season. Do you really need your concealer to be called “War Paint” for you to feel comfortable using it? I have never tested these products myself, so I cannot speak for their quality, but I can almost guarantee that you can find a cheaper alternative at your local drugstore or Sephora. Yes, you will have to go in a store where most of the other customers will be women and that can be scary, but I can assure you that we don’t bite. And the store assistants will be more than happy to help you choose a suitable product that will not deprive you of your masculinity.
The carabiner and plastic ID card holder combo is officially basic. My dear Scripps College friends, I understand the practicality of this alternative to a wallet, but the market is simply oversaturated with this trend. Consider donating your carabiner to your climber friends; I’m sure that they will greatly appreciate it.
Thank you for bearing with me through my two cents on what is in and out of style this season and I am sorry if you feel a little targeted. I have never received any sort of style or fashion training, so you really have no reason to listen to me. But I hope that whatever fashion you may decide to dabble in this summer will make you feel confident, comfortable and enchanting. Just as long as shoes are a part of your outfit.
Elizaveta (Lisa) Gorelik CM ’25 is from Moscow, Russia. She must provide a disclaimer that she is guilty of many of the “out of style” items on this list, but experience is the teacher of all things.