TOWNIE TALK

Author: Liz Lathey

Not everyone in the United States wears Carhartts. Who knew? I sure didn't. I was on my MOO trip at the beginning of this year when one of my friends mentioned buying Carhartts since he now lived in Vermont. I didn't really see the connection — they are just pants, and ones that I had never associated primarily with Vermont.

With careful observation, it seems that apparently Carhartts are a big Vermont trend, and I don't know how many times I have had to explain to people exactly what they are. Throughout this year, I have noticed the fashion on campus more and more, and I have come to the conclusion that the Carhartt label is definitely a style of clothing unique to Vermont.

I think one of the first times I really thought about the disparities of clothing on campus was earlier this year when another fellow Vermonter came to visit. He noted that many of the out of state students look like they bought their complete outfits from the same mannequin at Abercrombie and Fitch.

In contrast, most native Vermonters could be seen sporting such fashionable attire as cargo pants and sweatshirts.

Not to say that all Vermonters do not care about fashion. It's just that it seems the great majority of them could not care less about the brands or styles of their clothes. I, for one, can be seen on just about any day of the week, day or night, wearing the same gray hooded sweatshirt.

My reasoning is, if you have something that is comfortable, why would you wear anything else? If it's not broken, don't fix it.

I think another reason Vermont has a laid back style is the climate. When the weather dips to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and below, Vermonters need to be prepared. Layering is another big Vermont trend because of the seasonal drop in temperature.

Although it has been many years since we left elementary school, many of us still dress like fourth graders when leaving our dorms to venture to the dining hall or class. Bundled up in enough clothes to make us look like Ralphie's little brother in "A Christmas Story," we waddle off to class with not a care about the fashionable nature, or lack thereof, of our outfits. Many layers of fleece, after all, are better than just one.

Although those of us bundled in fleece may not look as good as the girls and guys donning peacoats, as least we are warm. And do not tell me you have not noticed the population of females I refer to as "the peacoat girls."

It seems that during the winter many girls wear the exact same dark wool peacoat, either from J.Crew or Banana Republic. I, for one, have never owned a peacoat, and I did not even know what a peacoat was until I stepped foot on this campus.

I do have to give credit to all the kids at Middlebury who try, and more often than not succeed, to dress well.

They look nice in their new brand name clothing, but I don't know exactly why they bother wearing it.

In close proximity to campus are a bunch of farms. I am pretty sure that those farmers do not care whether our clothes come from J.Crew or Kmart. They have probably been wearing the same denim overalls since 1978, and they aren't changing anytime soon.

I remember being really surprised at the footwear sported by many kids here at Middlebury when I first arrived. Having worn the same two pairs of Birkenstocks since eighth grade — clogs for winter, sandals for summer — I expected most kids here to wear the same.

However, I soon found out that Tevas and Reefs are much more popular among students at the College. I do not understand why everyone doesn't wear Birkenstocks, seeing as how they are the most comfortable shoes ever invented.

One of my Vermont friend's Birkenstocks are actually dissolving. There are absolutely no backs on them, so his heels just hit the ground.

He didn't want to get rid of them though, since they mean so much to him, so he put duct tape on the backs. This is no joke, and it just proves how close Vermonters are to their beloved Birkenstocks. A lot of kids I know actually wear their sandals all winter long with wool socks, yet another trendsetting move by Vermonters.

Even if your choice of style may differ from mine, remember that it is okay to dress like a Vermonter sometimes.

Go ahead and get out your flannel shirts, Carhartts and Birkenstocks and take part in Vermont fashion trends. You are going to school here, after all.