The summer of 2012 at DYWC Session 2 has not only been incredibly hot, but also incredibly trendy in terms of fashion. Campers are definitely dressing not only for the heat but also to show off their own personal style and the latest summer trends. I interviewed a couple students here at DYWC to hear their views on camp fashion.

Courtney Boone is a returning camper going into tenth grade this year. “The upper campers this year seem to be much more into the new trends this year than they were last year,” Courtney said. “Last year, everything seemed to be about lace and vintage. This year, it’s all neon and layers.” She also talked about how everyone dresses up more than the last time she was at DYWC. “Girls wear dresses just to go to class and not only for special occasions,” she told me. Courtney said that she liked last year’s trends better, but she does like some of the current styles, like crop tops and Toms. Some other things she’s seen around campus include rompers, cut-off and patterned shorts, gladiator sandals, and wayfarer sunglasses. In terms of guys fashion, Courtney says she’s seen lots of hats and glasses, but the guys never really follow trends or care about fashion as much as the girls.

Lindsey De May is a first year camper also going into her sophomore year of high school. Although she hasn’t been at this particular camp before, she told me that the campers here are much more concerned with fashion than at any other camp she has been to in the past. “At other summer programs, most girls just wear t-shirts and Nike shorts, but here everyone is well-dressed and everyone likes to show their individual style.” Her favorite trend she’s seen around campus is dip-dyed hair, which is something she says she wants to try. Lindsey says she’s also seen lots of campers wearing high-waisted shorts, Vans, and long skirts. As far as guys go, she says she’s noticed DC shoes and tank tops becoming more popular this summer.

The fashion trends and clothes worn during DYWC have changed and will change based on the different years and sessions, but one factor in the way campers dress is always the same. The campers dress to show their individuality and personal style, something that’s different from most other summer programs. The different fashion trends of DYWC campers symbolize the unique but functional community that we all participate and live in when we come to camp every summer.