To cover or not to cover -- that is the question.
In the last year, styles have progressed from super short skirts and plunging necklines to designs that are a little more classy and dignified.
"This is the biggest year yet for the more preppy, covered up look," says Jason Bryant, sophomore fashion merchandising major and assistant manager of American Eagle Outfitters, "especially for the college-aged crowd. They are dressing more to accommodate how they feel."
Lauren Loebel, a junior fashion major and employee at women's clothing boutique Indigo, agreed.
"Overall, women are dressing more conservatively-wearing looser, more comfortable clothes."
Despite the sexuality that is forced on the public constantly in pop culture these days, it could be that the ever-changing world is allowing women to feel sexier and more confident, even when wearing a little more clothing. Just look at the Oscars and the attention that Best Actress winner Hilary Swank received over her long-sleeved, high neckline dress that covered more, yet remained feminine and sexy by hugging her curves and giving more attention to her natural beauty.
However, showing skin will never completely go out of style. Instead, the way we wear things will change.
"Skin is still being shown, but in a more classy way -- not trashy," freshman English major Stacie Montero said.
Women's fashions are pushing towards more ladylike and feminine styles, things that are both easy to wear and flattering at the same time. Skirt hems are getting longer -- the fashionable length is around your knees, with both straight (the pencil style skirt) and flared skirts.
"Lighter weight materials are really popular right now, especially with the long, looser pants and skirts. The long loose skirts are going to be huge this spring," Loebel said.
Shoulders and necklines are being accentuated more instead of all of the attention going toward breasts. Or like Swank's dress at the Oscars, accentuating her back and having a high neckline in the front.
Also fashionable are the longer tank-tops that go down past the waistline.
Banana Republic's ad campaign for Spring 2005 is "Look Smart and Sexy: Just the right amount of coverage -- without covering up." And their must-have piece is the fitted cardigan. In fact, blazers, jackets and cardigans are on everyone's fashion lists right now. "Blazers fly off the racks," Loebel said.
"It's all about how tasteful you do things. How you wear it, or how you don't," Bryant said.
"In magazines, the models are more covered up, sweeter looking, with longer skirts. But in reality, I see a lot of midriffs walking around here," said freshman communications major Michaela deWit, speaking of her fellow students at The University of Memphis. "Your clothes should fit, but if you show some skin, that's fine."
Sophomore music major Amy Bridges, who is a waitress at U of M student hangout RP Tracks, agrees that a lot of students are still into showing some skin.
"It was freezing, and I saw girls standing outside with barely anything on," she said.
Bridges said that overall she has noticed less scantily-clad women hanging out at her work.
"I think the time of year matters, and age, too. The older you are, the more you realize that it's not necessary to show as much skin. In fact, sometimes it's more provocative not to," she said.
Skin may always be in for certain occasions, but today's woman can dare to leave her hat on.
