STYLE ON POINT
Becoming your own it girl
WHAT’S
TRENDING THIS SEASON
Red Nail Theory: A social media fad
CBK and her influence on modern fashion
(thanks Tik Tok)
FLORALS FOR SPRING: EMBRACING FEMININITY
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Becoming your own it girl
TRENDING THIS SEASON
Red Nail Theory: A social media fad
CBK and her influence on modern fashion
(thanks Tik Tok)
FLORALS FOR SPRING: EMBRACING FEMININITY
Fashion impacts personal style, culture, and is a vital part of our community. While traveling around the world, we understand how creatives are able to derive inspiration from individuals in their everyday lives.
From photography to styling, fashion students are able to enrich themselves in a professional and interactive education and embrace the culture around them, all while expanding our portfolio.
Co-Founder&Editor-in-Chief
OliviaCirocco
Co-Founder&DirectorofSocialMedia
KellyLindner
ExecutiveEditor
MadelineBerl
ChiefPhotographer
IsabellaDubner
ContributingEditors
LucyCush
KatieDowning
GraceKrainski
AiyanaPeake
VictoriaDelpalo
AssistanttoEditors
BrielleDupont
For our second semester we aspired to curate an issue that expresses the timeless traditions of the Spring season, aiming to excite and educate the girls of HPU. By blending classics with current media trends, our Preppy issue seeks to inspire SOP readers of the significance and grace of simplicity, applying this theme not only to our wardrobes but also to our care for the planet.
Olivia&Kelly
A love-filled theory has been circulating online, arguing it's th key to scoring a hot date. Enter: the red nail theory. The new term which was coined by TikTok creator Robyn Delmonte @GirlBossTown, hypothesizes t men are more attracted to wome when their nails are painted red. Ladies from across the globe hav joined in on the craze and began red-nail revolution, in an effort enhance their love lives.
One theory is that red nails remind men of their mothers. In the 90’s crimson colored fingernails were custom for women. Therefore, with the resurgence of red nails now in 2024, men are easily reminded of the times their mothers took care of them growing up.
Asaresult,thehashtag,#rednailtheory,hasamassed over164millionviewsonTiktokwiththemajorityofusers claimingthere’struthtothetheory.Womenare consistentlywritingcommentsunderthehashtag detailingtheirsuccessstories,andencouragingother womentojumponthetrend.
Ofcoursepeoplewillhavetheirskepticismaboutthered nailtheory,andtheoddsofitspower.Celebritymanicurist, JulieKandalec,believestherearesomeholesinthetheory, specificallythedecadesthatitpertainsto.Shewritesthat redbeingwornasadailycommonplacecolorisveryera specific,andwasseenprimarilyinthe1930s,‘40s,‘50s,and ‘60s.Withthatbeingsaid,theideathatmenwouldbe attractedtowomenwithrednailsinrelationtotheir mothers,doesnotpanout,intermsoftiming.
Sincespreadingviralonline,nailartistshavedescribeda notableincreaseinclientsrequestingrednails.Thisnew foundTiktoktheoryhasrevampedtheideaofatimeless redmanicure,andcreatedavehicleforinstantattention. Afterall,studiesshowthatredsignalslove,passion,power, andsensuality.
Written by Lucy Cush
Have you ever been digging through your closet before a date and your go-to staple outfits just don’t fit the vibe?
Accessorizing is the key to transforming an outfit to fit any occasion. Whether it's your first date at a local coffee shop or your three-year anniversary at a five-star steakhouse, deciding on the perfect accessories to elevate your outfit can be a struggle.
is a subtle yet powerful way to personalize any outfit. Integrating your favorite pieces into your everyday style allows you to express your personality and effortlessly transition your look from day to night. Classic diamonds and pearls exude elegance, while dainty jewelry adds a touch of charm to casual settings. For a night out or an intimate dinner, bold pieces are the perfect choice to make a lasting impression.
Shoes are the accessory in any wardrobe - it's essential to have a diverse collection of shoes that elevate your style. For a sophisticated look, a classic pair of neutral pumps can effortlessly enhance your attire. For a more laidback appearance, you can opt for a timeless sneaker choice like Vejas or Adidas Sambas, which offer comfort and a touch of effortless style to your outfit.
Incorporating a purse into your attire is not only practical but also adds character I love using a purse to elevate my outfits and to make me look more sophisticated and put together.
S H O E S & P U R S E S 11
From bottom left to top right: Ellie Hammer, Jada Cruz, Elizabeth Jones, Cate Duffer
Photographed by Isabella Dubner
From left to right: Lauren Hurt and Katie Downing
Photographed by Isabella Dubner
Although cold winter days demand the attention of our coziest separates, the art of fashion layering is a year-round trick for keeping your outfits chic. Done properly, layering separates can be a masterclass in multifunctional dressing, seamlessly taking you from dawn to dusk. In a nutshell, fashion layering is combining different design elements to create a cohesive outfit; you can curate a variety of looks with a couple of staple pieces.
The first rule is that basics do not equal boring. It is important to have some core closet pieces to be able to shift temperatures in style.
A business-button down, for example, styled over a crisp white tank instantly elevates the outfit from boardroom to brunch-casual.
A wide-leg pant and easy tee shirt, at first, it’s an effortless look, but paired with a boxy blazer, you are instantly a New York commuter giving 90’s minimalist vibes.
Another rule to follow, do not be afraid to play with different silhouettes. For instance, layering a slip dress over jeans creates a kooky-but-cool appeal. Adding this type of dimension makes for an effortless transition from warm to cold temperatures.
Leaning into the old money aesthetic, fashion layering is a non-negotiable.
A cashmere sweater over a button down, a well-fitted blouse decorated with a classic blazer, all signs of sophistication. Mirroring the country club fashion correctly leads to an ensemble that speaks to grace and poise. Ralph Lauren apparel has become a front runner in this aesthetic, creating conservative fashions that popularized the term.
This particular style reflects the history of family lands, estates, and titles. It refers to the wardrobe of upperclass people who inherit wealth from generation to generation and who attach great importance to the quality of clothes.
Clean lines and understated elegance are the uniform.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, a fashion icon of the 1990s, has inspired women worldwide, even 25 years after her tragic passing. What made Carolyn the woman she is today? Was it her marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr.? Was it her job as a Calvin Klein publicist? Was it her prestigious reputation?
No - it was her effortless style that stole the show. No makeup and tousled haired, she became the leader of minimalism and established the modern-day fashion editor's uniform: sleek, understated, class.
As a publicist for Calvin Klein, she was not just a trusted and well-respected figure in the fashion community but a trendsetter in her own right. Her bold choices paved the
Carolyn's influence is undeniable, and her legacy continues to shape the fashion world. Her style philosophyless is more - resonates deeply in today's fashion landscape, where minimalist chic remains ever-popular.
We can’t forget the original trend setter, Jackie Kennedy, Carolyn’s Mother inlaw. Both icons in their own way that paved the way for women’s fashion with many similar styles, especially with accent accessories.
Abercrombie&Fitch
Nowadays, athleisure extends beyond the bounds of the gym. Whether for comfort or convenience, athleisure is here to stay. It is a staple in almost every woman ’ s wardrobe. It’s versatile, it can be dressed up or down, depending on the day’s itinerary. Before the 2010s, athleisure was confined to fitness spaces only; however, it has since morphed into a staple wardrobe piece, regardless of the setting. Components such as comfort, functionality, and convenience played a big role in this fashion shift.
This new movement has shown that fashion can go hand-in-hand with loungewear. It’s time to let go of the dated saying that ‘beauty is pain.’ Beauty is whatever you want it to be. It is in the eye of the beholder.
Brands like LuluLemon and Alo have revolutionized the perception of athletic wear by creating pieces to flatter women in & out of the gym - think flared leggings, tracksuits, and matching sets. Athleisure’s a stylish solution for those who seek practical outfits that work with the unexpected events of daily life.
Thanks to a few brands pushing the change, athleisure is considered trendy and fashionable. These brands changed the face of athleisure; they set the trends that we know and love today. Most brands have a line dedicated to athleisure.
For example, American Eagle owns Aerie, a sub-brand geared towards active apparel and sleepwear. Aerie has taken younger female generations by storm through aspects such as affordability, fit, and appearance.
Aerie is most known for its slim leggings, one-pieces, and athletic undergarments. These pieces can be found in almost every college girl’s wardrobe. In the case of athleisure, the brand is insignificant; it’s more about the feel and fit of the article of clothing. This shows that function trumps form - everyone wants to look their best, and who says that requires discomfort? Athleisure solves this problem by allowing women to look and feel their best, regardless of what the day has in store.
“Fashionisnotjustaboutcreatingbeautifulclothes,it’saboutcreatingabetterworld.”–OrsoladeCastro
Sustainable fashion has impacted a multitude of people's lives as well as become the primary solution to the effects of fast fashion. Understanding the significance of ethical production is the first step in overcoming this problem.
As a child, my mother and I enjoyed shopping in sustainable clothing stores because it allowed us to express ourselves without difficulties in cost or judgment; this is what sustainable clothing represents. It demonstrates long-lasting clothing that is timeless and grants people the chance to be themselves without the fear of not being a part of popular trends or not being classified as in style.
Fashion should bring people together, exhibit freedom, and create awareness of mass production and over-consumption issues. Encouraging conscious consumption helps to reduce the frequency of purchases, ultimately minimizing waste and carefulness during the manufacturing of certain products will eliminate the dangers of fast fashion.
Ethical fashion involves companies adopting responsible practices to minimize harm to animals, people, and the environment during clothing production. This includes production methods, working conditions, and adherence to Fair Trade principles. Choosing clothing produced sustainably is crucial to avoid unnecessary environmental damage. By prioritizing these efforts, we can positively impact our planet and promote the creation of sustainable, highquality fashion.
Recycle unused or extra material to lessen these products in landfills. Limiting the production of certain designs or creating more products will help reduce the quantity of additional waste. Removal of harmful chemicals during the process of production because simply washing the clothing does not completely eliminate these chemicals.
Purchasing sustainable clothing can be extremely cost-efficient, and extending the capability to still have quality clothing at an affordable price is always a very rewarding experience, especially if you still want to embrace the love of decent or well-manufactured clothing. The adoption of sustainable practices by more brands is positively impacting the global economy. For instance, the shift away from non-biodegradable fabrics leads to fewer clothes being disposed of in landfills. This not only benefits the environment by reducing waste and decreases the costs related to waste management.
Quality, well-crafted items have a longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of replacements and saving money in the long run. Sustainable fashion utilities have biodegradable components made from natural or recycled fibers. These materials are grown without pesticides or fertilizers, require less energy and water, and undergo no chemical treatment, reducing carbon footprints for these brands.
Whenyouthinkaboutfloralfashion,mostpeople thinkoflong,soft,light,flowyfabricbutthisyear designershavegivenanedgethatmayappealtoa wideraudienceoffashionistas.
Springandsummerfloraltrendsfeatureabstractand largeboldprintsonmorestructuredsilhouettes.Retro vibesfeaturevibrantcolorintea-lengthdressesand flaredminiskirts.Designersareexperimentingwith sequins,sheerfabrics,rosettes,appliques,patchwork, andthree-dimensionalfloralshapestomakethefabric anddesignpopasseeninCarolinaHerrera’s2024 ResortCollection.
Ifyoudon’tthinkyoucanpulloffaloudandvibrant outfit,noneedtoworry;youcanaddapopoffloral flarewithyouraccessories,fromsunglassesto sneakers,jewelrytototebags.Flowers,especially rosettes,canfreshenupyourspringstyleandkeep youontrend.Eitherway,floralsembracefeminine styleduetotheirversatilityandtimelesselegance. Floralprintscanaddatouchofwhimsyandaccent yourgirlishcharm.
As the semester starts to wrap up and excitement and anticipation fills the air, we know graduation season is approaching. It feels like there are a million things to check off that to-do list before walking across the stage, but there is one essential question: where to find the perfect white dress?
Finding a flawless dress for this life-changing event is daunting, wanting to find the perfect combination of elegance and professionalism without losing your personal style. You are not alone; we have found three perfect websites with plenty of options to fit any style at any price point.
This dress is what will carry you into this new chapter of your life, and we want to keep your style on point, ensuring that your grad photos are nothing short of perfection.
Madison Faggart photographed by Kayla Jean
is a must-look when shopping for a dress for any occasion. The site seems limitless, and their white dress selection this year is top-tier.
Whether you’re looking for a professional, conservative style or one that is a little more fun, Revolve will have plenty of options for you from any price point!
One thing to keep in mind don’t forget to look at the size charts! Revolve carries dresses from all different brands, so you want to be mindful when ordering to double-check your measurements.
But do not fear; my favorite part of shopping on Revolve is returns are refundable!
Gracie Buckles photographed by Kayla Jean
has a one-stop Graduation Shop on their website, making it quick and easy to find their seven pages of white dress options.
There is a wide range of styles with something for everyone. This selection is on the more fun side, with plenty of floral lace, bows, and ruffles that truly embody that flirty professional look. The pricing is pretty average, with most dresses falling within that $50-$150 range. The return policy is pretty standard for online shopping with many exceptions and factors that come into play but after reading the reviews, the risk seems worth it as most customers rave about their purchase. American Threads stays on top of today's trends, and this dress selection will not disappoint.
American Threads Kaya Bow Bubble - Babydoll Mini Dress $110Looking for something a little different? Reformations’ thing is sustainability with standards - the dresses are sustainably made out of repurposed fabric and are not just what you would just find off the rack.
There are tens of pages of short white dresses, all with little embellishments or twists to make them unique. The pricing can be on the higher side of any college student’s budget, but keep your eye out for sales or visit their “Under $200” section for more options.
Have no fear when ordering from Reformation that the girls may not fill out the top or it may be a little longer than you want - Reformation offers free hemming and repairs on all of their items!
Reformation Lanie Linen: $248
Madina Dress: $248
Vina Dress: $248
R e f o r m a t i o n R e f o r m a t i o n
Model Nick Sica photographed by fashion student Ciara Alicea in Florence, Italy