While the warm weather arriving on the Hilltop might bring out the best in Georgetown’s landscaping, rising temperatures often bring out the worst in what Georgetown students wear. Undoubtedly, North Faces and Vineyard Vines pullovers will be swapped for Rainbow sandals and crustacean-patterned khaki shorts, but these old standbys and other summertime favorites can result in embarrassing apparel pitfalls. But fret not vernally ready en vogue friends! A few simple tips will help you successfully transition from those high-pulled UGGS to low-numbered SPF and a spring wardrobe without breaking a sweat.
Setting your feet free for the spring by slipping on some sandals or flip-flops is as comfortable as it is convenient. Kicking up your feet with some Havaianas on them, ritualistically speaking, is as important as kicking the clocks up an hour to know summer’s on its way. But wearing your favorite pair of thongs out and about isn’t always rainbows and butterflies for everyone else, and bromhidrosis is usually to blame. Foot sweat leads to bacterial growth in open-toed shoes worn without socks, which in turn leads to ungodly foot smells worse than those emanating from the C&O canal on a scorcher.
For the bros around campus who love to wear their Rainbows, the almost too appropriately named condition of bromhidrosis can be a serious distraction to your front lawn blanket buddies as well as classroom cohorts. To avoid “Dude … you gotta change your shoes” moments on the lawn and the silent disgust of classmates, employ the olfactory discretion of someone you trust to see if a new pair is in order. A pair of new Rainbows can be expensive, so shop around for some cheap organic hemp sandals online if you want to make a purchase that’s both environmentally and economically sustainable.
Ladies can also benefit from the buddy system, but in regards to a different sartorial issue. So-called Daisy Dukes, jean cut offs, can showcase lawn-ready legs, but far too often they also show off a little more in the back than bargained for. While I’m sure the aforementioned Rainbow-wearing bros might wish to catch a little bit of crack during class, the rest of us aren’t too interested. First, buns distract eyes from the board. As much as we’d all like to be in class for “Map of the Modern Tush,” we’re not, and a scandalous flash of the fanny might get studied more closely than its owner would like. Additionally, those who put the “whale” in whale-tailing should be told that the only muffin tops visible in class should be in the form of a quick breakfast snack from Leo’s. High-rise skirts and fluorescent-colored hot pants are a breezy and trendy solution to covering up what should not be seen.
My final piece of advice is yet again smell and looks related, but this time applies to guys and gals alike. Regrettably, hot weather means more tank-tops and cutoffs. Maybe it’s just me, but aside from sporting Ed Hardy-related apparel, there is no greater way to lower your IQ in the eyes of others than to don a t-shirt with its sleeves cut off. This fact aside, be conscious that if you do exercise your right to bare arms, your underarms are in full view with nothing in the way to obstruct a good whiff or view from those near by. So slap on some deodorant and leave your sleeves where they’re supposed to be, or risk your spring wardrobe going to the pits.
Keenan naturally sweats Febreeze, honest! Smell for yourself at ktimko@georgetownvoice.com
