Frat Fashion: the good, bad and ugly

Lady Gaga once said, "I'm obsessively opposed to the typical." While Gaga's fashion is over-the-top and out of this world, the iconic pop star is right-typical is boring. And there's nothing more typical on Southern Miss' campus than those wretched Nike athletic shorts paired with oversized fraternity tee shirts, leggings and Ugg boots. Ladies, what are you thinking? This staple casual-wear outfit has caused students to label this look as "the typical sorority girl".

Unless a label has a famous designer on it, it is condescending, judgmental and rude. Men and women who join Greek organizations on campus tend to get better grades, join more student organizations and are more involved on campus. Most of these men and women have also started fabulous fashion trends on campus. Chacos, bow ties, Polo oxfords, baggy shirts and loud-colored sports bras paired with over-sized tanks are all staple fashion pieces that can be seen in day-to-day looks around campus. All of these styles were started by those men in fraternities and women in sororities.

However, there are some components to "frat fashion" that can be considered a fashionista's worst nightmare. First of all, unless you're going to the gym to pull a Fergie and work on your fitness, there is no reason to sport those Nike athletic shorts around campus. They are not flattering and are even worse in winter when paired with leggings and Ugg boots. It's 90 degrees outside, and everyone knows you're feet are sweating. Wouldn't it be easier just put on a pair of wind pants or jeans? Ugg=ugly. They are NEVER okay. Spend your $100 on a staple piece you can wear for many occasions like a little black dress or a cute cocktail dress from Eve Marie's or Click Boutique.

To all you ladies who think piling on ten pounds of bronzer and using a whole can of Aqua Net hairspray to tease the hair on your crown when going out The Frat House is attractive, the only men you are attracting are the gay ones. To you ladies who go out in groups and wear the same romper and wedges but in different colors:  stop it. Buy a crop top and a pair of high-waisted shorts. Set yourself apart from your friends. Be bold. Be different.

As for those feather hair-extensions that have become so popular in girl world:  it's a fair to assume that girls who get these feel that they are getting something edgy or original. What these extensions really say is, "I think I'm Carrie Bradshaw, but I'm really just Ke$ha's little sister."

Frat boys, you are not forgotten. Short shorts are cute, but if people have to ask, "Is that a roll of quarters in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?" it's clearly time to pick out shorts with a longer inseam. No one wants to see your junk.

Unless you are deep-sea fishing on a yacht, there is no need to wear Costa Del Mar sunglasses with that tacky fishing cork strap attached. You're in class all day and nowhere near water. You're not gonna be catching fish or attention from girls. Hook, line, sinker. Replace those awful glasses with a pair of fun aviator shades that can be purchased from any gas station or gift shop.

Those festive Columbia shirts with tons of pockets are fun, but I'd rather see you in tee shirts that support your fraternity and not in those Guy Harvey tees with big fish all over them. This is the University of Southern Mississippi, not Bass Pro Shop.

Everyone has those days when they come to school looking like a hot mess--it's inevitable. However, there are some looks and outfits that should always be avoided. It's always better to make the worst dress list by trying something original and failing than not trying at all.