Author: Emma Kantrowitz

TREND: And to Top it Off…

While peacoats may be fitting for autumn's chill, Fashionista's everywhere are pulling out their heavy winter coats to be prepared for blistering winds and potential blizzards. Many Fashionistas, however, prefer to go without coats because they think it compromises the outfit. And, though, some versions of these down coats may seem just too puffy and round, there are many that can add style (and warmth) to any outfit. This Fashionista is wearing a loose T-shirt and a bright flannel with leggings and Steve Madden boots. She topped off her look with a shiny black down coat with a furry hood. The belt on the coat adds shape so that the size of the coat doesn't overwhelm the wearer. Her coat is great for this time of year because the down material will keep her warm and the large fur hood will keep her shielded from the wind – and it makes a fashion statement as well.

There are many down coats that can work with any outfit, fancy or casual. The coat this Fashionista displayed had a shiny sheen that would look great with a dress and heels for a night out. Take this Laundry by Shelli Segal coat, the length is not too short and not too long and the cinched waist adds structure. This Michael Kors coat could be incorporated seamlessly into any Fashionista's wardrobe. Or even this free People "puffer" coat would look great with jeans and snow boots.

Pair any of these coats with warm cozy gloves and earmuffs and you're ready to tackle any weather looking cute and stylish.

TREND: The Holiday Dress

Now that, hopefully, your finals are over and the holiday season is upon us it's time to whip out your party dresses and get ready for those nighttime soirees. A holiday party is the perfect occasion to wear your most favorite little black dress, a sequined frock or something more unusual. Bloggers all over the net are posting their favorite dresses and Fashionista's are getting ready. This Fashionista was on her way to a dinner party wearing a black LBD from Paris that is cinched at the waist and has a braided neckline with slit sleeves. She accessorized with knee-high black socks and black Mary Jane pumps, as well as two glitzy necklaces and (as is necessary) a winter jacket.

While the little black dress is always appropriate for a holiday event, there are other colors and styles that should be noticed as well. Nude dresses are a great way to allow accessories of sparkles to take center stage. Though a dress such as this nude rhinestone dress from Nordstrom is a splurge, it can be worn again and again. This tiered embellished dress from Forever 21 follows the same trend and would look great with glitter pumps from Steve Madden. One shoulder dresses provide a great way to show some skin without bearing it all. And especially in a jewel tone such as this plum dress from Top Shop or a metallic chiffon dress from Top Shop are sure to grab attention.

Hint: If you simply don't have the time or money to go out and get a new dress for this holiday season, try sprucing up an old dress with new accessories. Try this bib rhinestone necklace over a simple dress or this bangle to add some sparkle and shine to any outfit.

TREND: Keeping it Library Chic

It's that time of year again. No, not the holidays – finals. Everyone's scrambling from class to the library to try and squeeze in that last bit of cramming before heading home for the long break. It's tempting to get caught up in the rush of it all and spend the entire two weeks running around in your favorite sweats, UGGs and a sweatshirt but it is just as easy to throw on something cute and look presentable while you finish up the semester. Now I'm not saying that you should wear a cute dress and boots to hang around the library for hours on a Saturday (even I wouldn't do that), but you can wear a cute cardigan and cozy scarf to keep you bundled up enough while still looking like a human being. This Fashionista did just that.

She is wearing a white, soft waffle knit, open cardigan with a loose tank top and a thick knit infinity scarf. Her jeggings are the perfect trick to keeping the outfit comfortable without wearing the usual leggings and her Michael Kors bag is the perfect carry all.

Hint: Want to get this Fashionista's look and be ready to hit the books? Try pairing a longer cardigan, such as this, with leggings and comfortable moccasin flats. If it's extra cold (and with the weather here you never know), throw on any of these scarves and cozy gloves to complete your look!

TREND: The Perfect Bag

Fashion trends will always come and go. With the changing seasons and new designers, fashion and style are fluid entities. However, there will always be a few standard pieces that every Fashionistas wardrobe requires. Some would say that the most essential item is the perfect little black dress. Others would say that a great pair of pumps is a necessity. For some, even, a coat that can transcend seasons is pertinent. Personally, I think a great, carry-all bag is something that no girl can do without.

This Fashionista’s outfit is all about her muted camel Tory Burch bag. The rest of her outfit is simple: jeans, a striped top and scarf, a leather bomber jacket and high black zipper boots. Her bag is the perfect “dumping” bag – one that anything and everything can be thrown into. It has two straps for easy handling and stitching and grommet details.

Hint: Though currently the cross body bag is really in, there’s something to be said about a bag that can carry you throughout all seasons and styles. Something like this Foley + Corinna bag can be worn as either a shoulder bad or a cross body. It also comes in a variety of cool colors and styles. Or this bag, though it’s a splurge, would tie in seamlessly with any girls wardrobe, in either the olive or espresso version.
 

TREND: The Layered Look

As the weather has finally cooled down for the rest of the season, students have been pulling out all kinds of jackets and coats to prepare for the windy and chilly days ahead. I've seen mostly peacoats in varying bright shades and patterns and even some down jackets (though perhaps it's a bit too early for that.) Some students, however, are bucking these trends and opting instead to keep wearing their lighter jackets by simply layering up. This Fashionista embraced the layered look by wearing a white long sleeve T-shirt topped with a green knit vest from Forever 21, all under a black crinkled leather jacket from Zara. She accessorized with a long bronze hamsa pendant necklace and gray Ked-like sneakers from Urban Outfitters.

As you can see, layering is all about mixing and matching. Typically, a vest would not be worn over a long sleeve top, but that is what layering is all about. As we saw on the runway, Rag and Bone showed multitudes of layering for their A/W 2010 collection and Zac Posen was showing lots of layers in his Spring 2011 collection. As we can see, Fashionistas everywhere are embracing layering.

Hint: Fashionistas, want to keep wearing your cute warm-weather pieces like dresses, short sleeve tops and skirts? By adding jackets, sweaters and tights you can keep these pieces in your wardrobes while still kepeing warm for the weather. Take a cute dress, such this from Free People, and add black tights and a thick sweater and maybe even a navy coat, if it's cold enough.

TREND: Perfectly Plaid for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite time of the year. In my mind, it's the start of the holiday season, which means fabulous party dresses, winter whites and fuzzy sweaters, though without reindeers and bells attached, of course. However, there is one trend that is always heavily incorporated into Fashionista's outfits around this time of year and that's plaid. Walking around campus I've noticed a plaid outbreak, not only in the traditional button downs, but in jackets, scarves and even shoes. But despite the trendiness of the look, plaid can be overdone. This Fashionista shows us how to rock the trend without looking like your grandfather's old blanket.

She is wearing a black and white plaid button down from Urban Outfitters, similar to this, with leggings, a gray jacket from Forever 21 and Steve Madden lace up boots. Because of the monochromatic neutrals of her outfit, the plaid is not overbearing and adds a perfect autumn touch.

Hint: If you want to wear plaid for your Thanksgiving festivities but don't want to wear a casual button down you can wear the pattern on a dress of skirt. This skirt would look adorable with dark tights and a sheer top. Or a dress, such as this one, paired with clunky brown boots and a blazer to add a bit of polish would be a perfect Thanksgiving dinner look.

TREND: Floral and Leather

A leather jacket is a great piece to have in any girl's wardrobe. It can dress up or dress down any outfit and adds a touch of a chic vibe. Now, a nude leather jacket? Well, that's just genius. It combines the ongoing trend of leather with the new-for-fall trend of nude colored pieces, which creates a girly yet super cool jacket. Everyone from designers to bloggers are taking notice of the new trend, as nude colors can be seen in shoes, bags and everything in between. This Fashionista is rocking a pale pink leather jacket that picks up on the pinks in her brightly colored floral top. She is wearing a black belt slung low to add shape to the shirt and black leather boots. Her combination of colors and personal jewelry makes her outfit standout and unique. 

Hint: Even if you think that you're "not cool enough" to wear a leather jacket, they can be seamlessly mixed into any girl's closet without making you look like a biker chick. If you're looking for something more traditional, try this. Layer it over a sheer dress with booties and a chunky necklace, and you're ready for a night out. For class, wear a loose T-shirt and jeans to play down your leather jacket. If you want to try the nude trend, a jacket like this one will make you look less rocker chick and more feminine Fashionista.

TREND: Comfy Chic

When it comes to lounging around the house I'm all for sweat pants and a big cozy sweatshirt. But for class? Not so much. There's just no need to wear sweat pants (or solos!) to class when there are so many fashionable, and comfortable, options available. Take this Fashionista for example. Her oversized navy knit top is not only airy and sheer, but comfortable and forgiving. It can be worn with jeans, as she is wearing, or with leggings. Though jeans have the reputation of being stiff and uncomfortable, if you look for a pair with some lycra (a.k.a. stretch jeans) they're mold more to your body and feel perfectly comfortable. This Fashionista is also wearing a cute Michael Kors tote to carry her books, and completes the look with suede light brown boots.

What really grabbed my attention was her super long fish-tail braid. Since the beginning of this year, braids have been popular not only on the runway but in editorial spreads as well. Whether it's a small braid pinned back, a few braids framed around your face or a thick and messy side braid, anything works. The braid works ties into comfy chic–when you just can't possibly bear the thought of turning on that straightening iron, simply braid your hair any way you like and you're sure to make a statement.

Hint: If you love going out but hate having to sacrifice comfort, try a sweater-dress, like this one, paired with tights and heeled booties. You'll be able to enjoy your night without having to re-adjust that skin-tight skirt every five seconds.

TREND: Have Fun With Fringe

Over the past couple of seasons, we have watched as fringe has made a comeback from the 70s and is in full swing. The stylish detail adorns everything from shoes to coats, vests to dresses, and Fashionista's everywhere are taking notice. This Fashionista was wearing a mid-calf Minnetonka brown boot that had little red beads attached. She was also toting a brown vintage bag that had fringe ties, and to allow the fringe to shine, she played down the rest of her ensemble with a plain white long-sleeve T-shirt, a soft charcoal skirt with zipper details, a knit gray vest, and black leggings.

As you can see, fringe is no longer for hippies. By incorporating it into an outfit in small doses, it adds a fun, playful touch. Designers such as Blumarine, Gucci and Ralph Lauren are showing fringe in their spring 2011 RTW collections in a brand new light. Blumarine is taking fringe to a whole new level with animal prints and bright colors, such as aqua and bubble-gum pink. Gucci is incorporating fringe into gold mini-dresses and crocheted sweaters, while Ralph Lauren is keeping it traditional with dark brown, suede fringed shorts and jackets. Whichever way you choose to accessorize with fringe, it's sure to make a statement.

Hint: A great way to add fringe is in a vest, such as this one from Forever 21. Layer it over a floral dress with tights and sleek boots for an urban cowgirl vibe. Or you could try a fringed bag to add a little extra something to any outfit.

TREND: Embrace the Lace

Every season designers send girly, frilly, lacy pieces down the runway. Some are beautiful and over-the-top, and others are just downright gaudy. In the spring 2011 collections we watched as designers, such as Marchesa and Oscar de la Renta, crafted delicate lace dresses, and as Ralph Lauren created an entire show around sheer, white, lacy fabrics. Even in the pages of September's Vogue, there was a whole spread devoted to mixing leather and lace. However, understanding how to incorporate lace into your every day wardrobe can be tricky. You have to have the perfect balance of girly and chic, so that your lacy top or dress doesn't seem straight out of the Victorian era. This Fashionista struck that balance with ease.

She is wearing an off-white lacy top from Forever 21 that has billowing sleeves and scalloped edges. Her dark wash skinny jeans allow her top to take center stage, while her black studded Steve Madden flats help to balance out the mood of the outfit. She accessorized with a rosary inspired hamsa necklace and beaded bracelets.

Hint: This Fashionista could easily transition this look to make it work for night time by swapping her flats for a pair of pumps (like these!) and by adding some biker chic inspired cuffs. If you don't think you're fully ready to rock lace to class, try incorporating it into smaller pieces, like shoes or a sweater. These black flats would add a sweet touch to any outfit, as would this cardigan.