By Jennifer Davis

Spring is here!  Well, almost, but spring break is. Ode to this week of freedom in which shenanigans ensue, but style should not be forgotten. It is easy to simply throw on your favorite pair of jean shorts- so lovingly called jorts- and a faded tank or t-shirt. But this lackluster ensemble is anything but inspired.

The perfect way to jazz up an outfit and be ready for some fun in the sun is a classic pair of shades. The popularity of the ray-ban wayfarer has not lost any speed this season, and looks surprisingly great on both guys and girls. Choose either black or brown to ensure that this pricier piece has staying power. If the wayfarer is not your style, try the updated plastic aviator.

One of the hardest parts of spring break style is going from a location that requires your bathing suit to somewhere that believes that having no shirt and no shoes is a problem. For girls the easiest way to solve this style conundrum is an effortless cotton or terry cloth cover up dress. Wearing a matching cover up should be avoided at all costs. Stay in the same color family and mix prints. This technique will keep you stylish on and off the beach. For guys a lightweight button down or a preppy polo allows for an easy transition from beachside to shore side.

The best part of warm weather is the freedom of sandals. Flip-flops are most college students go to foot apparel. Simple, comfortable and easy flip-flops are everyone’s friends, but there is no reason why a pair of rubber shoes cannot be stylish. These spring and summertime favorites come in a variety of different colors and styles that are luckily budget friendly. A great brand is Havianas. My favorites are the “fit” style for girls and the “top” style for boys.

And lastly a style tip that should never be forgotten: being burnt is never fashionable, so wear sunscreen.

Image Source: http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/GQwebseating_0549Web.jpg (more…)

By: Jordan Bagel

Galen O’Brien Blumenthal, 19, is a sophomore at UT Austin with a Plan II Honors and Political Science major.  As this past weekend was Austin City Limits music festival, students all across campus were dressing to represent their favorite bands that would be featured at ACL.  Galen is a super music junkie obsessed with Dave Matthews Band.  He says that music is a part of him, and he expressed it through fashion.  Here, he is wearing a Banana Republic blazer, a vintage concert t-shirt, and J.Crew jeans and belt.  He admits that he isn’t so much into following the latest trends or wearing designer labels, but that he enjoys “simply looking stylish.”  Ultimately, Galen dresses to express, not to impress, and for that he is admired.  

By: Kelly McLendon

Hana Al-Hawash is a sophomore at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.  She’s also the resident style guru for the weekly newspaper office she works in. When she is not making style recommendations to others, she is out shopping.

“I don’t really have a style influence other than myself. My inspiration store is Forever 21. They always have the newest crazy articles of clothing that you don’t find elsewhere until a few months later. Other than that, I wear what I like; and it just so happens that what I like is fashionable.” she said.

In the future, she hopes to work for a fashion magazine and cites Vogue as a possibility.

But fashion isn’t always so complicated, she says.

“A good outfit is one that is simple and put together. If you take simple basics, add something crazy or colorful, plus some nice accessories, you are set. Sometimes, less is more.”

Al-Hawash also says wearing too many accessories can be a bad thing. “If you buy the newest skinny pants with high-tops because they are said to be “in,” but you are a flip-flops and flowing skirts kind of person, you will not feel comfortable. You might even look awkward, which makes your outfit look bad, no matter how new.” she said.

She takes a loving approach to the definition of style.

“Style means showing who you are on the outside at every moment. Sure you can paint and make music, but not everyone sees that. People look at you and see who you are by what you are wearing and your attitude. If you look and feel put together, people will see this.” she said.