STITCH's Guide to Darty Season

As I sit— my thin, flowy romper rippling in the wind— on the roof of a fraternity house during a brisk 53° May afternoon, I find myself asking, “how did I get here?”

By “here” I mean wearing an outfit ridiculously inappropriate for the weather, of course. But I have come to the realization I was maliciously deceived. Using the parlance of our time, “Darties”— or daytime parties — have created a new branch of rebellious, ignorant, and wild fashion. In all sorts of weather, college students will defy the standards of appropriate attire that our parents have instilled in us since kindergarten. Come 49° or 89° weather, wind or blinding sun rays, we will still be in that unlandscaped backyard on a Saturday in jean skirts, crop tops, hawaiian patterns, and ~unique~ sunglasses. Call it crazy— we know it is.

Since the beginning of Spring quarter, this darty season has been in full swing. However, after attending a few myself, I came to the conclusion that there must be a better way to do this. I know I can’t be the only one who struggles to get out of my warm bed on those early, windy Saturday mornings— especially when I know I’m about to put on shorts and a crop top. So where does that leave us? It’s nearly week eight of Spring Quarter now, but I think I might just have found the solution— and it’s denim.

Everyone is familiar with the conventional, marginally ripped jeans, but have you seen a pair like these? Are they pants? Yes, but so much more (or really so much less— material). Despite how much your parents might make fun of you for ever wearing such “pants,” they’re undeniably perfect for sneakily keeping you warm, or warmer than you would be in shorts or a skirt. And simultaneously, with these ASOS parisian jeans you make a killer fashion statement.

To take it a step further, and warmer, add fishnets. For surprisingly little material, they provide a LOT of warmth when paired with regular ripped jeans or the ripped jeans featured above. This edgy look has gained a lot of popularity recently, but when trends are practical— as they so rarely are— who wouldn’t try it out? Or better yet, buy jeans with them built in like these “Agony Jeans” by Free People.

To preface this, I am not the strongest advocate for all denim or even all-denim outfits. However, the material’s thickness alone doubles the warmth of any plaid, flannel shirt you wear tied around your waist. What’s that doing? Instead, with the quintessential or even ~vintage~ jean jacket on your shoulders, you’re trendy, warm, and maybe your parents can make use of their beloved jean jackets they never gave away. Whether its ancient or designer— or this Topshop Moto Organza Oversized Denim Jacket— this look can work and warm you in almost any outfit.

While variations on jean pants and jackets thrill me to my very core, unfortunately they are nothing without something to wear them with. But don’t worry, I found it. The turtleneck crop top! What could be more simultaneously warm and free-spirited?? Wear it with a jean jacket, fishnets, jean pants (or preferably another type of pants tbh) or nothing at all! You’re neck will stay incredibly warm the whole. darn. darty. time. This Kimchi Blue turtleneck looks great to me, but if you’re having a hard time balancing this look