{fashion focus} Why not wear your weather?

It's that time of year again, and that we live in the 'bu, we must be prepared for every season - even winter. And since a significant portion of the Pepperdine population is from Seattle, we may rest assured that some of us know what "rain gear" is.

Yes, rain gear.

In the past we have, as a collective whole, been known to wear our flip-flops everywhere. I have even been known to wear them a time or two in rainy San Francisco. But we need to now learn how to wear the weather... That's right: wear the weather.

Let's be honest here, backless shirts went out with August and were, to the dismay of myself and plenty of others I'm sure, worn throughout the month of September. But if this type of apparel were meant to be worn throughout the year, the raincoat would never have been invented, boots would not be in every department store and tiny shoe boutique, and scarves would solely be used as waist ties.

Now you must be wondering what I'm talking about with this "wear the weather" business. I simply mean to say that there is a time and a place for everything, including that Abercrombie mini jean skirt that you scored at half price during a summer sale. But, sadly, the time for those sorts of items is not now.

It's getting cold around here, even when most of us arrived on our heavenly campus a week and a half ago and it was 80 degrees out. Therefore, let's look at what's in our closets that will compliment us and our surrounding temperature. There are really cure bootcut jeans available right now that could take the place of that adorable slit-up-the-front skirt or those shorts that you guys wear that hit between your knee and calf.

As for sweaters, merino wool is the place to be. These fabulous numbers can quickly go over any collared shirt to make a nice, snappy casual outfit and the colors just don't quit. I enjoy a nice black or pink, whereas my brother really likes maroon or grey. Journey out, explore, buy - those babies are on sale now!

I digress, however, back to the rain gear.

Honestly I don't believe anyone I know own any piece. Myself, I have one thing: my automatic umbrella. With the push of a button I'm not "covered in rain" as Johnny Mayer sings, but am totally dry. Hey, with an umbrella there really isn't any need for hats or waterproof jackets.

Nevertheless, the temperature tells us what we should wear, as well as bring with us out the door in the morning. It's the middle of January, wear those bulky sweaters and pea coats - there are way too many good-looking ones out there to not wear them while you can. Let's think about it: if we weren't supposed to wear our weather, the stores would still be full with summer tanks and spring florals.

So wear winter up.

{originally written for Pepperdine's Graphic newspaper}