Jordan Leinen – CollegeFashionista

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Ruched and Ready

One of the most flattering ways to show off a woman’s curves is a ruched dress. Accentuating the most feminine parts of a woman’s body, ruching is complementary to those with even the roundest curves. It can draw attention away from unflattering areas. Or, if you’ve got a flat board shape (like myself) it can create curves where you never thought you had them.

Diane Von Furstenberg is one of the best-known designers to regularly use the ruching technique. With that, she’s also known as a designer who really knows how to flatter a woman’s body. Her ever-famous wrap-dress introduced in the 1970s often uses gathering details to accent the body’s curves.

Today’s Fashionista instantly caught the attention of everyone in the room. The yellow, chartreuse color combination is to die for and the floral pattern is perfectly trend-right. It reminds me a lot of prints used by both Proenza Schouler and Rodarte for spring ’12. With her dark hair contrasting against the bright floral print, it was a no brainer to take a shot of this Fashionista.

Plus, what could be easier than throwing on a single garment. I’ll tell you that our Fashionista even admitted she had no make-up on and had kind-of just rolled out of bed. She fooled me. With just a single piece her look was complete, stylish and very figure flattering. Here are two other dresses that utilize the ruching detail. And try a bandeau top, this one is a bikini top, to wear under lace and sheer blouses.

It’d be interesting to see what kind of accessories our Fashionista could pair with this dress to take it into night. This Proenza Schouler look takes a very daytime, floral-inspired print and gives it an edgy, evening vibe. Even a dress so unique can be more versatile than you’d think. Play with the accessories and see what you come up with!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Simplistic Summer

School is out and summer is on. The finest in college fashion are hitting the parks and pulling out their lightest, most comfortable summer wear. What could be more effortless than the oversized oxford T-shirt and a great straw hat that today’s Fashionista dons?

With resources like thrift stores, brothers and boyfriends the oxford shirt is quite possibly one of the easiest items of clothing to come by. Though you could take a page out of our Fashionsta’s book and keep it simple with a pair of shorts, Refinery29 gives some great tips on how to take an ordinary oversized button-up and turn it into something great. The contrast of casual and sophisticated drew my attention to their summer power suit suggestion. Plus, the white and nude look is a good one for any woman in the summer.

New York Fashion Week for spring/summer ’12 emphasized sportswear to the max. A few basic, loose-fitting separates provide a lot of versatility and ensemble options that will last you the entire summer. As I age, I’ve put more importance on having a few good staples, like a sheer, white oxford and a crisp nude blazer.

Straw hats are becoming easier to pick up as hats in general become a more wearable accessory for the masses. However, it’s important to find a style that looks great on you Again, Refinery29 has a great article featuring 12 unique hats that are worth a try this spring. Also, don’t underestimate the potential of a department store. Oftentimes Bloomingdales and Macy’s will have some great options at affordable prices. Though maybe not the best silhouette for my head, I personally love the look of a roll brim hat like this one from ASOS.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Everything’s Coming Up Roses

The warm, sunny weather has me thinking of lying in on a picnic blanket, basking in the sun, in my floral blouse of course. Hands down this summer’s hottest trend is floral. From patterned platforms to floral blazers, lilies, roses and irises are everywhere you look. Today’s Fashionista is adorned in a very feminine, bright red, floral blouse from Urban Outfitters.

The trend is totally adaptable by piece, pattern, color and the statement you want to make. This Fashionista went for the slightly sexier look with a sheer blouse and black bustier-esque bra. However, there’s something to be said about the sexiness of fully buttoned, properly feminine blouse like this to-die-for piece from Dolce and Gabbana. Yeah, it might be a little out of my price range, but it’s an incredible inspiration piece that you could likely replicate with a vintage look-alike.

The best thing about a floral blouse is its versatility in the outfit itself. You can layer it under a leather jacket with a pair of denim cutoffs for a more casual look. Or, take a tip from our featured Fashionista and make it your staple piece, with just a simple black skirt.

To shake things up a bit, take a tip from this style star and mix a pattern or two. It’s an easy way to take this trend to another level and a sure way to stand out as a fashion risk-taker.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Hello, Yellow!

If there’s one color I can’t get enough of right now, it’s yellow. From mustard yellow to lemon yellow, the attention-grabbing color is absolutely perfect for the upcoming summer season. And CollegeFashionistas, Harper’s Bazaar calls yellow the most fabulous color right now for our age group.

Today’s Fashionista looks incredible in her sheer, lemon yellow top. The shirt itself brings in a two other hot trends in fashion right now: neon and sheer. It’s neon done subtly and sheer done without outrageous sex appeal. Sheer shirts are one trend that can be hard for many women to pull off. Wearing something that draws attention directly to your undergarments can definitely take a leap of faith. Some good advice can be had from today’s Fashionista — try a color other than an already daring red or black. Yellow is a bit more playful, flirty and not so in your face.

Yellow has been all over runways and the street. Though a lemon yellow dress can be an absolute showstopper, a pop of mustard or neon yellow in a clutch or scarf is enough to set off an entire outfit. A simple pair of yellow shorts was hot enough to get this girl on the Sartorialist. Here are some lemon yellow items that you could pop on into your own summer wardrobe, easily creating a head-turning look.

If you’re one who thinks yellow is a difficult color to pull off, perhaps you need to try another shade. With mustard, canary, lemon or pale yellow there’s sure to be a shade that’s right for you. Just flip through Derek Lam’s spring ’12 collection as he uses numerous shades of this must-have hue.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Join The Tribe

It’s a trend that has strutted its way to the forefront of almost every college campus this spring – tribal prints. It was huge on runways for fall '12 and doesn’t seem to be going away. There’s just something slightly eccentric about the Aztec-inspired details that both accent our favorite outfits and take center stage as can’t-miss pieces.

That’s what we’ve got featured on today’s Fashionisto. I saw him strolling around campus twice today before I was able to stop him. His jacket was impossible to miss. I particularly like the subtlety of the colors in this blazer. The tones make it a versatile piece that can be worn over and over without being too overwhelming.

The blazer is Ralph Lauren, perhaps the quintessential designer of western and native inspired clothing. Though I’m not certain whether it’s modern or vintage, it’s definitely got a vintage feel.

For Fashionistas hoping to adopt this trend, check out the ways ASOS suggests to go native. Since this trend has been around for a little bit of time already, they have also suggested some interpretations that you can carry into spring/summer '12. These prints aren’t influenced as much by the Great Plains of America, but by the Serengeti of Africa. They remain, however, far from subtle.

Fashionising recognizing the ever-evolving nature of the trend and provides advice on how to wear this trend right now. Fashionistos be sure to pay particular attention to Burberry’s spring '12 line. It’s covered in tribal influence, from subtle accents to focal points in the collection. In general, the tribal trend was a major trend in Milan for Men’s spring '12.

There’s absolutely still time to jump on this trend’s bandwagon. In my opinion, it appears have just now hit Columbia. Need the goods? Check out all the great items available on ASOS!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Waist Away

Today’s Fashionista brings a bit of Bavarian influence to Columbia style. She found her totally adorable dirndl at a local thrift shop and wears it so well without it appearing too costume-inspired.

My favorite part about this dress is that it encompasses two trends for the upcoming season: the accentuated waist and a dainty floral print. Harper’s Bazaar chronicled several ladies bringing back the highlighted waistline at this year's Oscars. Since then, I have seen so many articles featuring high-waisted items. So though the drop waist is apparently huge right now, don’t stray too far and hide that waist line altogether. There’s just something so feminine and attractive about a woman who shows off her waistline.

She also brings in a subtle floral print, which is huge for spring 2012. Though most florals we’re seeing splattered on dresses and shoes all over the runway are not in the least bit subtle, this print works particularly well for the look she has put together. Again, it would be so easy for a piece like this to come off as costume-inspired, so it’s important that the whole look works to play it down.

The cinched waist is particularly perfect for summer because with a tight waistline typically comes a flowing, open skirt. There are other ways to adopt this look. The main focus here is definitely the tight waist and floral pattern. Here is another interpretation if you can’t find something as unique as this Fashionista’s dirndl.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: The Flood Has Come

Guys know as well as girls know that finding the perfect pair of jeans is anything but simple. The rear is too baggy, the leg's too wide or everything about them is just plain awkward. If you happen to find a good fit, there’s a chance the length is a little off.

Instead of starting your search at another retail spot or having to visit the tailor to get them hemmed, try the old-fashioned cuffed jean, like today’s Fashionisto. It’s been popular since the days when the 49ers rolled up their jeans during the gold rush — for practical purposes of course.

In 2010 cuffed jeans were one of the hottest trends in menswear, but judging by the looks of the Mizzou campus, they’re back to stay. Practical purposes aside, the look is totally on point. It’s an incredibly easy way to alter your look and take the same old pair of jeans and make them something new.

How hard can it be to cuff? Well simple, but there are different variations of the typical cuff. This article from the New York Times offers styling advice for men looking to cuff their favorite staple. This is from the last surge in the cuffed trend in 2010, but the rules stand nearly the same. Take a look if you have any worries about jumping right in. Also, don’t limit the cuff to jeans. Zenga’s fall 2012 show featured cuffs on many of its dress pants. Or try cuffing your favorite pair of shorts

The best part about this trend for men, it’s noncommittal. It’s not an alteration that can’t be undone. It’s not a permanent change, men. So it’s absolutely worth a shot. Trust me, you won’t be the only man on campus trying it out.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Totally Neutral, Almost.

I’ve said before, I always find myself gravitating toward neutrals in my closet. It’s obvious that this girl also looks incredible in neutral tones, but how to keep it interesting? I love so much about this outfit. The way she mixes tonal neutrals with a pop of color in her bag is an instant fix from boring to spot on.

Not to mention that the spot of color is one of my very favorites of all time. Mustard yellow was a huge trend for Fall 2011, but who’s to say that means it must fade out after a single season on top. Take a look at how some of the finest Fashionistas have worked this color into their looks. This tonal yellow is a great addition to any neutral mix. Though, be careful tigers, when you pair it with black you instantly look like you’re wearing a chic outfit to a Mizzou sporting event. I recommend something right along the lines of what our Fashionista has put together. Down to the belt, the varied browns and creams are so very…well, awesome!

The silhouette of her baggy shorts and the peter pan collar provide for added style points. One thing cannot go without mentioning – the socks. The mustard yellow is a great way to expand on tonal neutrals, but the turquoise-striped socks, I think, make the outfit. Adding just a small touch of color can draw your eye from top to bottom of the look, which likely was the goal judging by the effort put into all of her incredible accessories.

So next time you’ve got the urge to throw on a few tonal neutrals, add a pop of color with a bag or even socks. Colors are the easiest trends to follow, but as I said, a good hue never really goes out of style.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Totally Neutral — Almost.

Not to mention that the spot of color is one of my very favorites of all time. Mustard yellow was a huge trend for fall 2011, but who’s to say that means it must fade out after a single season on top. Take a look at how some of the finest Fashionistas have worked this color into their looks. This tonal yellow is a great addition to any neutral mix. Though, be careful tigers, when you pair it with black you instantly look like you’re wearing a chic outfit to a Mizzou sporting event. I recommend something right along the lines of what our Fashionista has put together. Down to the belt, the varied browns and creams are so very … well, awesome!

The silhouette of her baggy shorts and the Peter Pan collar provide for added style points. One thing cannot go without mentioning — the socks. The mustard yellow is a great way to expand on tonal neutrals, but the turquoise striped socks make the outfit. Adding just a small touch of color can draw your eye from top to bottom of the look, which likely was the goal judging by the effort put into all of her incredible accessories.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Feminine ’50s Silhouettes

This Fashionista stepped into the room and I immediately stopped what I was doing. The silhouette of this dress is absolutely flawless. Baggy and flowy are my go-to silhouettes, but lately, especially with inspiration from a lady like this, I’ve been leaning toward form-fitting and flirtatious.

Silhouettes like this take me straight back to the ‘50s and ‘60s when a woman’s body wasn’t ideally stick straight. This girl has a bit of curve and the dress compliments it in all the right ways. With the sweetheart neckline, synched waist and gathered cap sleeve, this piece screams feminine.

It’s important for every girl, even those like me who would describe their style as somewhat masculine, to have a singular dress that she can put on and feel feminine, confident and instantly special.

This picture was taken on a beautifully sunny day that came after a few days of clouds and rain. Nothing feels better than embracing some nice weather and throwing on a pretty dress, as trite as that may sound. The monotonous schedule of school, work and homework can make any CollegeFashionista forget she’s got her own style.

A lot of dresses with this type of silhouette are photographed and styled as elegant pieces, but it’s all about how you style them. Flats as opposed to heels are an obvious way to dress something down. Imagine this dress, for example, with a simple pair of flats or ankle boots. Keeping it simple, without jewelry or superfluous accessories will totally help too. Here’s another of a similar shape that I love.