Stylish

If I ever need to know the weather, footwear is a better indicator than most forecasts. Before raindrops have a chance to hit the pavement, rain boots have.

I get the logic behind rain boots. No one wants soggy socks and shriveled toes. But bear in mind fashion can leave you broke and dated in a matter of mere weeks.

College fashion dictates that rain boots are the “it” items for inclement weather. The craze crept slowly starting with yellow and black knee-high rain boots, yet developed shortly in to widespread patterns of paisley.  Before I knew it my impervious moccasins were fashion faux pas.

Practicality no doubt played its part in the adoption of this classic footwear. Yet, another leading factor was fashion magazines promoting the boots in arrays of colors and prints.

The unoriginality of everyone wearing them was somehow cancelled out by the originality one may feel by getting them in a rare Persian print for the low price of $500.  And, as we all know, everyone wants to be an original.

Marketing plays in to this fact. Companies realize that the key to selling a product is to make a subtle change to a classic product. We live in a society where novelty is key. Yet, don’t be fooled nothing is as innovative as it may seem.

The Wellington Boot was created in 1815 and is noted as the first rain boot. This style is not only dated, it’s old enough to have looked good on your great great great grandmother. Wellington Boot

Fashion is a lesson in history. Look at old photos and magazines and an obvious pattern emerges. The basic truth remains that the baseline for clothing has always been the same, with tweaks that make the styles more modern.

Do not buy in to the individuality ploy. Clothes do not make you an individual, your personality does. So just buy clothes that enhance yourself and make you feel good when looking at that sometimes foe, sometimes friend: the mirror.

Go to thrift stores and bargain shops. TJ Maxx and Ross are just some examples of retail establishments that have the latest fashions at manageable costs. And as for thrift stores, vintage is always in.

Trends circulate over the course of the years. Leggings and baggy sweaters are in style now and are reminiscent of the 80s. That’s because the same trend has just re-surfaced. Ask your parents to take a peak in their closet. You may find some hidden treasures.

So don’t spend a lot of money on items that will go back in the time capsule. Spend top dollar on the clothes that will stand the test of time. For instance, jeans are here to stay so paying for a nice pair would be an investment, not a waste.

Just keep fashion in perspective. Don’t always buy in to what everyone else is wearing. Sometimes it can be hard to resist the allure of cute clothes, but keep it to a minimum. Your wallet will thank you.

Now, I have to go put on my rain boots, it’s looking like rain. Hey, baby steps.

-KP