Ah, the sweet smell of summer is upon us, or is that just the guy in your math class who insists on wearing sleeveless shirts when it’s 90 degrees outside? I digress. Our semester is drawing to a close. Our days grow long and our nights grow short, and our backs grow ever sweatier. But in the spirit of young professionalism, I’m not going to tell you which bars have the coolest air conditioning and the cheapest drinks. No, I’m here to prepare you for this summer and all of the fashion challenges it holds. Break out your sunscreen and take your head out of the freezer, because we’ve got a lot to cover.
Festival Wear
Gift: Your average music festival will consist of the following: hot weather, lots of movement, minimal showering. The idea here is something that will keep you cool and able to jump around in the massive crowds and numerous stage changes. American Apparel is known for its high-quality, reasonably priced basics: high-waisted cuff shorts, $58; tie-dye T-shirt, $10.
Thrift: No frills, no fuss. Just simple, minimal clothing that keeps the sweating to a minimum and the budget laughably low. Jean shorts and shirt together? Try $4.50 at Goodwill on Decker Boulevard.
Family Vacation
Gift:Guys are infinitely harder to shop for. They either know what they want or they’re so indifferent that you could recommend camouflaged waders and most would nod in agreement. Let’s keep it simple for now. Vineyard Vines: linen shirt, $98; twill shorts, $75.
Thrift: I did the best I could guys, I really did. The aisles of Goodwill serve you poorly. If variety is what you search for, you’ll find it in the stains on the countless dress shirts and shapeless slacks. Look hard enough, and there may be a few diamonds: shirt, shorts and Sperrys, $5.50.
Summer Internship
Gift: The sought-after summer internship is a must amongst aspiring young professionals. It’s boiling hot outside, yet you need to look mature—but not too mature. But not too lackadaisical. But not too eager. But you need to be approachable. But not so friendly that you annoy people. But don’t show that you care too much—oh God, I can’t handle the pressure! Just give me a dress and a cardigan; I can’t choose anymore! Urban Outfitters: Oh My Love lace dress, $79; Pins and Needles cardigan, $69.
Thrift: I’d argue that this outfit upstages the gift alternative. You have to hand it to our fellow senior citizens that they really know how to wear some prints. Shoes, dress and a groovy cardigan for a grand total of $7.
Road Trip
Gift: Whether it’s a mere two-hour jaunt to Charleston or a two-week trek to the Midwest, few things can sum up a summer vacation like the open road. The name of the game is longevity: clothes that will stand up to abuse and whatever weather you can throw at them. Brandy Melville: flannel, $35; destroyed boyfriend jeans, $45.
Thrift: Thanks be to Kanye for taking the flannel beyond its workman roots and making it into something to be worn in various forms all year ‘round. Oh, and thanks be to Goodwill and the trickle-down effect for making a flannel and jeans combo a mere $6.
