Rise and shine, Bucknellians. It’s officially fall, and when the leaves start to turn, you know it’s time to churn out your Lewisburg Best. This year’s welcomed dollops of denim and sets of white skirts swaying with the remnants of the Northeast’s coastal winds. As for what I’ve been wearing, or haven’t been wearing… you’ll just have to keep reading to know.
-xoxo, Gossip Girl
Who says you can’t brave a Northeast winter while still looking good? Not me.
Rule #1 of Athaliah’s Fashion Tips: don’t be afraid of some wind. Mini skirts are essential for me; they’re perfectly applicable to my outfits no matter the weather. I prefer a staple black mini skirt because it blends perfectly with turtlenecks for a classy 60’s vibe, a crop top for a 90’s vibe or even a chunky sweater for the Scandinavian girl look (which I am beginning to love). Layering, however, during the winter is essential. You can’t be a baddie while stuck inside with a cold. I like to follow a two-layer system while wearing mini skirts and shorts during the late fall/ early winter. The first layer is a pair of thermal fleece-lined tights, then I add a second layer with tights of my choosing: solid or patterned, it doesn’t matter. With this, I strive for the Rodrick Heffley, Disney Channel older sister who obsessively uses Tumblr-esque kind of look. Finding efficient yet creative ways to layer keeps me fashionable while my legs stay warm.
Rule #2 of Athaliah’s Fashion Tips: don’t be afraid to bling it out. Simple pieces of jewelry from the metal or metals of your choosing (plural because I see and stand with the adventurous fashion gurus who mix gold and silver) can take your outfit a long way. The glimmering glints of those shiny metals will undoubtedly add character to your look. Aside from jewelry, belts and headpieces are my favorite way to accessorize. Flat caps, berets, apple caps, hair barrettes, ribbons, funky-patterned head scarves and recently cowboy hats (yes, I’ve succumbed to this trend) are just a few of my favorite means of adding some flair to my outfits. On the topic of accessories, don’t forget that your hair is also an essential part of crafting a good outfit. Whether they be your natural curls, braids, faux locs or mini twists, your hairstyle should not hinder completing your ‘ideal’ look. I promise you, there are so many things you’ve yet to try with your hair that will look so cute. I like to use Pinterest, aka my Holy Grail, to find different hairstyles to experiment with.
Despite the drag of seasonal depression luring you to put on those dark colors, stay strong! Rule #3 of Athaliah’s Fashion Tips: don’t be afraid of color (this isn’t the 1940’s). If I could describe my fashion in one word, it’d without a doubt be ‘eccentriclyesotericotherworldlygoddesswhoisscarilysexy.’ Embracing fun colors and unique prints allows me to showcase my amazingly charming personality through my outfits. Fashion is sometimes like a puzzle, putting pieces together that fit perfectly but also jamming pieces together that wouldn’t traditionally work, but hey… It fits! Dressing differently than others will not only boost your self-confidence but also your creativity. If my outfit doesn’t look like I’m a figment of a little girl’s imagination living in Barbie Land and swapping between character arcs in every scene, then I haven’t done what I needed to do as Athaliah Elvis. I like to remind myself that Nicki Minaj may have coined the label ‘Black Barbie,’ but for me, it’s a lifestyle. And this Barbie can do anything, while looking good, of course.
As for my parting gift, I will leave you with Rule #4 of Athaliah’s Fashion Tips: don’t be afraid of heights. Whether they’re three inches or six inches, platform boots take your outfit to new heights. See what I did there? When I wear my dearest Steve Madden Cypress boots, I feel like the next Naomi Campbell while walking to class. Not only do I look like Lewisburg’s next breakout Victoria’s Secret Angel, but I feel a surge of confidence and sexiness. With my platform boots, I grow from a stagnant 5’6 ½ to a whopping 6’0. They quite literally make me a brand new person. However, if you’re thinking “Hell No!” to super high heels, don’t click away just yet. You can opt for smaller-heeled options. Chelsea boots with a smaller heel are a good substitute. When I wear my Dr. Martens Jadon boots, which I wear often, I’m about 5’8 ½, but I still feel unstoppable. Platform boots are your best friend, and although I prefer the knee-high option, ankle boots have been growing on me. However, I will say that knee-high is a great place to start. Always start high, then go low.
These are just my fashion tips and are very specific to my sense of style. Fashion is all about expressing yourself in ways that work for you. However, for those of you looking to spice things up, don’t be afraid to try something new! I hope you’ll be participating in this winter’s latest fashion trends across the runway of Downtown’s dirtiest dwellings.