The George-Anne Reflector has quite a few ideas to turn your closet into gameday fashion central.

Photo by Blake Kessler. Dressing up for gameday can be as simple as wearing a Georgia Southern t-shirt and skirt, or just a blue and white shirt with light colored blue jeans. Not all outfits require flare jeans and off the shoulder tops to be fashionable. 

Girls

Many girls like to wear denim overalls, or denim skirts, paired with a cute tube top or off the shoulder top. Wide leg jeans also tend to be in, worn with crop tops or bodysuits.

Not all of us can have a Pinterest worthy closet, though. That’s where t-shirts can come in!

Whether your shirt has Georgia Southern’s logo on it or one of GS’ famous sayings, t-shirts are the perfect way to keep your gameday outfit casual, yet fashionable.

A common way to get that t-shirt looking cute is to tuck it in your bottoms. Skirts are perfect for this and it’s not hard to find a denim or white skirt in stock at a local store.

If skirts aren’t your thing, t-shirts can very easily be tied on the side or the front to show off your hips when wearing ripped or flare jeans.

Photo by Blake Kessler. T-shirts are the perfect option when you want to be comfortable, but still rep school spirit at the games. T-shirts can be worn out, tucked into skirts and shorts, or tied up on the side. 

Now, on to the shoes and accessories. Platforms shoes and sandals are all over the benches at games. If you’re on the shorter side, these type of shoes can keep your flare jeans from dragging on the ground as you walk.

Don’t think that platforms are the only shoes you can wear, though. Many girls pull on a pair of white Converse or their favorite cowboy boots and are just as well as people wearing platform shoes.

Now gameday accessories are probably the easiest part of putting your outfit together. The 90s called and they said that chokers are here to stay!

Thick, thin, white, black, blue, loads of charms or no charms, chokers are an easy and cheap way to add that last little pop to your gameday outfit.

The type of earrings you can wear honestly depends on how you dress up your neck. If you have a chunky choker, having huge hoop earrings probably wouldn’t be the best idea because your top half might look too busy.

A less dressed up neck calls for flashier earrings, while flashy earrings calls for a pretty plain neck. A bracelet and a couple of rings can take your outfit from gameday to gameyay!

Guys

Now, girls aren’t the only ones that can look cute for gameday. Guys totally can as well.

Photo by Blake Kessler. Guys tend to dress much more casually than girls do at football games. Whether it is a polo or just a shirt with funky blue and white designs, guys can be just as fashionable as girls at the games.

Try a white or blue shirt with some funky designs, paired with some light colored jeans. If you like your knees to be able to breathe, wearing a pair of shorts will work too.

Shoes for guys aren’t as difficult to figure out like girls’ are. Anything from blue and white sneakers to Sperry’s and other boat shoes will round out your outfit nicely.

Accessories for guys also are much simpler, if they even want to wear them. “Dad” hats with GS’ logo or another saying can be worn, straw hats, or a safari hat if you want to channel your inner Steve Irwin.

Sunglasses seem to be a common theme around guys and girls as well. Whether mirrored or dark in hue, sunglasses are the perfect addition to your gameday outfit.

Of course, there are many other ways to dress for gamedays and this isn’t a complete list. So long as you’re cheering on our Eagles, it doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a GS shirt and shorts or overalls and a tank top!

Models: Tandra Smith and Donté Williams

1. Crop Top Sweaters

If you wear it when it is cold outside, then your stomach is freezing. If you wear it in the heat, then you end up pouring sweat from your chest up. It’s a lose-lose situation. The optimal time to wear this would be in that awkward time period nobody likes where it’s cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon. The solution to this problem altogether would be to not wear them at all. However, they manage to hug your curves while keeping you looking comfortable and chic. It’s an article of clothing you can’t say no to.

2. Fishnet Tights Under Ripped Jeans

Isn’t the point of buying ripped jeans to show some skin? Adding fishnets might create some allure, but it has to feel uncomfortable.

3. Thigh-High Boots

Shoes that come up to your thighs. They don’t do anything to improve your walking or support you feet in any way, but they manage to glam up any outfit. Need I say more?

4. One Long-Sleeved Shirt

This is a trend targeted towards women. It’s a normal shirt, but one arm has a long sleeve while the other arm doesn’t have a sleeve at all. It’s an interesting concept that looks cool, but one arm will either feel colder or hotter than the other.

5. Sheer Tops

This one does not need much explanation. It does not offer any kind of warmth or protection. If you’re walking in public, obviously you’ll need to wear something under it. This makes the sheer top kind of pointless, yet, with the right top, anyone can rock it.

6. Mix-Matched Patterns

Who would have thought that flowers and polka dots went well together?

7. Long Sleeved Rompers

The difference between a romper and a jumpsuit is that, most of the time, a jumpsuit has full length pants instead of the shorts-like appearance of a romper. With this in mind, you come across a problem similar to the crop top sweater except it’s with your legs.

While these fashion trends don’t make a whole lot of sense, one thing stands true: they manage to make any outfit look good.

1. Platform Flip Flops

Photo Retrieved via Rocket Dog

These honestly never should have been invented in the first place.

2. Gaucho Pants

Photo Retrieved via Zappos

These were an elementary school favorite. We may have thought we rocked them, but we were sorely mistaken. They were comfortable though.

3. Shoulder Pads

Photo Retrieved via Etsy

This trend should stay in the 80s where it belongs.

4. Mullets

Photo Retrieved via Total Frat Move

Just because Cole Swindell did it does not make it okay.

5. Crocs

Photo Retrieved via Pinterest

I am sad to say I once wore Crocs and I even added jewels to them. *Shudders*

6. Romphim

Photo Retrieved via Getonfleek

This one should be self explanatory. It just looks wrong.

7. Leg and/or Arm Warmers

Photo Retrieved via Artisan Socks

Yet another trend that should just stay in the 80’s where it belongs for the rest of our existences. If your legs or arms are cold, put on a pair of pants or a jacket.

8. Chevron

Photo Retrieved via Steph Calvert Art

This pattern has been overdone on everything. It is time to accept that the fad should be put to rest and outlawed on clothing from now on.

9. Silly Bands (Animal Shaped Bracelets)

Yeah, these were cool, and yeah, we all had about 1,000 of them. But no, they should not make a comeback.

10. Soffe Shorts

Photo Retrieved via Soffe

Let’s be real, girls loved to roll these up and wear them everywhere. They were comfortable and they were all we had before Nike shorts. However, they were very short and tended to be tight and this is why we should be thankful for our collective fashion evolution.  

We all have our fashion regrets and these may have made you remember some not so smart choices. Sorry if any of these images haunt your dreams tonight!

When purging (getting rid of) clothing, there are several ways to start. The first way is to decide if you want to go with the times and fashion. The second thing is decide what time how many times during the year that you want to clean out your closet. Rickey Jones, a senior fashion merchandising and apparel design major shares his routine: “I do a summer clean and then a winter clean,” Jones said. This is a smart tactic because every six months you will be getting rid of the clothing that doesn’t fit you or that doesn’t suit your style anymore.

The third thing to consider is if you’re too attached to clothing you already have. If you are, it’s time to say goodbye to grandma’s sweater or those short shorts you made yourself from those thrift store mom jeans that just don’t fit right anymore. Believe me… it’s time. Gather your courage and either donate them or put them in a box with other sentimental items. If you’re having trouble parting with the clothes, Jones has a way of choosing:

“What I would do is basically just really think about the actual sentimental value as opposed to just the physical presence of it. So it if it is something that is sentimental or that has been passed down, I will keep it, and I will keep it hung up in my closet. But if it hasn’t, then maybe it’s something I can get rid of, or maybe I don’t necessarily need – then I can go ahead and give it away.”

The fourth step is look through all your clothes. If you haven’t worn it in a year or even six months, it’s also time to get rid of it. “With me, I’m kind of impulsive and it’s like if I know I’m not going to be wearing it [the clothing article] within the next two weeks then okay, I’m ready to give it up,” Jones said.

One way to figure this out is the coat hanger trick, in which you turn all your hangers so that the hooks face the front of the closet. Then after you wear an item, you turn the hanger toward the back of the closet and at the end of the allotted amount of time (whether it be a season or a year) you can take all the clothes that you didn’t wear in that time and donate them. Knowing when to toss clothes is an attitude that most people should adapt so that you’re really only wearing the clothes you want to be wearing. This encourages college students to donate clothes that they don’t use so more clothing is going out to the poor or the people in need.

When it comes to adding to your closet, there are many things you can do to make your closet a more versatile and less chaotic sh*t hole. Mimi Ikonn, YouTube vlogger, image consultant and fashion stylist, suggests using velvet hangers to keep your closet looking elegant and expensive; additionally, this keeps your clothes in better shape in the long run. So look to invest!

She also suggests to find out what colors look best on your skin tone. “Once you understand your color palette, shopping for clothes is so much easier,” Ikonn said. Everyone falls into a season whether it’s fall or spring and certain shades of colors will look better on you than others. Find your shade and then when you’re shopping it will make it simpler to find exactly what you look great in, which will make you look better in the long run and add to your overall aesthetic.

When shopping also search the clothing racks for “basics,” or clothes that go with everything, so you’re able to mix and match with most of your different outfits. Examples of basics are black skinny jeans (because they look amazing on everyone and you can wear them everyday), plain white button down and a leather jacket (to give you an edge and warmth). In addition Jones described his own closet essentials:

“I would definitely say, just buying a lot of textures, like a lot of knits, a lot of leather, a lot of denims. That is basically what the main thing is in my closet – just a lot of texture. And I feel like people will be able to play with levels and be able to play with layering and different things like that. Pieces that you can layer, pieces that you can put on, and take off throughout the day so you don’t get too hot or get too cold.”

There is a starting point for everything and the first step for your closet is to purge your clothing so that you can invest on better clothing in the future! After the purge, Jones discussed the difficulties and compromises of splurging on new clothing.

“What I like to do usually is I start off with this big idea in my mind with how much I want to spend on clothes, and then I really take the time to make sure I budget out everything else, and then what I have leftover, I spend about half of that. Because for me, I can go and I can get six pieces of clothing at one time, then for me that’s a good two months of outfits… if you buy too many things at one time you’re bound to not wear some of the things that you buy.”

The fast fashion industry has become bigger than life, and with the high demand for new styles every week developing countries like Bangladesh are having to turn out these items as fast and cheap as possible. This leads to building codes and regulations being over looked and women and children being at risk of fires, chemical inhalations, and buildings collapsing.

Companies like Primark, which is similar to H&M and Forever 21, have had sales rise by 150 percent between 2009 and 2014. It is clear that the fashion market is doing better than ever according to economist.com.

However sustainable fashion is on the rise in the textile industry and businesses are finding new ways to make stylish clothing items sustainable and ethically friendly.

Natalia Allen, a fashion designer, worked years under engineers after she graduated the Fashion Institute of Technology to learn the ins and outs of 3D printing. Her line of dresses, which typically run around $379, are completely seamless and 3D printed.

Allen describes her textile and production factory as looking more like a science lab than a textile mill. She states how there is no one taking a nap on top of a pile of textile scraps. Instead they replaced with workers in white lab coats, and sewing machines are replaced with shiny 3D printers that are able to create a completed dress in a few hours.

“It really is quite amazing how in a few short hours you can have virtually a completed garment,” Allen said. “There is only a few items that we have to sew by hand.”

3D printing however is not the only type of sustainable fashion industries becoming more popular. Repurposing clothing is also on the rise, and Erin Irick, an assistant professor at the University of Wyoming, specializes in repurposing clothing. Irick feels, however, that the fast fashion industry still has a way to go when it comes to sustainable efforts.

“The problem with sustainable fashion right now is that it takes too long to make, and with a garment industry that is so fast paced the only solution would be for companies to slow down,” Irick said.

Some stores have started to realize that more consumers are leaning towards companies that use sustainable techniques, and are putting their own incentives for customers to make more conscious decisions when it comes to purchasing clothing. For example you can return old clothes to H&M for a coupon, and Urban Outfitters has their own line of vintage/repurposed clothing line called Urban Renewal.

However with no sustainability standards put into place for these companies it is hard to tell how big of a sustainable impact they are making.

“Since H&M started the coupon for returning clothing I have been doing that,” said senior fashion merchandising major Cara Sims. “I am also taking a class this semester where we learn about the poor conditions in these textile mills, so it is nice to see the textile industry changing.”

Solar panels, electric cars and wind power are huge topics in sustainable lifestyle, and fashion should be too.

Feature Image courtesy of Natalia Allen

Write on It

Chalkboard paint has been popular for a long time. Placing it in the kitchen or other common area allows everyone a chance to be creative while also creating a place where you can list grocery lists, house rules, and other things everyone living with you needs to know.

 To make the chalkboard style your own, combine it with other decor elements. Place photos or floating shelving on the same wall as the chalkboard paint to break up the black color and infuse your personality.

Make it Dynamic

Creating wall decor that seems like it’s alive is a difficult thing. To make something dynamic, connect the wall decor to other pieces nearby. Perhaps a series of stenciled birds or butterflies can start perched on your favorite bonsai tree and make their way onto the wall and across the room.

Find a stencil and trace the design on thick, cardboard paper. Cut the designs out and glue them on or around the plant, then trace the stencil on the wall and fill it in with the same color as the cardboard paper.

DIY

DIY is a very popular way to decorate. It’s more affordable, allows you to explore your creativity, and is incredibly personal.

Use tape to create a cool geometric pattern on the wall and then paint the wall in your favorite colors, hang free-floating yarn banners in bright colors to add movement and energy to a room, or make cutouts for stylized symbols out of wood to make designs for specific parts of your home.

Vintage and Antique

Giving each room a vintage or antique feel doesn’t have to be expensive. While you can splurge on items you really love, complement more expensive pieces with vintage-inspired decor. Aged wood, Victorian style pillows and throws, or prints of classic art can all embellish your place for a unique antique look.

If you’re inspired by the DIY idea, you can even take cheap, ceramic plates from the store and paint them yourself in the style of old European porcelain or Asian china.

Country Inspired

If you need a place where you can come home and relax, the countryside is inherently soothing and relaxing. Pastel colors and rustic furniture lend a sense of ease to any room. Try looking for French country home furniture to ensure a cheerful atmosphere and bright home.

Personalize It

However you choose to decorate, make sure you do something that represents your personality and speaks to your hobbies and passions. If you’re living with someone, it may be hard to compromise on common space, but you can always decorate your personal space in a style you love. Get inspired and start imagining your new home today.

Photos courtesy of: Media Cache

Picture a company that you consider to be successful. Market leadership, brand recognition, excellent management, significant global presence, impressive employees—imagine the criteria you find most compelling in qualifying a company as successful.

In your head, picture the CEO of that company walking into the office on a Monday morning and greeting employees in sweatpants, a tattered tee, and sneakers.

For many, not only does the CEO lose formidability and validity with this image, but the entire company also seems significantly less respectable.

While fashion and apparel may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of the business world, looking the part is a compelling force in maintaining an authoritative and legitimate presence.

The visual aspects of your identity communicate your ability to conform to societal norms and adhere to unspoken social cues.

To help maintain your adept professional presence, here are essential fashion rules established and powerful women always follow.

Distinctive Style

While traditional business attire will always communicate an aura of professionalism, consider customizing your wardrobe with a semblance of your own personal identity.

For example, one-of-a-kind items like vintage engagement rings communicate rarity and exclusivity that cannot be duplicated. Whether it’s an unusual color or particular silhouette, high-ranking women often develop their own signature looks to suggest dependability and uniqueness.

Next time you shop for new shoes or women’s tank tops, pick something up that reinforces a non-traditional and memorable flare.

Strategically Applied Makeup

photo courtesy of nytimes.com

Surprisingly, studies have found that a woman’s makeup technique communicates a great deal about health and credibility in the workplace.

More specifically, a lighter, natural look is commonly more appealing, while dramatic looks should generally be avoided.

Stray from orange-tinted bronzer, overuse of mascara, intense eyeshadow, and opt for matte in place of sparkle for an optimal office look.

Up-kept Grooming

Poor oral and facial hygiene not only communicate unprofessionalism and negligence, but is also immensely unpleasant for others. Regardless of how busy you may be, maintain hygiene and make it a habit to regularly groom for a clean, maintained look.

Make regular trips to hair and nail salons to communicate cleanliness—and save yourself time in the morning as well.

Everything from healthy skin, good oral hygiene, and a pleasant fragrance communicates professionalism and helps to elevate your overall appearance.

Quality Fashion Accessories

Professional women understand that purchasing well-branded clothing and accessory items are well worth the investment.

When you’re shopping, examine for details and look for high-quality fabrics and materials that communicate sophistication and an established persona.

Elaborate on your distinctive style with handmade bags and purses, gemstone jewelry, and decorative hair pieces. Upscale clothes—such as those made of cashmere and suede—accessorized with high-end leathers can help to elevate your look as well.

Whether you are aiming to become a leader or are trying to shift your appearance to better suit the workplace, it’s essential to consider the little details that communicate your personality and professionalism.

By following these tips and adopting a persona that reflects your drive and passion, you can become a powerful woman in the industry, all while looking incredible as well.

feature photo curtesy of memes.com

But does everyone dress like the oh-so-stylish Georgia Southern students? I decided to hit the beach with my camera to find the fashionable, wacky, and funny attire from students visiting from Georgia to Oklahoma.

Georgia Southern University

What’s black, white, and red all over?

When you are sunburnt you can always opt to go on the beach in a coverup or button up hawaiian shirt, but why not go all out and dress in a penguin outfit? I am not really sure why this guy packed a penguin outfit with him, but it ended up coming in handy.  

Plus it makes for a great caption if you took a picture with him (which I did, of course). The only acceptable caption when posting on social media is “What’s black, white, and red all over?” If you didn’t catch the joke the answer is a sunburnt penguin.

I’m SΣXY And I Know It

If you are familiar with Greek Life at all or if you are a part of the “GSU Clothing Exchange” on Facebook then you have probably heard of the SΣXY tanks that every girl scrambles to buy from the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

These little thanks come in all colors from solid blue, like Georgia Southern University student and Sigma Chi brother John Salter, to tie-dye in whatever color you want.

Classy Lady

Just because you are on the beach and on Spring Break doesn’t mean you cannot be fabulous while doing it. Erin McGuinness decided to go to the beach in a tie dye coverup with a giant sunhat, instead of the typical srat tank and jean shorts. She may have been at Gulf Shores, but she looked like she belonged in Greece on a yacht.

BFF Goals

What’s better than a week on a beach, you may wonder. A week on a beach with your BFF..duh. Madison Loggins and Jessica Holman are the beautiful best friend duo that decided to relax and get their tan on in some adorable two piece bathing suits.

The high neck trend, as seen on Madison, seems to be all the rage this year, but the tan lines from it are not.

Kansas State University 

Cover Girls (and Guys)

This huge group of Kansas State students jumped at the opportunity for a photo in a magazine. But who can blame them, the Reflector is pretty fantastic.

I was told during this mini photo shoot that the guy in the front would be the next “cover model.” While I will not say if I agree or not (I do, I mean look at him!) this group was definitely a great group of people to meet! Kansas really knows how to have some fun, that’s for sure.

The Three Best Friends

 While they did not actually sing that catchy melody from The Hangover, it was pretty obvious that these three Kansas University girls were best friends. They decided to mix and match their bathing suits instead of having them all one color, which we are absolutely loving!

Oklahoma State

Funneling it Down

These three Oklahoma State students couldn’t even put down their funnel for five seconds, showing where their priorities are at. But hey, it’s Spring Break so why not?

Although the Hawaiian shirt and colorful, geometric shorts combo was..different, their personalities were a solid 20 on the scale.

Great times and a lot of funneling was expected when partying with these three.

University of Tennessee

Cutest Couple Award

I am not really sure if they are actually a couple, but they sure would make an adorable one! Football in hand, this guy carried his girl a pretty long way down the beach before stopping for a break showing what true love is all about.

The girl had adorable french braided pigtails that were seen on hundreds of girls that weekend. Which means they are coming back in style and allow us to all channel our inner 10 year-old again.

Ah, the age-old battle. Are they or aren’t they? Can something so thin, stretchy, and non-durable be considered pants? They’re not made of denim, khaki, or *cringe* corduroy. Are they appropriate bottom wear? Could they really be fitting for our generation’s young women?

The simple answer: Hell yes.

Girls understand this feeling. Leggings are just soooo comfortable. They’re not stiff or restricting like jeans straight out of the dryer. When you come home from a long day of class, instead of changing into a whole new outfit, all you have to do is take off your bra and voila! Instant comfort.

Now nay-sayers of this wardrobe essential may say that these garments aren’t practical. Well neither is half the crap people wear but we look damn good in them so we wear them anyways. Why not include leggings in that?

They’re too see-thru. Newsflash, you can buy leggings of a thicker fabric. Some are even fleece-lined for the colder months. If you have already some of a thinner variety, just wear with a long shirt and cover your bum whenever you bend over. Easy.

They’re way too casual. Oh yeah, cause the sweatpants or Nike shorts I’d otherwise be wearing is so business-casual.

Most girls don’t have a nice enough butt to pull off leggings. Want to know how to get a legging-ready bod? Have a body, put some leggings on, and STFU about body shaming other people. It’s 2016. Come on.

They look like pajamas. That’s cause they are. So is the T-shirt I’m wearing underneath my hoodie. Anymore questions?

Lizzy Geddy, sophomore English major, is a big believer in the comfort for leggings. “I just think people that shame other people for wearing leggings it’s just stupid because it’s what they want to wear and it’s comfortable so why do you care? It doesn’t affect you.”

This is college, OK? In a couple years, most of us are going to graduate and start wearing suits and dress shirts every day to work. Girls have the added disadvantage of heels, skirts, and pantyhose. Have you ever experienced the torture that is pantyhose? The struggle of putting on a pair before a big event (wedding, interview, formal dance), catching a toenail, and desperately trying to find a nail polish in a modest-enough color to fix the run before it gets too big? No? Well, it sucks.

Leggings are the way for girls to treat ourselves to make up for the decades of Spandex and sheer hosiery before us.

As a future female president will say, one day, probably: “Let them wear leggings!”

The 2016 GRAMMY Awards are no exception to this. Here are our top choices for the best and worst dressed on the red carpet last night.

Best Dressed

Kaley Cuoco

This edgy Naeem Khan jumpsuit fits like a glove on the Big Bang Theory star. From her hair to her shoes, she looked absolutely stunning.

Ellie Goulding

Unlike the girls on the “worst” list, the “Love Me Like You Do” singer decided to go with the “less is more” approach. Her understated pink Stella McCartney dress was the perfect balance between simple and elegant.

Zendaya

This former Disney star is always willing to take risks on her style. Although her mullet hair style should go on the “worst” list, she made a comeback with her double breasted suit, showing that women do not always have to go for the girly look when attending red carpet events.

Worst Dressed

Manika

This singer showed up to the red carpet premier in a very scandalous silver bikini ensemble. Showing some skin can be a good thing, but in this case, she probably needed a cover-up.

Bella Hadid

This glamourous model did not live up to her supermodel fashion the way we expected. Her cut-out black Alexandre Vauthier dress was a little too boring for the GRAMMY taste.

Z Lala

This was the GRAMMYs, not a Halloween costume party. The “Fly Away” singer embodied her inner Black Widow in this spidery dress costume.

Photos: Courtesy of E! Online and VOGUE 

Feature photo: Courtesy of New York Times Online