As the population begins to venture outside to take in the improving weather, you can’t help but notice there are some fashion choices you have to take a second look at.
This is widely considered “people-watching,” and Eugene may be one of the premier spots in the Pacific Northwest to do it.
So, try to channel your inner fashionista@@http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=inner-fashionista&ei=UTF-8&fr=moz35@@ and appreciate the mesh and hemp wonderland that is spring in Eugene!
It’s obvious that ladies and guys both want to look their best when the sun is out. But there is an issue with the males, and the core of the issue is one simple phrase:
“Sun’s out, guns out.”
When the weather is warm and the sun is out, it’s bro-tanks and sunglasses galore. Even the guys who have clearly forgotten where the Rec Center is are rocking the sleeveless.
The bro-tanks make for premium people-watching because the people sporting them can be funny to see. A bunch of pale fraternity brothers walking around pretending like they just want a tan is entertaining, especially when they all try to flex while walking to class.
Word of advice: Put the bro-tank back in the closet until you can stop staring at yourself in the mirror at the gym long enough to lift a weight that gets you some kind of muscle.
Leave, too, the tank-tops to the ladies and for the beach. We don’t want a ticket to the gun show and no, we do not want to see if you have a permit for those things.
This leads to the next key to people-watching: tattoos.
Some are very tasteful and attractive; others have personal significance for the person. And still some folk claim their tattoos have a significance when really they just thought it looked cool and liked the idea of getting “inked.”
But with the decrease in clothes, a lot more tattoos become visible. From the butterflies on the small of the back, to the foreign language scribed on the shoulder, to the full-arm sleeve, it’s all on display when the sun comes out. So, keep an eye open for the body art — sometimes you’ll see a lot. It’s amazing what people will permanently inscribe on their bodies.
Another crucial thing to look for when people-watching is the hats. Baseball caps only satisfy a few and are simply unimaginative. However, there are the wool caps, the fedoras and — in the spirit of the month — a few sombreros. The headgear is definitely something to watch for the rest of the term.
Don’t forget about the accessories! These can make people-watching even more interesting. The purse — I mean satchel — is a growing trend with men, and women are really bringing back the bug-like sunglasses. Accessorizing gives people all kinds of crazy options; it’s not just for Barbie anymore, people.
This brings us to the most obvious part of people-watching; the clothes — and Eugene offers a whole menu of clothing for your viewing pleasure.
Fishnets and mesh and knee-high socks, oh my! From tie-dye tees and suspenders to that one awkward person still wearing Crocs, the University has it all.
People-watching is a great activity to do at any time on campus; all you have to do is open your eyes. But remember to not be creepy or get caught staring, it will only get you a dirty look or give the person you’re staring at motivation to dress even crazier.
This article proves that anyone, and I mean anyone, can make people-watching fashion comments. Just be courteous of how other people dress and don’t be mean — however, it can a lot of fun and maybe inspire you to make a statement of your own.
There is some weird stuff out there, people. So don’t try to ignore it — enjoy it!