How to Add "Camp" to Your Wardrobe
Graphic by Angela Cheng. Image from Dolls Kill
This year’s Met Gala liberated the frivolous, dramatic, and nonsensical parts of those who strutted the red carpet. While some, such as Celine Dion herself, thought “Camp” meant sleepaway camp at first, it is undeniable that the fashion world yearns for more extravagance and pop. (You can read more about what “Camp” means here).
A four-part costume change like Lady Gaga’s may not work on a regular basis for students like us, but sparkles, neon colors, and food-inspired handbags — yes, a bag that looks like your favorite Doritos flavor does exist — bring us a little bit closer to being campy everyday. Now that Cardi B has graced us with a red, carpet-like gown and Katy Perry stunned us as a glowing multi-tiered chandelier, it’s time we all embrace being “extra.” Tacky can only be tacky when you pose it as something to be taken seriously, rather than amusing. In our busy lives, a camp aesthetic is only becoming increasingly more relevant. Why not dress a bit more absurd?
Let’s start simple. In a mimic of classic movie imagery and upbeat spirit, Zara’s newest Disney collaboration has the perfect graphic t-shirts to dress campy for a walk to class. This collection gets us as close as we can to Zendaya’s Cinderella ensemble.
Kermit the Frog Disney T-shirt by Zara
Disney Daisy & Donald Shopper by Zara
Similarly, Forever 21’s USPS collaboration can add a campy touch to your wardrobe. Pair the Express crop top with your favorite baggy jeans and tiny glasses or wear the transparent hooded “Official Use” jacket on a rainy day.
USPS Priority Tank and Biker Shorts by Forever 21
Tie-dye fits both definitions of camp: tie-dying T-shirts is a classic summer camp activity, while the psychedelic quality of the pattern evokes the silliness of the camp aesthetic. You can even pair a tie-dye T-shirt with a blazer or leather jacket to sport a half camp, half edgy look.
Tie-Dye Mesh Mini Skirt by Urban Outfitters
Poppy Tie-Dye Tee by Urban Outfitters
Tie-Dye Platform Sandal by Urban Outfitters
After “Camp: Notes on Fashion,” it’s official that sparkles need to play a prominent role in your wardrobe. There’s no better way to be theatrical than by adding some glitz.
Bonded Velvet Blazer by Nordstrom Topshop (this isn’t sequined per se, but it certainly shines!)
Sparkle Ever Bodysuit by REVOLVE
“Fun” pants or patterned pants are already in style, but “Camp” has even more so stressed the importance of taking a break from your skinny or high-waisted jeans.
Brocade Flare Pants by For Love & Lemons
Animal Jacquard Trousers by Topshop
With any classic white Nike or Fila sneakers, add a pair of Happy Socks to camp up an outfit. Bonus: your ankles won’t get cold when you’re studying by the Lakefill!
Cheese Socks by Happy Socks pair perfectly with jean shorts and a white T-shirt.
Extravagant barrettes obviously complete the camp look.
Glam Feelings Rhinestone Barrette by Kitsch
And lastly, it’s imperative to add a handbag that looks like an everyday object to your collection. Katy Perry definitely wishes she showcased these handbags on the red carpet.
Cheetos So Xxtra Crossbody Bag by Dolls Kill
Telephone Crossbody Bag by Dolls Kill
Watermelon Juicy Slice Fanny Pack by Dolls Kill
Introducing camp into your wardrobe might seem intimidating at first – I mean we’ve only just recently learned what camp actually means! Previously, many of these clothing picks did not strike me as immediate purchases because going against “norms,” meaning concealing the frivolity and weirdness of ourselves, can be hard. However, slowly adding pieces that may seem gaudy at first to our classic looks is the perfect mechanism for having a little more fun with our wardrobe.