Despite sun, it's too soon for skin

By Karl Kuehn

If I've learned anything in my four years at Santa Clara, it's that when it comes to fashion and weather, looks can be deceiving.

Last week I woke up to the fabulous sun shining brightly in my eyes.

I was filled with pure joy as I squinted out of my window. The sky was sparkling blue and there wasn't a cloud in sight.

Excited for what I assumed would be a hot day, I threw on a T-shirt and some jeans and headed to my anthro class.

The moment I stepped outside, I was abruptly confronted with a frigid reality: winter.

My nose was instantaneously numbed, and two areas of my chest were capable of cutting ice. But I was already late for class; I had no choice but to prance across campus, freezing my ass off.

Interestingly, I noticed that I was not alone in my sadly misguided choice of garb.

Girls strutted past Kenna in daisy-dukes and stilettos. Guys boarded by in mesh shorts and beaters.

Like myself, others had been deceived by the appearance of the weather.

I quickly learned the following day, when similar outfits appeared, that not all had learned from his or her nipply mistakes.

That, or the more optimistic bodies in the student body were trying to will warm weather with urging from their wardrobes.

But realistically, we must remember that as the weather changes, blue skies and sun do not always equate to summer attire.

If you are new to Santa Clara's glorious, albeit deceiving, weather, do not stress. It will only get better.

So save your white linens, tube-tops and skorts (God forbid) for next quarter.

Bearing this in mind, a few words of advice.

Girls -- and those boys who continue to push those fashion barriers -- please remember that an ensemble comprised of Uggs and a denim mini-skirt from Abercrombie Kids is not only unacceptable, it is over like the Juicy jumpsuit.

Boys, please note that board shorts and cutoff T-shirts will only reveal the bright pastiness of your skin.

If you can't beat the weather, join it. Take advantage of the wintry air!

Wear your favorite hoodie and some comfy moccasins. Dress it up with that winter coat you "had to have" and some heels.

For party nights, consider a blazer with a saucy pashmina or layer with a polo and sweater.

Until the weather is warm enough to get a natural tan, keep your skin to yourself.

After all, it is still cold outside.

Karl Kuehn's column starts this week in Scene. Contact him at (408) 551-1918 or kkuehn@scu.edu.