To wear or not to wear? That is the question!

The weather in Laredo has finally started to seem more like fall and the time has come to enter the wonderful and titillating world of fashion.  Fall fashion has struck Texas A&M International University with its insatiable colors and need for experimentation.  Now that the chilly air and changing leaves have made summer a distant memory, we must answer the age-old question; what do I wear?  Although Laredo has proven to be the land of short-shorts, fall fashion brings in a need for lace, leather, suede and latex. The time has come to put those flip-flops to rest and resurrect those boots you had sadly retired into the back of the closet. This season's fashion brings a blend of neutral and intense colors, bright red lips and a mix of extreme femininity and masculinity.   

This season's fashion shows from New York to Paris, all illustrated the need for fluidity and comfort with a deconstructed edge to shake things up. The fashion this season commands individuals to incorporate modesty and mystery into their wardrobe. How can this be done you ask? The answer is simple.  Keep your looks minimal, interesting and above all, avoid the need to show everything!  Mystery in the one tool that a woman must always have in her arsenal and it is time to install it back in your style. 

New York fashion week brought about a newly inspired retro Americana style with bold patterns and blocks of colors. Some designers like Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez from Proenza Schouler, went as far as hand painting the fabrics in an effort to create individual pieces of art.  Marc Jacobs reinvented the polka dot by creating head-to-toe suits with the same shape.  Many people hesitate to wear polka dots for the sake of looking older or antiquated, but Marc Jacobs' sexy polka dotted tights gave a new meaning to the word womanly.

In Paris, Lady Gaga proved to be the muse of fall fashion with an ironic mix of subtle colors and very little skin exposure.  As we all may know, Lady Gaga is not one to be all covered up, but for many designers, the in-the-moment feeling is what fashion is all about.  Paris cleansed New York's bright color palette with a mix a greys, whites, blacks, champagne and transparent fabrics.  All the colors conspired to make layered looks that offer a very sophisticated but sensual quality to women.

Now of course you are all wondering, how can I apply those fall trends to my everyday wardrobe in Laredo?  However, like we mentioned earlier, fashion is based on a feeling.  Since Laredo is one of the hottest cities in the country, layers of clothing are usually not an option.  One extra layer can be the defining factor for heat stroke and dehydration.  Nevertheless, during the fall season, we can get away with a jacket and possibly stockings and boots.  The most important factor to remember is that these fashion trends should be taken as suggestions for enhancing your wardrobe and not maxing out your credit cards on things you cannot afford.  Places like Forever 21, Payless, JcPenny, GAP, Kholes, Old Navy, Macy's and even Sears offer essential pieces of clothing that can be used for many seasons to come and never go out of style.  These stores often times have sales year round that for college students, are the best events to go to on strict budgets.  The ten items listed below are essential pieces that can be found in stores around Laredo.  These items are inspired by those on the runway and are available to you at a reasonable price.

1. Red lipstick – Our list is topped off by the most fashion forward statement piece. The red lipstick can range anywhere from five dollars by Revlon to fifteen dollars by MAC.  Either lipstick can provide the much need pop of color for the gloomy cold days. 
2. Patterns and Texture – Dresses and skirts in bold patterns and textures will make any day fun and entertaining. This season was all about different patterns and mixing colors.  Wearing plaid skirts with polka dotted blouses may seem like eye soars, but when done correctly can be an exciting outfit to wear.  These pieces however, must be fitted to your body and give off the element of fluidity.  Although different patterns and textures do not match, there must be some consistency. Otherwise it will look like you got dressed in the dark by your crazy aunt!
3. Statement Jacket – A statement jacket can be anything from a pea coat to a leather jacket.  The purpose of a statement piece like this is to dress up or dress down any outfit.  A great look for school can be paring a nice pea coat in a bright color with some jeans and boots.   You can also pair a nice cocktail dress with a short leather jacket in a neutral color for a great night out.  These jackets range anywhere from thirty dollars to sixty dollars at Old Navy, Forever 21 and Burlington Coat Factory. The only thing to remember when buying a statement jacket is that it must fit your body type!
4. Polka dots, Lace & Leather – Polka dots, lace and leather may seem a bit antiquated but if done correctly, can provide a youthful yet sophisticated look to any wardrobe.  Flowy blouses are very in this season and come in many colors and fabrics.  Chiffon tops with polka dots enhance a woman's look with the mere sheerness of the fabric.  Lace can be a very provocative fabric for a woman to wear.  Pairing a lace top with a skin-tone undershirt is a bare essential!  Add some leather pants or pumps and you've got yourself and great night outfit. 
5. Suit – Although a suit may not be a staple in a college student's wardrobe, it can provide a variety of looks when paired with different bottoms and tops.  When buying a suit, the most important fact to consider is, it must be tailored appropriately. Since most TAMIU students are Hispanic, standard suits may not be so kind to our hips.  In this case, buying a suit separately is the best way to achieve this look.  Forever 21, JcPenny and Sears have a vast variety of blazers and slacks that can be paired separately to create looks that are work appropriate and can be used as evening wear with a few changes in accessories. 
6. Fur – Many people are hesitant to buy fur because it can be very expensive.  However, faux fur is less expensive and doesn't always have to come in a coat.  Full length fur coats can be a great show stopper, but they do not always work with every body type.  For a curvier woman, fur can be used in a vest, used as lining on gloves or hats or simply as a scarf. 
7. Stockings – Tights in different styles and colors can spice up a dress or skirt and enable you to go from day to night. Paired with a great boot or pump, stockings or tights can make the legs look long, lean and ultra chic. Stockings or tights can be found in JcPenny or Forever 21 for less than ten dollars. 
8. Boots – Boots are investment pieces that come in different shapes and colors and vary in price range.  However, a good pair of boots must consist of a basic color that can be worn with many outfits and withstand several months of cold, rain and TAMIU mud.
9. Accessories – Accessories are pieces that should be worn with the upmost delicacy.  One too many accessories can make or break an outfit.  There is an old saying that before you leave the house, you should remove one accessory.  Unfortunately there have been many TAMIU students walking around campus impersonating Christmas trees.  However, this fall season is all about the metal cuffs and long earrings.  Although this season is more about layering clothes than accessories, you can still achieve the same effect by using chunky necklaces in strong shapes.
10. Nude Nail Polish – Last but certainly not least, nude nail polishes finish our list and provide the finishing touch to your look. Nude nails lengthen the fingers and make you look polished and very classy.

Well TAMIU ladies, there you have it.  This season's top fashion picks all made easy to wear from day to night.  The fashion trends stated in the article were all taken from magazines like W, Vogue. To check out the fall fashion runway show highlights, visit www.style.com.  For further information on makeup and hair trends for the Fall, visit Allure.com. 

For questions about this article, please contact Jessica Rodriguez at jess_rodz@dusty.tamiu.edu or Mark Nix at marknix@dusty.tamiu.edu.