Francesca Fuerman – CollegeFashionista

TREND: Wake Up With Neon

In the dreary basement of the sewing lab, this Fashionista stands out in her delightful neon yellow cardigan sweater. She wears a vintage Chanel sweater (from a thrift shop!) with hot pink trim, a white V-neck T-shirt, dark skinny jeans, and tall black leather boots with buckle details on the sides. This sweater is a young, fresh twist on an old classic and has cheery hot pink decorative buttons on the sleeves. The rest of the look is simple and subdued to let the neon yellow stand out.

There is nothing more fun than wearing bright neon colors in the dead of winter to awaken your tired mood, and pop against the snowy white landscape. With neon colors, a little goes a long way. So, avoid a head-to-toe look (unless you want to look like a Glo-stick, or an 80s teenager). Pair neons with a neutral color. Black works best, but you can also wear camel, chocolate, brown, or gray. Opaque neon tights look great underneath a pea coat or a black dresss. Also, consider neon shoes! The punch of color will make you feel daring, and it's so fun you'll probly be dancing down the hallways. Sky high heels are a perfect addition to any going out look. Neon nail polish, as worn by this Fashionista, is a nice way to experiment with the color if you want to take small steps. Play around and try crazy colors from coral to bright orange to neon yellow (like Rihanna does). The final touch is a neon backpack. Whether checkerboard or a solid color, a bright backpack stands out in the swarm of black bags and makes school a bit more fun. So try neon in your look, and get your energy back!

TREND: Winter Whites

Last night in fashion class we got into a heated discussion of whether it was okay to wear white after labor day. We all agreed that yes, modern times allow for rules to be broken. And as long as you don't wear white linen pants in fall or winter it's appropriate.

Well how did this rule come about anyway? Historians speculate that it was two things. One, white reflects light and heat, so those clothes are lower quality protection against cold weather. And two, the rule was meant to be a guideline for new members of the middle class in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Photos from that time show the working class in dark clothes going off to work in urban areas. Meanwhile, the wealthy enjoyed relaxation at resorts and on cruises in white pants, hats, and leisure clothes.

But today things have changed. Coco Chanel always made white a part of her year-long wardrobe, and Michelle Obama stunned in a snowy white gown at the inaugural ball.

This Fashionista shines in a mostly white ensemble, with a white coat, snuggly knitted scarf, and fabulous flapper-inspired hat with floral detail. She finishes off the look with white tennis shoes and black skinny jeans. The key to wearing white in winter is to choose heavy weight fabrics so that you stay warm and look like you are dressed for the correct season. Wear a white soft shawl collar sweater to feel like a stylish snowbunny, and pair with suede slouchy boots. White lace up military booties add a girly touch to the usually edgy trend. Stand out among all the little black dresses this season in a chic white cocktail dress.

White can be fashionable in winter, so go ahead and be inspired by your snowy surroundings!

TREND: Equestrian

Most college students grab their hoodies, sweats, and North Faces as the temperature dips. But there are more stylish ways to keep warm in the Indiana weather! Blazers are a stylish option, that allow you to wear a sweater underneath for extra warmth. They also look polished and show you off as the clothes horse that you really are (yes, pun intended).

This Fashionista demonstrates just that in a dark beige patchwork blazer of herringbone and plaid. She wears a white Lacoste cashmere boyfriend sweater underneath, black leggings, a Forever 21 gold floral headband, and tall black riding boots. The look gives off an equestrian chic vibe perfect for every college girl. It’s a classic preppy look that offers warm layers, comfort, and leather accessory accents.

She follows the trademark equestrian look with a structured blazer in a neutral color, slim fitting pants, and leather boots with buckles. To keep the look feminine, add a headband or a pretty scarf around your neck. The blazers should be of wool, herringbone, or tweed for an authentic English countryside look. Feel free use the plaid flannel button down shirts that have been seen for the past few seasons, as they will also work with this trend. While I wouldn’t go as far as wearing jodhpurs, skinny jeans and leggings look great tucked into black or brown boots. Accessorize the look with leather belts and luxe leather bags inspired by saddle design.

With a touch of equestrian, your style will ride to new heights!

TREND: Print Crazy

As the weather turns from fall to winter, it’s time to put away your summery prints. Yes, that means the nautical stripes, bright florals and tie dye should take a vacation at the back of your closet while the plaids, leopard, and Fair Isle prints come out. One idea for wearing prints in a fun way during winter is to make it abstract. Yes, abstract is back!

This happy Fashionista wears an American Eagle indigo and blue abstract print tunic, black leggings, brown aviators, brown leather pointy toed boots and a black vintage cross-body bag (from her grandma’s closet!) The look is simple, except for the eye-catching folk-inspired print on top. I like how she balances a loose billowy top with tight opaque leggings. With abstract prints, the key is to use them in moderation, which this Fashionista clearly does.

Abstract prints were seen on the runways of Brian Reyes fall 2010 RTW and Just Cavalli by Robert Cavalli pre-fall 2010 recently. Cavalli reinterpreted his leopard motif as an abstract print, while Reyes used Ukrainian artist Oksana Mas to create abstract prints for sleek gray colored dresses, skirts and coats. There are many types of abstract prints, from digital to geometric, so choose one in a color or style that flatters your body type. Whether it’s a tunic or a scarf, abstract prints will definitely wake up your wardrobe during the cold gray months.

Hint: Who What Wear has a great article on the trend of abstract prints and how to wear them! Try wearing an abstract print on a loose blouse with dolman sleeves and pair with denim shorts for a laid-back hippie look.

TREND: So Not Boring Scarves

"It's cold out, put some more layers on!" Those have been my mom's words every year when winter comes around and I try to ignore the weather conditions and step out in something fashionable. Putting on an ugly hair flattening hat, or ruining a look with a bulky marshmallow coat has never been my thing. I guess I value style over practicality and comfort. But oh well, that's why I'm a fashion major!

When I saw this Fashionista outside of the Starbucks on Kirkwood, I was immediately impressed by the collegiate cozy look she was sporting for a daytime coffee run. The showstopping peice is the really modern oversized circle scarf that she wears around her neck. Without the scarf, it could be just another cute schoolgirl look, reminiscent of the prepster clothes in Ralph Lauren Rugby. But the Urban Outfitters Eternity Scarf and the vintage wayfarer style glasses add a hipster touch, adding some unpredictability to the outfit. Her oversized boyfriend sweater looks straight out of a 1950's pep rally, and keeps her warm while balancing out the short mini skirt. She wears a black mini skirt with opaque black tights and UGG boots, keeping her legs warm and appropriate for the weather conditions. Her black leather slouchy boho bag doesn't distract from the outfit, and offers a stylish alternative to a backpack for carrying books around.

Scarves are a great way to stay warm but play around with texture and color while doing so. As seen on this Fashionista, circle or eternity scarves are a twist on an old classic. Wear it around your neck for a laid back casual look, or pull it over your head to create a chic hood/scarf hybrid. Also, tie silk patterned scarves to brighten up old handbags. Choose a scarf with an interesting print or hue, and loosely drape it on the bag or tie it around the handle. The third way to wear scarves is in your hair. Wear either as a headcovering Grace Kelly style, or as a headband for a hippie boho look. However you wear your scarf, whether to stay warm or be stylish, remember that you can accessorize it many ways!

TREND: Take a Bow

When I first saw this Fashionista's outfit, the word that immediately came to mind was Parisian Chic. All of her delicate feminine pieces work together in such a stylish French way, from her beige cardigan with sheer ruffle edges, dark polished skinny jeans, black mary jane heels, and a perfectly fun black bow belt. Even her neutral backpack with striped canvas straps goes along with the outfit. The bow belt is my favorite part of the ensemble, as it sets the girly tone for the entire look.

Bow details were spotted on the Spring 2011 Ready To Wear runways. On DKNY's catwalk, black bow belts finished off many outfits, from neutral khaki colored skirts, to printed ruffle dresses and bright coral pants. Meanwhile, French designer Alexis Mabile showed a collection of sophistication and fantasy with his signature bows. Accenting sweaters, a white button down shirt, and what looked like an off-white wedding dress, he proved that sometimes bows can be coy instead of cute.

And bows can be added in places besides your hair. Try a graphic tank for a cool Parisian street style, on peep toe heels for a romantic looking shoe, bold dangle earrings, or a knit dress with a bow detail and open back for a sexy look. Also, this season's edgy ankle boot becomes sweet and girly when paired with a bow.

With so many ways to wear them, go ahead and take a bow!

TREND: At Ease Fashionistas

To college students dealing with the cold weather, loads of homework, and being stylish at the same time, it sometimes feels like you are fighting an ongoing battle. Why not jump on the military chic trend to look like a fashion commander and feel fierce? This fall, there are many ways you can work military pieces into your wardrobe to look sharp and edgy, rather than a GI Jane costume.

Spotted in front of Jordan Hall, this smiling Fashionista wins a fashion victory with her chic army-inspired outfit. Her olive green peacoat garners attention with its gold military buttons, attached shearling hood (a really big trend right now), and its feminine addition of a tie waist. She continues with gold accents on her charm bracelet and a black tough looking hobo bag with gold hardwear. She tucks simple black skinny jeans into a refined version of combat boots. The solid black on bottom lets the glamourous military coat take the spotlight.

From epaulets, to camouflage print, shiny gold buttons, and olive green utility jackets, there are styles for every girl and budget. To keep the look fashionable, focus on just a few aspects of your outfit to march to the military beat. Try a canvas printed bag, skinny cargo pants, a dressy military jacket, unexpected silk harem pants, or an olive green utility jacket. Accessorize with tough boots, lace up booties or button ankle boots , jewelry with lots of chains and studded bags.

TREND: Wrap It Up

One of the big trends on the Fall 2010 runways was layering with sweaters, shawls, and wraps to create a "chic nomad" look. Striped shawls were worn with cozy suede boots and there were oversized dramatic wraps at Kenzo with a hippie chic seventies mood. Anna Sui worked cardigans and sweaters inspired by the American Arts and Crafts movement of the late nineteenth century into her line, with a vintage antique-y look paired with printed tights. Creative Director Jenna Lyons of J. Crew stepped away from their traditional clean and classic with rugged camping inspired tweed, wedge boots, and rumpled clothing. There were surprise looks of an olive-drab vest with Mongolian shearling lining and a sweater jacket trimmed in alpaca.

But off the runway and into reality, college students everywhere have been wearing sweaters as the Indiana weather gets colder each week. There are so many types to choose from: cutesy feminine cardigans, relaxed boho open-faced, shawl collar, and loose Grandpa style. Whether thrown over a ruffled tank or a dress, sweaters are a fabulous way to have warm layers without looking sloppy in sweatshirts.

This Fashionista wears a charcoal gray open sweater, navy blue floral drop waist blouse, black leggings, a tan leather bag, and brown suede fringe boots. I love how the neutral colors are mixed effortlessly, and are not boring due to the careful layering and addition of interesting Pocahontas-inspired boots. This outfit is just as good on a schoolday as it is on a relaxed weekend coffee run. Although the top half is loose and flowy, the tight leggings tucked into the boots balance it out on bottom.

TREND: Make It Right With Tights

When I spotted these stylish friends walking down Kirkwood on a lazy Sunday, I knew that I had to get their photo. They stood out among all the casual sweatpants in the area and definitely get props for having such individual style. The Fashionista in the skirt works a modern ladylike look while the Fashionista in the dress has a a fierce dark glamourous style. As one of the most important accessories of fall, tights can either make or break an outfit, and these Fashionistas wear them well. The tights make the outfits more visually interesting and offer some warmth when you are walking through campus on a crisp fall day,

The Fashionista on the left wears a cobalt blue tank top, thin gray cardigan, white floral print A-line skirt, and maroon tights paired with bright blue peep toe heels. The outfit works because although there are a few different colors, the top is kept simple while she accentuates the bottom half with a printed skirt and bright tights. I love how the tights pop against her shoes, but still keep the feminine pulled together look of the outfit. The Fashionista in the middle wears a gray rose print minidress, a wide black belt at the waist, black round sunglasses, and black opaque tights paired with stretchy black booties. Although the dress is short and tight, it is made classy and appropriate for day with the addition of opaque tights. This outfit is also very flattering as it makes her legs look long and lean since she wears black from her tights to her shoes. The floral print on her dress looks great against the all black outfit.

This season there are a variety of tights to choose from. One of the most popular is black opaque. Try pairing it with a wool mini skirt or a short party dress like Whitney Port to give some more coverage to a skimpy outfit. Both basic black and bright colored sequined dresses work with opaque tights. Try pairing with black booties for an extra slimming effect. American Apparel offers opaque tights in a rainbow of colors along with black.

Lace tights were spotted all over the runways this fall from designers such as Gucci, Doo Ri, and Vivienne Tam. If you want a feminine look, then pair with a solid colored dress. Otherwise, add some edge with masculine pieces such as black motorcycle boots, a boyfriend blazer, or a leather jacket. Lace tights can be both sweet and seductive at the same time. The third trend for tights is sweater knit and textured. I think these tights are great for keeping you warm and giving you a sexy snowbunny look when paired with Fair Isle sweaters, boots with pom poms, or a furry hunting hat. Since they are of thicker material, feel free to pair them with shorts or a micro mini.

TREND: Fighting the Cold and Looking Bold

As I look at the trees changing color and feel the cold chill in the morning, I realize that the warm days of summer are over. Fashionistas everywhere begin the age-old battle of deciding between warm and practical or fashionable and freezing. Since I'm sure you love to be chic and warm without looking like a marshmallow in a puffy down jacket, try one of this fall's various styles of coats.

This Fashionista was spotted outside the IMU wearing a fantastic royal blue and black Marc by Marc Jacobs pea coat with studded detail, gray and black abstract print leggings, knee high leather equestrian boots, and a simple black Gucci tote bag. The coat brings the head-to-toe black outfit together, and really pops against her clothes. The whole ensemble is very flattering on all body types. With the dark leggings, knee-high boots, and above the knee coat, any wearer can appear slim with mile long legs.

There are many options for coats to wear, from classic to trendy. This Fashionista models a pea coat which now available in many bright colors to make the cold weather more fun.The most classic of all coats, and the best investment in the long run is the trench coat. First worn by British and French soldiers during World War I, the trench coat is now a chic fashion addition to your wardrobe that's perfect for the office or for a night on the town thrown over a mini dress. Try red for a sassy shot of color or a neutral khaki that goes with everything. If you are more into a sexy retro screen siren look, then I suggest a faux fur leopard print coat, a la Brigitte Bardot. Leopard is very trendy this fall, but it also will be popular for seasons to come. Keep the jacket cropped so as to not be overwhelmed by the powerful print, and pair it with a black dress or dark skinny jeans and fierce heels. Try on a few different styles and colors until you find something that looks great on you. It's worth it to splurge for a wool coat because it keeps you warm and is better quality. Fight the fall cold air and walk outside in style!