wardrobe reconstruction

In university, there comes a time when we feel completely overwhelmed and disheartened when faced with different challenges. Dressing for classes in the morning, is one of those times. When the alarm rings, indicating the start of a very long day, we find ourselves dragging our feet to our closet. Standing in front of the mirror, we tend to get somewhat apprehensive and frustrated, going down the route of faculty t-shirts and a pair of comfy shorts or jeans so we just don’t have to bother seemed more enticing now than ever before. Luckily, the fashionista (or fashionmista for the guys) in us succeeds in pulling us away from eternal fashion damnation before our immediate relegation into the black hole of blah-ness.

Yes, we know that you want to be comfortable but let’s get one thing straight, people, comfortable does not mean UGLY! So, we at Hooked! decided to provide you with some tips on how to dress fab for school and still be comfortable! And the best part – you’ve already have these pieces in your closet! It’s time to revamp your wardrobe!


getthelook #1 (Rachel's, Year 1 FASS)

Dressing casual does not necessarily mean fishing your fashion options out of a chore hat. (Ratty and nondescript t-shirt, scruffy shorts, and grime-blackened flip-flops? Even Little Orphan Annie's never had it this bad.) Contrary to popular belief, fuss-free style is not an oxymoron. Here's how to create a breezy ensemble that would take you from straight from class to after-school soirees -

VEST IS BEST - Rachel's loose-fitting t-shirt and distressed denim shorts are useful wardrobe staples, satisfying less fastidious dressers as well as those who are constantly in transit around campus in the sweltering heat. To keep this look from being overly sloppy, simply toss a vest (like Rachel's here) over your plain tee or tank top. Select a soft, slightly-oversized piece as shown in the image for added comfort as well as coverage, or lend a touch of polished sophistication with a form-fitting cropped men's vest. One thing, though - leave the stiff khaki offerings with bulging pockets to zookeepers and heavyset tourists.

SHORT STORY - From Ralph Lauren's preppy bermudas to last year's Daisy Dukes, shorts have been storming the runways of late and it looks like they're here to stay. Stylish and practical when dressed up or down, shorts remain incredibly versatile and are primed for comfort. With an extensive array of cuts and lengths available, there is no excuse not to own a pair. An extra-short pair like Rachel's helps lengthen legs, while a knee-skimming version in dark-washed denim produces a flattering slimming effect. Alternatively, try tailored shorts or well-fitting bermudas for a more formal feel.

CHAIN GANG - Nothing caps off a look better than a handful of well-chosen accessories, so pile them on! Rachel amped up her otherwise casual get-up with a chunky burnished-gold hooped chain, set with multi-hued baubles, stones, and tassels. For more detail and texture try layering necklaces of varying lengths and thickness. Brighter gold pieces provide a good contrast against earth-colored neutrals (like her vest). Conversely, slip on a long strand of kukui beads in flashy, tropical shades for a splash of color.

getthelook #2 (Yu Pei's, Year 3 FASS)

Okay, so you eschew lacrosse for Lacoste. But the fact that 14 girls in your GEMS lecture are wearing the same denim mini-skirt and Birkenstock clogs you are remains a pretty pressing problem. Fashion uniformity is a faux pas in itself, so re-vamp your look with these handy tips - sometimes girls just want to have fun.

DRESS TO IMPRESS - Yes, it's true. You can don dresses without making you look as though you've just wandered away from your kindergarten playgroup. Retire the lace and bows of your pre-teen party frocks and instead enhance your outfit with a hint of modest femininity with a figure-flattering cotton wrap dress like Yu Pei's. Its accommodating length and cut make for an effortlessly chic number that doesn't compromise on functionality. In other words, you can still make a mad dash to your next lecture without displaying your under things to the rest of the student population.

THE BARE NECESSITIES - Bare legs create the illusion of slender, longer limbs so give those footless tights and leggings a rest! Not only do they make you feel as though your thighs are plastered with Saran wrap, the ubiquity of this particular look makes it seem as though the school grounds have suddenly been overrun by she-pirates clutching laptops and notes. Instead, Yu Pei matched her dress with a pair of demure vintage-inspired flats. Alternatively, try kitten-heeled pumps for added height.

PRINT SHOP - Yu Pei's sea-blue patterned dress is a refreshing deviation from usual solid-toned pieces - a graphic-print bag or fabric belt can easily add pizzazz to a bland outfit. Because prints actually draw attention away from undesirable features (wide hips, fleshy upper-arms, and what not), you can now hone your sense of style and dismiss those unrelenting body hang-ups while you're at it. For the more adventurous sartorialist, try mixing prints - just make sure you select a finer, subtler design, which doesn't compete with the boldness of the primary print.


getthelook #3

Fashion flair need not engender an overwhelming display of color, or a multitude of accessories. Sometimes subtle details and minimalistic pieces are equally successful in making a striking impression. Era-inspired looks are a good place to start, here's how -

QUEEN VICTORIA - Usually the identifying characteristic of a stern librarian or old schoolmarm, the usually austere button-down is effectively muted here with cool grey pinstripes and Victorian-inspired puffed cuffs. Try short-sleeved shirts paired with dark tweed gaucho pants to channel the 1950's gamine look. Classic wardrobe pieces are always a chic and fool-proof option, so be sure to invest in quality items which are likely to last.

MOD SQUAD - The 80's most flattering wardrobe staples have made a rousing comeback (wish we could say the same for Barry Manillow or Rick Astley, though). Skinny jeans, like those shown in the picture, prevents the loose-fitting blouse from looking overly voluminous. Leave the platforms to the sartorially-challenged Spice Girls - instead, round off the mod look with patent leather heeled pumps and a capacious leather carry-all.


FOREIGN ACCENTS - To avoid appearing washed-out, offset the pale shades and distressed fabric with a tinge of bright color. Here, the paprika-red framed spectacles provide a cheeky contrast to the rest of the ensemble. Alternatively, try swapping the jet-black pumps for a red pair, or don a matching patent-leather belt.

getthelook #4

Layer, layer, layer. No, we are not talking about a multi-tiered wedding cake. This season, it’s all about layering your outfits with key pieces you bought last season! (Yes, we are living in Singapore so technically this season does not exist.) But this month, it’s all about resuscitating your old pieces and giving them a breath of fresh air.
\BETWEEN THE LINES - Fall into Fall! Give your stripe-motif outfit - which by virtue of the ever-changing fashion world is so last season - a new lease on life! Take out your striped tanks or t-shirts and slip them under an off-shoulder pullover (as shown in the picture) for a stylish twist on generic nautical-inspired fashions.

BOTTOMS UP - All of us swear by our trusty Havaiinas or thong sandals for their no-frills comfort and durability, but a pair of round-toed flats in satin or rich velvet (the fabric of choice for many autumn collections!) satisfies this criterion and morphs the partied-out beach bunny into Jessica Rabbit at the same time. Also, try swapping the white denim bermudas with fitted corduroy pants in rich autumn colors - brown, rust, or gray - to add warmth to your look.

getthelook #5(Ro, Year 1 FASS)

Face it: guys are obsessed with their jeans. Whether they be stonewashed, straight cut, bootcut, loose fit or hideously baggy, guys cannot live without owning a pair of denims! Never out of style, jeans are popping up everywhere from couture runways (think Louis Vuitton’s droolsome pair of skinny jeans) to the train station near you (think City Hall Station walkway to Esplanade). Nonetheless, wearing your coveted premium pair of Evisu jeans with vintage-inspired t-shirts are not only ubiquitous but how can I put this nicely, B-O-R-I-N-G! Be daring, go ahead and experiment with your jeans!

DRESSING DOWN A DRESSY TOP - If you’re wearing a dressy, sort of frumpy top like the vintage Burberry shirt on Ro, play with it a little bit and have a portion of it ironically tucked out. Having the shirt completely tucked out would be the same as wearing a pregnancy smock for the big shirt provides no shape! But tucking it all the way in would be too geek-freak for anyone’s liking. A balance between the two is a good tip to looking your age,

BERMUDA TRIANGLE – I don’t understand the inherent need for guys to sweep the floor with the jeans as the walk! Could it be that they are neat freaks? Judging by the sloppiness, that’s definitely not it. Although I salute those who give rest to our janitors by doing their jobs for them, I must say for one, pull up those jeans and wear a belt for goodness sake! Anyway, this summer, the hottest trend is cuffed trouser shorts, whether you go short-shorts (please don’t unless you’re stick thin), mid-thigh or bermuda. So how do you work your denim into this trend? Two words – fold and rouging! Take a page out of Ro’s outfit choice, the skinny jeans are folded and rouged knee high to give that cropped look. Not only does it give form and shape to those chicken legs out there but rouging your denims is also the best way to keep cool under the sweltering hot sun and still look hot tamale! But aside from denim shorts, you can always accessorize the trouser look with denim. Whether your shorts are blue, brown, plaid or striped, the right denim jacket can pull this look together. Or, if you’re daring, go for a tight denim vest

SNEAKERS OR MARS – Everyone has worn flip-flops to death. So, unless you’re going to the market to help out at the fish stall, I suggest you leave those Havaiianas and thong slippers at home (or send them to Mars) if you want to be daring and try out this outfit. Sneakers are the way to go. Ro’s choice of Dolce & Gabbana sneakers in brown suede and faux white leather throws off the colour uniformity of the outfit. It provides a resounding endnote to an impeccable outfit. Oh, and have a pair of shades perched on your head to bring out the fashionmista in you or just for the heck of it!

getthelook #6 (Sheila, Year 2 FASS)

For the last time comfortable does not mean looking ugly! For those of us who have exhausted our closet of all it’s content and find ourselves with nothing else to wear, fear not for simple chic is back with a vengeance.

PLAIN JANE – Yes, we all have it! A white ribbed tank top we bought from one of those sales we woke up at ungodly hours for (Mango anyone?). Simple and plain, the white tank is actually a killer for anyone with body image issues. It’s true that white makes us look fat but wear them proud anyways, after all, it’s either this or the off shoulder top you wore last week (and we know that’s a fashion don’t!). Otherwise, throw on a striped cardigan just to add that pinch of colour and pattern!

MINI ME – Let’s get something straight; denim minis require no other accessories but a nice belt! So again, leave the leggings to the likes of Sienna Miller and Nicole Richie or the kawaii Japanese Girls for that matter. Here, Sheila pairs her denim mini with a chunky white diamante studded belt from Calvin Klein. The big on small effect gives the silhouette of fuller hips (think bootylicious), which is essentially “in” now thanks to Beyonce Knowles. Alternatively, tie a scarf around the waist for that flirty, dressier look. In all, because of the simplicity of this outfit, an abundance of accessories would be overkill!

SHOES R’ US – Since NUS is the National University of Staircases, it’s tough for the girls to be toe-ing the line in their Jimmy Choos (ok maybe not Choos!). To avoid the pain of having to nurse blisters on your feet, try on a pair of sneakers with the denim minis. Pick out sneakers that match your personality and if you’re playful and fun, by all means wear the Bubblegummers. One thing to take note of when going for the sneakers and denim mini look, I’d advice you forgo the cap. You’re neither Michelle Wie nor are you twelve!

So there you have it, 6 looks to inspire you to look fabulous this academic year. Don't cling on to our words like it's the bible but take what we offer and assimilate into your own wardrobe, peppering your own personal style into it. Remember, there's no such thing as bad press. If people are looking at you, that means you've done something right. Believe me, wouldn't it be sadder if no one actually bothers about your existence!

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