STYLE.COM PUBLISHES A LIST  of the top-ten most fashionable cities. Believe it or not, Aberdeen didn’t make it. Granted we are a moderately sized Midwestern city that is surrounded by vast grassland and more than 200 miles from the nearest “metropolis.” But does that have to exclude us from being “fashionably hip” and having a sense of style?

If we had a huge thermometer and attempted to stick it in the armpit of Aberdeen to test the temperature of our style, my guess is that it would come out saying 65 degrees, 100 degrees being stylishly HOT. For us in South Dakota, that’s a nice day. Warm enough for jeans and a tshirt or your favorite hooded sweatshirt and shorts.

Did I just say hooded sweatshirt? Yes I did. In fact, hooded sweatshirts are so popular in this area that one could open a hooded sweatshirt store and become a millionaire. Better yet, maybe an enthusiast could open up a swap shop of sorts. Bring in those unwanted “hoodies” for a few bucks. A vintage hoodie shop called “The Hood”: Sounds perfect.

1. Athletic attire;
2. Low-maintenance attire;
3. I just rolled out of bed and had to get to class attire.

Aberdeen is a community that is fueled by sports of all kinds. We having baseball, softball, racing, football, gymnastics, track, cross country, dance, wrestling and soccer, just to name a few. No matter where you turn you will be in contact with someone that is involved or associated with some kind of athletic activity, hence the popularity of the hoodie. If you are in college and have a schedule where you actually have to write in time for sleeping, you may be a friend of the hoodie. And there’s always a few in every bunch that just can’t quite make it anywhere on time. The hoodie offers them a quick, convenient option for getting in gear.

On the flip side of this, there is a minority mix of those who dress quite fashionably. One would see an array of Coach and Louis Vitton bags walking around if you were to watch people around campus or at the mall. There is a fashion sense that pervades. Tall boots, sequin bags, layers of tees with blazers, funky hairstyles and color, jeans with plenty of destruction, and the most popular item - the bolero. Cropped shirts and jackets can be spotted layered with everything from tanks to button down shirts. Purses are big enough to fit a laptop in and 20 tubes of lip gloss at the same time! Another fashion trend one would see is the long beaded necklaces or wrapped necklaces. Chunky beads and tons of arm bangles add the finishing touch to any outfit.
 
Watch out for spring, which will bring us styles like “Edwardian” or “Urban Traveler”. Simple romantic looks will be accompanied with panels of lace and a soft western look. A more cultured look will also be seen, pairing your favorite pair of cargos with a beaded tank and sheer cardigan. Big patterns and flowy tops will make some reminisce of the 70’s and 80’s.

Yes, the Abba look will reappear, hopefully sans hoodies. You read it here first in A-List.

Where do you like to shop in Aberdeen? Any best kept secrets?