Trends come and go, but Nike shorts are forever

By Laurean Love
Focus Editor

Oversized T-shirt?

Check.

Nike shorts?

Check.

High socks?

Check.

The Baylor girls I’m thinking of may not participate in any sports, but they sure pull off the “slaving in the gym look” like a champ, even in full make-up.

Baylor fashion stereotypes exist as an irrefutable campus characteristic, prominent to anyone walking around campus for the day. Not all students fall into the Nike short trap, though.

“I think the Nike shorts and XXL t-shirt trend is for girls seeking an easy comfortable look for the day-to-day grind,” said Fort Worth senior Julie Rowlands. “I personally don’t deviate to that look because I enjoy expressing myself through the clothes I wear. Also, it just doesn’t really match my personality or lifestyle.”

Here’s the thing about Baylor trends, though: they’re not for everyone. Pearl earrings may look good on any girl, but we all know the same cannot be said about LuLulemon yoga pants.

Whether you are dressing for comfort or to express individuality; every girl loves a compliment and that will never go out of style.

However, be careful what fashion advice you give your friends.

“I think it is pathetic. It is funny that look has become so popular when that is not classified as attractive anywhere else except the Baylor campus,” said Palestine junior Rachel Dean.

Appearance is a communication tool, revealing one’s personality through style.

Light travels faster than sound, so you see sooner than you hear. The same can be said for first impressions.

Often, you see someone before you talk to them. The first impression you make is likely to be visual, and one would be a fool to think appearance does not matter, especially in the transition from college to the business world.

It makes you wonder where college trends come from.

One Baylor apparel professor explained that students’ fashion choices may be based on more than just a desire to impress.

“As your life stage changes, your priorities change,” said associate apparel merchandising professor Dr. Lorynn Divita. “As of right now, it is more important to feel good in your 9 a.m. class than it is to look good.”

Well, I say thank goodness for spring-cleaning, because it gives you an excuse to throw away last year’s trends.

I am sorry to say printed pants and boyfriend blazers have to go.

Instead, for this season, ‘80s fashion has come back in full force with crop tops and high-waisted shorts. The exposed midriff is big for spring, as proved by a bevy of designers in their spring collections. Peplum tops have also been making an appearance for those hoping to achieve the hourglass silhouette.

As an added bonus, it looks like the leather-pant-or-skirt trend from the fall has made its way to spring with some ultra-sexy new twists: pairing leather with a lightweight material is all the rage, like a cute sheer top and a bandeau.

Cutouts are also in vogue for this upcoming summer.

The pantone color of the year is emerald green, and you can see it everywhere from nail polish to handbags and shoes.

It is very timely because it makes us think of the environment. It is a relaxing color and it looks good on a lot of people, said Divita.

A bold few that dare to be individuals in what seems like a very conformist student population have expressed their excitement for this year’s spring trends.

“This year I have really enjoyed the colored jean spree, colored high-waisted shorts with types of button-up shirts tucked in, the return of chunky jewelry and high -low skirts,” Rowlands said.

Spring trends have hit. Some will enjoy wearing them, others watching. But some looks, are, unfortunately, eternal. Baylor’s Nike-short and t-shirt obsession seems to be one of those.

Why do the good trends die young?