Though summer is coming to a close, the start of school does not mark the season's final hoorah! Summer styles are still out and in full effect all around campus. I've tracked down a few Notre Dame students who are rocking some of summer's biggest trends. Here's the breakdown on why these trends are so hot, why they work so well for your fellow Irish classmates, and how to transform them so that they'll work for you!
Aztec
Action
Name: Anna Lei
Year: Junior
Dorm: Pangborn
Anna was easily noticeable as she strolled along North Quad. Without seeing her, one might think that a mustard-colored knit hat and black combat boots would be more appropriate for a colder season. However, combined with her Aztec-inspired racerback tank top and backpack to match, each piece came together and worked well to create a standout bohemian look. Anna's high-waist jean shorts earn a gold star as far as the trends of Summer 2012 go. High-waist shorts, skirts and pants have been taking popular clothing stores by storm since summer styles took center stage months ago. Cultural prints also had their big debut only a few seasons ago, and this summer has in no way slowed the trend down. Want to create your own "Aztec Action"-inspired look? Stop by American Apparel for a large selection of high-waist styles and Urban Outfitters for cultural prints. Want a knit hat for summer? Go for a color that's a striking contrast to your own hair color. Blondes, try a deep brown or forest green, and brunettes and dark-haired ladies, rip a page from the book of Anna and go for a brighter yellow or blue!
Sponsor
Spirit
Name: Adam Mena
Year: Senior
Dorm: Off Campus
For you boys out there who are lost in the fashion world and need a hint of summer inspiration, take a look at this outfit that Adam has picked out. What makes this look great? Well for starters, Notre Dame is sponsored by Adidas, the popular sports brand, and so our fabulous student-athletes are constantly repping the brand almost as much as they do Notre Dame! Being a student-athlete himself, Adam has given a wonderfully classy spin to this sporty campus trend by choosing a simple black top with gold brand detailing. This sleek tee grabs our attention enough to allow for a nicely muted bottom-half of the look, as Adam is wearing some classic khaki shorts and (hold up!) what appear to be matching Adidas brand boat-sneakers! Athletic wear is an obvious summer trend for guys all over campus and beyond, but Adam takes it to another level with this clean-cut and classy look. I bet this wouldn't have been the first thing you pictured when you thought of a "jock look," but Adam's giving you a good dose of jock-chic! Want a "Sponsor Spirit"-inspired look? Hit up, you guessed it, Adidas for some upscale-sporty pieces. For a pair of sensible khaki shorts, try Gap or Hollister. Also, don't feel obligated to stick to Adam's color scheme! It's awesome, yes, but branch out and try something else and it could turn out great! I wouldn't mind seeing a similar look with a little more color on campus one of these days!
Downplayed Prep
Name: Logan Renwick
Year: Junior
Dorm: Knott
There are numerous things that make Logan's look a great summer choice for many guys, despite its slightly preppy nature. The salmon-colored shorts and crisp white polo are indeed staples of prep style, but the casual Adidas flip-flops veer off the traditional beaten path and give Logan a more relaxed and down-to-earth look. Classy black-rimmed glasses have grown to be one of the biggest eyewear trends of the year. This pair works particularly well with the other pieces of this ensemble, capping off the look with a very studious statement. Without even uttering a word, Logan shows us that he's put together, practical and playing it cool. Want a "Downplayed Prep"-inspired look? Checkout American Eagle for the polo and shorts, Adidas or any sporting goods store for the sliders, and a local or online eyewear retailer for a pair of black-rimmed glasses.
Contrast Queen
Name: Rachel Boggs
Year: Senior
Dorm: Off Campus
Ladies and gentlemen, Rachel Boggs has arrived! Bright pants are one of the summer's hottest trends, and in this pair of red skinny jeans, Rachel makes it easy to see why! The look is given even more of a striking pop, as it is matched with a classy ivory button-down, and yet the brown rose-buckle belt gives it a hint of sensible neutrality. Look closely at Rachel's shoes and you can see that she's wearing a pair of Aztec-print Toms, joining Anna on the cultural print bandwagon! Rachel's mish-mash of earthy-toned bracelets also adds a nice and neutral touch to her standout look. Nothing, however, can truly take away from the color in this getup, and if you can pull it off as well as Rachel can, then there's nothing wrong with that! To create your own "Contrast Queen"-inspired look, try a store like J.Crew or Polyvore for brightly colored pants, and a Forever 21 or H&M for a great selection of sheer tops. For a mix of neutral bracelets, try some fun street vendors or an Aldo near you.
Flawless Floral
Name: Sam Vassanelli
Year: Senior
Dorm: Pasquerilla West
Sam's floral print dress is a classic summer style that never seems to get old. Flowers are a clear indication that the spring and summer seasons have arrived, and with this tropically-inspired color scheme, this dress is a perfect way for Sam to truly capitalize on the sun and fun - the season's finest characteristics! A simple pair of black spaghetti-strap sandals is a perfect way to offset this attention-grabbing garment. Messy buns have also become an ever-growing trend in the world of hair and are great for an effortless-chic look. The culmination of these three pieces results in a look that says, "I'm doing the most without doing the most, and I look great doing it!" Sam indeed looks great, and if you're looking for a similar floral style then try an online shop like Modcloth or Lulu's. For sandals like hers, try a DSW or Nordstrom's.
Summer may be winding down, but you still have time to end it right with some of these great summer trends! Try them out, and if you commit to the look, then you can't lose!
