8The Daily Tar Heel Thursday, March 24, 1988
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The Daily Tar HeelThursday, March 24, 19889
Gool spring fashions arrive
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. . . but traditional looks still prevail
By KAREN ENTRIKEN
Staff IVn'ter
"Appearances are everything," according to
Cosmopolitan magazine. If this statement is impor
tant to you, or a glance into your closet reveals
only last year's dated look, check out the new
fashions in spring casual wear hitting the Chapel Hill
market.
. Casual wear is an important part of the nights
of spring. Students eagerly await the first 70-ish day
when they can sport a pair of shorts without having
goose bumps stand out all over their legs. And long
live the balmy months when students skip classes
to squeeze into bathing suits and flock to grassy
areas to soak up some sun.
Of course, the discerning student will want to be
dressed to a "T." And the tee is definitely where
spring fashions are at. The T-shirt, that is.
According to Bob Simpson, owner of the Town
and Campus clothing store on Franklin Street, T-shirts
are the real mainstay of this year's wardrobe. The
basic style can be varied in cut, color and size. Prices
range widely from a $12 basic solid-colored shirt to
a thick, high-quality Cenerra brand for $42.
The T-shirt mode brings with it a whole style of
dressing - casual is the word to keep in mind.
"No more high button muffy galore," says
Benetton mangaer Kim Cusic.
The two most popular looks for spring are evident
in Benneton's current window display. One side
features tight-fitting, colorful outfits in hot pink,
yellow, red and chartreuse, while the other side
counters the effect with loose-fitting, subdued,
natural colors and fibers and leather coordinated for
a safari look.
So, whether your preference is natural or bright,
loose or tight, you can design your look either way
or by mixing together a little of both.
Another dreaded fashion dilemma in question this
spring is the length of skirts. The answer seems to
be a toss-up. The hemline can be worn either to
nearly bare the derriere or gently brush the ankles
- or anywhere in between.
At Benetton, Cusis says long skirts and sweaters
are out.
"Ultra-minis made of spandex in solid colors and
floral prints are in fashion," says Paula Inserra,
Benetton sales representative. The skirts are priced
at $34
Another casual wear retailer on Franklin Street,
The Lodge, supports the life of the miniskirt. Paired
with a cropped top, it draws attention to the waist.
Cosmopolitan agrees with the short skirt trend
whole heartedly. And, according to Cusic, this trend
is destined to last at least through next winter.
However, Town and Campus owner Bob Simpson
says, "Our store didn't go 100 percent on short skirts.
We have a few token miniskirts."
His store, which carries a flowing, feminine French
country look from Putamayo, has a variety of skirt
lengths.
in the skirt situation, as with other styles, the
option to go short or long is yours. In general,
however, anything higher than mid-knee for business
is risky, while any length goes for fun.
This spring will be the season for accessories. Their
moderate prices and different forms allow any outfit
to be altered creatively and inexpensively.
"You can't wear a T-shirt and jeans anymore,
because everything is accessorized," Cusic says.
Accessory pieces at The Lodge are moderately
priced and come in all forms - socks, bags, scarves,
jewelry, hair accessories, watches, belts and glasses.
New dimensions on accessories include suspenders
worn up on the shoulders, which add a fun touch
to any outfit. But avoid wearing them hanging down,
even though that style was popular a few years
ago. Doubling two pairs of bright socks for color
and hats will be popular also.
Other new items this spring include spandex
bicycle shorts and bathing suits. Both are con
structed of colorful bold panels of alternating blacks
and bright colors.
The nautical look is making a comeback this season
Photos by Matthew Plyler
after the decline in popularity of its replacement
surf clothing.
Unconstructed sportcoats and modified slosh
around but stylish jackets will promote the casual
trend for men. The affordable blazers, priced from
$50 to $75, can be worn with the sleeves pushed
up and with T-shirts or conventional button-downs.
Men's shirts take on a new twist from the basic
polo for spring - COLOR! Striped polos in rich spring
colors such as mauve, aqua and yellow are must
haves, advised Milton Julian, owner of Milton's
Clothing Cupboard.
The new women's pants are patterned and fun;
the days of basic khaki, black and navy are long
gone. Pants for spring come in all lengths, fits and
colors. They range from knee-length baggies to
flowing and full-length slacks to pants that are
tightly cropped at the ankle.
if all those new fashions scare your tastes as well
as your wallet, never fear, there are always forever
items and styles. The preppy look is still holding
strong and always will because it is so practical t
so don't throw those Duckhead shorts away just
to replace them with spandex shorts. And black is
still the strong color that can make any outfit look
sophisticated.
Contrary to belief, dark suits are okay, too.
"We still sell many dark suits in the summer because
college students are buying their first suits," Julian
said.
A charcoal grey or navy summer suit is fine for
interviews - but be sure to buy it in a lightweight
material.
Still confused about what to wear this spring?
Don't worry. The prevailing opinion among designers
and retailers is that individual choice rules.
"The main thing is to draw attention to yourself,"
Cusic says. "It's great to look at a girl walking down
the street and say, 'Wow, I really like those pants.' "
That's the objective. Now everyone, pull off those
wool sweaters and corduroys. Spring is here!
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Freshman Maribeth Sartin (left) and junior Robin Willet stroll through
Carolina Inn. Willet's navy outfit (top $64, skirt $54) is by Erena. Sartin's
linen suit (skirt $70, blouse $72, blazer $144) is by Jones New York.
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Senior Leigh Jenkins and sophomore Blake Davenport achieve the diver's suit look in swimwear. Her
suit is by Underwet ($36), his by Norfleet ($34)
Junior Rich Wrenn and senior Leigh Jenkins sport the nautical look.
Williams wears Lacoste shorts ($37) and polo shirt ($43). Jenkins
wears pink striped separates (pants, $52, top, $48) by Uz Claiborne.