Anna Asatourian
Staff Writer
Let’s face it—we have been blessed with nothing short of amazing weather this year. Who else, other than us fabulous SoCal residents, gets to go tanning seaside in the dead of winter?
But alas, our sunshine-filled days are expected to reach their watery demise soon. Not to dampen anyone’s spirits, but previous years have shown that the worst of the rainy season is yet to come.
Fear not, fellow UCSB ladies and gents, for your fashion sense does not have to be washed away with old beer cans down the sewer. Here are a couple of tips on how to stay looking fresh even when the rain has got you feeling soggy.
Ladies, your best friend is versatility. Next time you go shopping, snag a few pairs of solid-colored boots, coats, tops and bottoms. Wool skirts are surprisingly warm and look great with print-tights and wedges. You can even go with a navy cigarette-pant and flats, or black skinny jeans with boots—always a classy look. Now that you have the essentials, it’s easy to mix and match. With several versatile pieces, you’ll have an array of options to create an outfit that’s rainproof and still does justice to the latest urban trend.
Neutral does not equal boring. Accessorizing is the key to upgrading an outfit from drab to glam. This season, we’ve seen a lot of lacey-floral and colorful modern prints. Keep in mind a simple rule of thumb: less is more. Belts, cardigans, tights and jewelry add the finishing touches to an outfit when used correctly. Here’s your chance to add your personal style with bold colors or fun prints. A scarf, for example, peeking out from the neckline of your coat adds just the right amount of flare to a chic outfit. Throw on a simple crocheted hat to keep the frizz down, grab your super cute bubble umbrella, and you’re ready to hit the streets in fabulous rainproof style.
As for the fine men of UCSB, anyone can master the art of looking fly without overdoing it just by sticking to a few basics. Think casual but elegant pieces—a cashmere scarf with a pea coat is an instant upgrade from the typical jeans and jacket. If you’re not into berets, newsboy and ivy caps are the way to go. Beanies are a timeless choice as well. I’ve seen a few students here and there sporting the wetsuit-look to class, and I hate to be the one to say it gentlemen, but this is a major fashion faux pas, despite its functionality. What I would suggest is pairing basic pieces with subtle prints here and there, like flannels, to avoid the clashing of patterns and bold colors.
Lastly, let’s not forget shoes. We all know that Chucks and Vans are the go-to shoes for your busy or just DGAF days. Once in a while though, it’s a good idea to take a step out into the realm of laidback-chic. Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom offer a wide selection of unique footwear that will complement your outfits while keeping the rain out. These looks are guaranteed to keep you warm and keep the ladies coming.