IS IT FASHION OR IS IT … just following a private school dress code?

The loafer is classic. The loafer is polished. The loafer is convinced that exposing a perfectly visible pair of socks is the peak of dressing sophisticatedly. We decree ... this is not fashion! This questionable duo of prep school nostalgia and an outfit that looks like you got dressed in the dark. A deep dive into loafers with visible socks reveals a fine line between effortlessly collegiate and accidentally giving substitute teacher on a casual Friday. Sure, fashion icons have been trying to perfect the art of the chunky, chic, professional loafer in a cool-girl way. And yes, the right sock can make a statement. But when the socks aren't pulled high in an awkward, clashing way, the look can go from off duty super model to an off-duty accountant. Unless you are truly channeling that vintage academia look, maybe let the loafers do the talking and keep the socks on a need-to-know basis. Sometimes the most fashionable statement you can make is knowing when to show off your socks, and when to keep them out of sight.

IS IT FASHION OR IS IT ... just wearing two shirts because you couldn't decide? 

This combo is preppy. This combo is conservative. This combo is unbothered with whether you look like you’re heading to an interview. These layered collars have been getting quite tidy, but is it fashion? We decree ... this is fashion! Shirt layers are a timeless staple that has lasted decades. They’re warm, they’re cute, and they give you a chance to look like you have your life completely put together. It is the ultimate stylistic optical illusion, fully convincing the world you do your laundry when you’re really just hiding your deeply wrinkled shirt. In a collegiate atmosphere begging us to dress down in loungewear, this collar shouts style. It fights against the sea of gray sweatpants and slides, aggressively portraying a structured elegance your morning class energy can’t support. Besides, who doesn’t think a layered academia aesthetic belongs in the classroom runway?

INDUSTRY T | InStyle Imagemaker Awards on October 15 

Priyanka Chopra Jonas received the Woman of Impact Award from Avantika Vandanapu, Amita Rao, and Megan Suri.

Recognized for her global acting, producing, philanthropy, authorship, and advocacy

A fashion award ceremony that recognizes influence beyond the red carpet? We love to see it. Style might get someone photographed, but using a platform to make a difference is what gives visibility meaning. 

Law Roach honored as an Image Architect by Heidi Klum.

Recognized for his transformative work shaping celebrity image and red-carpet fashion 

Law Roach doesn’t just dress celebrities like Zendaya, he creates moments. His work proves that styling can be an art form in its own right. If the outfit makes headlines before the celebrity even reaches the microphone, you know the assignment was understood! 

Trish Summerville honored for Costume Design by Elizabeth Debicki.

Honored for her work in costume design, a field that uses clothing to build characters and tell stories on screen 

Fashion is more than what walks down a runway. Costume designers help us understand a character before they even say a word. Consider this our reminder to give the names a little more attention the next time the end credits roll. 

Molly Greenwald honored for Makeup Artistry by Hannah Einbinder.

Recognized for her contributions to makeup artistry and the creative work that helps bring a celebrity’s overall image together 

The right makeup can elevate a look from “nice outfit” to full fashion moment. Beauty may be the finishing touch, but anyone who has tried to recreate a red carpet look knows it is hardly an afterthought. 

Kellon Deryck honored for Hairstyling by Megan Thee Stallion 

Honored for his hairstyling work, including his creative collaborations with major names in entertainment 

A look is not complete until the hair cooperates! From Y2K spikes to perfectly placed waves, hairstylists are an integral part of the vision. 

INDUSTRY T | 2026 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on October 18 

Kylie Jenner in Fantasy Bra 

In her Victoria’s Secret runway debut, the Fantasy Bra returned to the runway for the first time since 2018. Apparently, a regular bra won’t cut it anymore, you need to add over 4,000 diamonds. Kylie’s presence begs the question, is the Victoria’s Secret runway still about modeling lingerie fashion or just another stage for celebrity culture? 

Maternity and Moms on the Runway 

Motherhood was a major theme with 16 mothers among the models walking. Babara Palvin making her return only six weeks after giving birth to her first child. While the representation is great, we can celebrate these women without pretending postpartum recovery is a runway ready race. Congrats to the moms! 

Nostalgia vs Fashion 

The show of course featured infamous extravagant wings, glamourous lingerie, throwback styling, and familiar Angels. We get the appeal, the early 2000s aesthetic is so back. But bringing back the Fantasy Bra isn’t bringing the brand forward. A little nostalgia is fun but are we building an entire fashion identity around the past? Today’s world has made massive strides toward broadening representation of all bodies, why can’t Victoria’s Secret spend less on the ultra-celebrities and more on progressing their fashion impact? 

CAMPUS COLLECTION | Marist in Manhattan and Bridal Fashion

New "Marist in Manhattan" pilot program

Looking for a change from the Poughkeepsie campus? Consider Marist's new semester-long internship experience based in New York City. This program is open to all students in the School of Communications and the Arts and is a wonderful opportunity to gain hands on experience living and learning directly in a fashion capital. This Spring semester will be our school's first semester of this program.

Bridal & Fashion Show

On October 17, 2026 the Poughkeepsie Galleria hosted the Elegant Bridal Productions showcase. This event was a great opportunity for local brides to attend a bridal fashion show featuring the latest designer gowns and tuxedos to help make their selection. The showcase also allowed guests the opportunity to meet local wedding experts and vendors to help plan their big day.

LET’S GET LOCAL | "For The Girls" Market Takeover

Looking for the ultimate cozy girls’ day out and a thrift adventure? The highly anticipated “For the Girls” Holiday Market Takeover is coming to Poughkeepsie’s MJN Convention Center on Sunday, November 15, 2026 from 10 AM to 4 PM. It’s the best place to hunt down curated Y2K fashion, explore women owned lifestyle boutiques, and browse hundreds of vintage Coach bags. There will also be interactive style booths like custom charm jewelry and trucker hat bars. Pro tip: grab a free RSVP ticket through their Instagram (@forthegirlsmrkt) ahead of time and plan to arrive early!

FASHION 101 | The Loafer

The story of the loafer began with practicality, tracing all the way back to the early 20th century when Norwegian shoemaker Nils Tveranger crafted the Aurland moccasin. This creation was a slip-on inspired by traditional shoes worn by Norwegian fishermen and indigenous Native American moccasin designs. Inspired by these comfortable designs, G.H Bass, an American shoemaker, introduced the iconic Weejuns in 1936, named as a shortened version of the word "Norwegian". This brought the loafer into mainstream American fashion. Originally designed as a casual alternative to formal lace up shoes, the style featured a distinctive leather strap with a diamond cutout.

By the 1950s the style because a new favorite amongst Ivy League college students, who slid coins into the strap for good luck. This established the "penny loafer" into a key staple of the preppy wardrobe. As the aesthetic continued to evolve through the 80s and 90s, they crossed mainstream pop culture by being worn by everyone from bankers on Wall Street to Michael Jackson in the Thriller music video. This gave them a new fashion forward look that proved to be classic and rebellious.

Today, the loafer has firmly transitioned from its utilitarian roots into an everyday wardrobe essential. Whether it's styled with tailored trousers, or a relaxed everyday look, the loafer remains a timeless symbol of effortless cool and sophistication. 

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