Give Your Look a Kick!

By Reb Stevenson

Jeans n’ hoodie: the meat n’ potatoes of your school wardrobe.

You can’t go wrong with this standard uniform. But the problem is you can’t really go right with it, either.  When you don something that generic, you’re signing up to fade into the background while so-and-so in the yellow jacket and blue tutu gets a disproportionate share of the attention.

Want to make your boring outfit pop? Sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin.

First: take a deep breath. Admit that you need a swift kick in the – um, wardrobe. Next: go out and buy just one signature trend item from the genre you most want to branch out into.

To make it easy on ‘ya, here’s a cheat sheet:

ROCKER

  • A fake leather jacket (try H&M)
  • Smoky eye shadow
  • Bold bottoms – bright-hued denim or animal-patterned pants, like the ultra-skinny zebra print cord from Vans (www.vanscanada.com)
  • Fringed scarves worn over t-graphic tees
  • Chuck Taylors – this season’s new offerings include ‘90s inspired grunge plaid prints

PREP SCHOOL COOL

  • Cheerleader skirts
  • Plaid, plaid, plaid, plaid and more plaid
  • A classy peacoat – GAP has them in both short and long-sleeved versions
  • Loafers or deck shoes
  • Knee socks
  • A faux prep school blazer (the “0815LovesPeace Legacy Blazer” at Urban Outfitters is just the ticket)
  • A bright, clean fragrance like Banana Republic’s Limited Edition Classic ($60 for 100ml, available until December)

JET SETTER

  • A beret
  • Funky “wellies” (aka gumboots, but that doesn’t sound nearly as cool) that suggest you’ve just attended the Glastonbury Music Festival
  • Ethnic embroidery: if you want to be right up to date, say “hola” to Peruvian garments

GLAM GIRL

  • Peep-toe ankle boots
  • Skinny jeans
  • Gold eye shadow
  • Leather leggings (if you dare)

PRETTY TOMBOY

  • Vests
  • Fedoras
  • Ties
  • Slouchy, striped cardigans

SOPHISTICATED SOCIALITE

  • A clutch purse
  • Trouser jeans
  • Statement necklaces
  • Vera Wang Princess perfume, a fruity aroma with a hint of vanilla ($72 for 50ml at Sears)

HOPELESS ROMANTIC

  • Blouses with big bows at the neck
  • Floaty dresses
  • Feminine necklaces and brooches
  • A kissable gloss, like DuWop’s Lip Venom (available at Urban Outfitters)

VINTAGE VIXEN

  • Bold scarlet lipstick and/or nails
  • High waisted denim
  • High-heeled Mary Janes in regal colours (think purple or red) worn over tights
  • Finger curls
  • Old-school bikes

ARTISTE FOLLE

  • Risky leggings in wild prints or shocking sheen (American Apparel for the latter)
  • A burst of colourful eye makeup (try Cover Girl’s new Blast Collection of shadows and mascaras)
  • Chunky plastic bracelets in ‘80’s inspired hues

BOHO BABE

  • Floor-skimming skirts in floral prints
  • Fringed boots
  • Long, wavy hair
  • An excess of bangles and layered necklaces

MOD SQUAD

  • Solid A-line dresses with contrasting tights and long boots
  • Suede accents
  • Cropped coats
  • ‘60s style graphic prints like polka dots
  • Headbands