BaileyBoyer – CollegeFashionista

Festival Fashion—How to Keep it Cool and Comfortable

Music festivals have grown to be an extremely popular summer getaway with the millennial generation, and it seems that more and more are popping up around the world each year. However, these multi-day events have become more than just a gathering for music. Following in the footsteps of Coachella in Indio, CA, music festivals have become a fashion runway of their own. Attendees can dress out-of-the-box without judgment by mixing different styles, colors, and textures together. With the prime season for these concerts soon coming to an end, and the return of textbooks and exams slowly creeping on us, now is the last chance to catch one before they’re gone. That being said, here is how to turn heads at your next music festival and still beat the heat.

Although your inner-Fashionista might be piecing together crazy, sparkly outfits in your head, it’s important to make sure your outfit is two things: comfortable and cool. Though a great time, music festivals are hot, crowded places, so finding an outfit that keeps you cool and is moveable is crucial.

The best shoes to wear to a festival are closed-toe shoes like Converse, Vans, or other slip-on shoes to protect your feet from getting crushed or dirty in crowds. Though something lightweight like a sundress might seem like a good idea, it could actually end up restricting your movement during shows (what if you want to crowd surf, am I right?). If you still want to wear that dress, try putting shorts or spandex underneath. Try a mesh dress for an edgy but breathable look. As far as tops, anything goes (crop tops, bralettes, bikini tops, etc) as long as you’re comfortable. Shorts can be denim, soft, or any other texture you’d like; although the lighter the better.

When it comes to your accessories and makeup, go crazy. Festival-goers will use hair chalk, glitter, paint, hennas, jewelry, bandanas, body chains, and just about anything else to add more flair to their look. Sunglasses are a necessity to get through each day, so hunt for a fun and colorful pair to complete your outfit.

Music festivals are a one-of-a-kind experience filled with great music, new people, positive vibes, and amazing food, so it’s only appropriate to wear something just as unique. Step out of your comfort zone and try something different at your next summer festival, and I promise you’ll be glad that you did. However, don’t forget to keep hydrated and wear sunscreen!

How do you turn heads at summer concerts? Show us on social media by tagging @Cfashionista!

If You Wore Black All Winter, This is for You

When you think about summer, you think fun, bright colors, right? Well, some of us, including me, have spent the past fall, winter, and spring wearing black and really don’t see a change happening in the near future. We all know black is considered a “don’t” during these warm months, as it attracts heat and does the opposite of keep you cool. Black is the best color (or anti-color) to wear with almost anything. It can be dressed up, dressed down, and is easier to get away with than wearing white. However, wearing too much of it on a sunny day can leave you with either a nasty sunburn or a nice tan (if we’re staying positive). That being said, here are four ways to make black your new summer color without looking like Wednesday Addams.

1—Make it fun. Who said black can’t be feminine? Mix up your usual dark palette with some girly pieces that still use black as the main color. Try something like these patterned overalls, a lightweight floral dress, or soft shorts. When assembling the outfit around your patterned piece, stick to other solid colors and simple accessories.

2—Wear it with white. When done right, black and white pair together nicely in the summer. Wearing the two together creates a bold statement with little effort. Try a solid lettuce edge or smocked top with some white pants for a comfortable yet trendy post-beach outfit. You can also switch it up with white on top and black o the bottom. Keeping your colors simple allows you to play with accessories more!

3—Dress it up. Luckily, it’s easy to dress up black for any season, including summer. Whether you’re going out to a nice dinner or enjoying a night out with friends, black can still be your color of choice. Try finding a silky black tank top and wear it with shorts of similar material for a sleek and stylish look that still allows you to move with ease.

4—Wear it with denim. Black and denim have always gone hand in hand, as they look very good together. Try either a solid or patterned black top with jeans, cut-offs, or a denim skirt for an effortless look for all occasions. I’m a firm believer that less is more with denim, so keeping the accessories simple is important.

How will you keep cool while wearing black this summer? Show us on social media by tagging @Cfashionista!

5 Ways to Wear Denim This Summer

Whether you’ve jumped on the bandwagon yet or not, there’s no arguing that denim is in full swing this summer. With skinny jeans slowly becoming a thing of the past and the rapid return of denim skirts, overalls, jackets, and loose-fitting jeans (specifically mom jeans, boyfriend jeans, and bell-bottoms) this past year, it’s clear that brands are channeling looks of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s when staying on top of fashion. Now that school’s out and you’re no longer rushing to class clad in sweatshirt, leggings, and a baseball cap (it’s okay, me too), us Fashionistas finally have the time to show some effort in our outfits. So, whether you’re traveling the world, dining out in the city, losing your voice at a music festival, or just hanging out with friends, here are five ways to wear denim for the upcoming sunny days (and look good while doing it).

1—Mom Jeans. Quite literally, these are my mom’s jeans from the ’80s. Lose-fitting jeans like these pair well with grunge or other distressed looks, but mixing it up with feminine pieces kicks your outfit up a notch. Try a lace bodysuit or floral crop top, booties, and simple jewelry with your mom or boyfriend jeans. (Hint: Try looking for bodysuits in the lingerie or intimate section).

2. Overalls

This is a look that most seem to still be hesitant to try, but I promise that when done correctly, they’re actually super cute and flattering. For this look I paired light-wash overalls with a solid bodysuit, converse, and a stone choker. Overalls can also be complimented with a solid tube top, graphic T-shirt, or even a bikini when on vacation.

3. Denim Shirt

Personally, a denim shirt has always been a necessity in my closet. It can be worn with almost anything, and you can never own too many. Pairing them with dresses, rompers, and jumpsuits allow your outfit to be casual enough to wear to many different occasions, but doesn’t show any less effort.

4. Denim Skirt

What used to be the fad of the early 2000’s has returned with a vengeance in the past year. Denim skirts are super versatile and simple enough to be experimented with in numerous ways. Try complementing a denim skirt with a graphic T-shirt and thigh-high boots for an edgy look, or slip-ons for a more casual look.

5. Cut-offs

Denim cut-offs are everyone’s favorite summer item, but they can often look too casual or messy. Try dressing up your denim shorts with a vertical-striped shirt, off-the-shoulder-top, or sweater with booties for a more chic look.

That being said, hit up your nearest shopping mall (or thrift store) and load up on the denim! Denim is such a versatile staple for your closet; it can be dressed up, dressed down, and experimented with in so many ways. Try these trends out this summer, and I promise the compliments will come pouring in!

How are you wearing denim this summer? Show us on social media by tagging @CFashionista!