juliarea – CollegeFashionista

TREND: True Blue

With London in need of a little extra cheer this week, this Fashionista shines in a top to toe ensemble that brings a much-craved dose of fun and escaptist fantasy to the city's sartorial landscape. Channelling the perfect 1970s vibe, she blends a simple, floaty, mid-length dress in dazzling cobalt blue with glowing gold accessories, such as the perfect skinny metallic belt, which radiate glamour. Although this Fashionista's Topshop dress is no longer available in this great shade, fashion's current true blue moment means high street is bursting with fabulous alternatives, from pretty cornflower hued lace to deepest navy silk.

What really grabbed me about this Fashionista's dreamy ensemble was those gorgeous vintage gold gladiator sandals. With their authentic multi-strap design, they add a touch of urban tough to the look's overall prettiness, while still retaining a degree of softness and glamour with their glossy gold shade. Plus they have the added bonus of being both practical and cool in the city's heat.

To complete her throwback to the high glamour and whimsical charm of the 1970s, this Fashionista adds the ideal finishing touches in the form of perfectly chosen accessories. The wonderful combination of the ubiquitous floppy felt hat, oversized shades and a quirky, vintage snakeskin clutch adds up to a faultless style formula that just can't help but spread some cheer.

Hint: While gold accessories create a wonderful effect of sunshine and warmth, the erethral, almost gothic effect of silver is often, sadly, underrated. This Fashionista's look would have taken on a whole different dimension, as well as working equally well, with the addition of some silver accessories instead. Swap gold shoes for some shiny silver ballet pumps, and layer up some silver bangles to create a radiant, other-worldly polish.

TREND: Peaches and Cream

When you want to inject a touch of (sometimes much needed) sunshine into your summer wardrobe, nothing works better than a splash of orange. Whether you opt for a subtle pale coral hue or a bold citrus ensemble is up to you! This Fashionista really makes the most of some bright, sunny weather by opting for a knitted, body con mini dress in a perfect peach sorbet shade, brilliantly complemented by a soft creamy cover-up. There is something quite dreamy about her effortless pairing of a punchy tropical colour with breezy, crisp white accessories.

And there's no denying it — fruity shades of peach and orange have been keeping things fresh all over the catwalks. While fashion's queen of all things floaty and girly Alberta Ferretti kept it simple with bold coral stripes on a neutral dress, the ever-quirky Marc Jacobs upped the ante with a bright orange patterned jumpsuit. And it seems the always-dependable high street is at it, too! Topshop has re-launched some of its most lusted-after and iconic dresses of the year in tropical shades, including a peachy version of the elegant tailored dress and a revamp of the floaty mid-length dress in burnished orange.

This Fashionista has opted for a daring thigh-skimming length to accompany her stand-out colour palette, but keeps things classy with a demure, slouchy cardigan that would look as perfect thrown on over a bikini as it does on the street. Creamy colours, as seen on this Fashionista's cardigan, make the ideal partner to peachy hues, tapping into a soft and almost erethral sartorial mood, and creating an overall look that is both charmingly understated and brilliantly fashion-forward.

Hint: When experimenting with shades that are guarenteed to get you noticed, it is often best to keep your footwear simple and opt for flats, like this Fashionista has done with some beloved neutral hued pumps. Keep it elegant and you'll stand out for all the right reasons!

TREND: Black Magic

With a long and rich sartorial history dating back as far as the 1850s, with both Burberry and Aquascutum claiming to have invented it, the mac, or trench coat, has steadily evolved into the perfect all-season cover-up that looks as chic thrown over an elegant dress as it does over jeans and a casual tee. This Fashionista eschews the ubiqutous beige trench coat in favour of a sophisticated black hue that perfectly complements her overall vintage chic look and provides a masterclass in the art of combining practicality and style. The addition of a chocolate brown belt to cinch in the waist keeps the overall effect polished and put together, but with an effortless edge.

One of my favourite ways to lift basic denim out of the realm of bland easiness is to make it part of an overall look that also incorporates failsafe wardrobe classics — a technique this rolled hem jeans clad Fashionista pulls off with a laid back ease. Old school style, love worn brown leather brogues will offer the ideal alternative to ballet pumps and loafers as we begin to move into the cooler months, but manage to look just as perfect at the height of summer with cropped denim and a favourite tee. And don't forget — traditional flat lace-ups are also one of the most comfortable shoe styles out there so find your perfect pair now, from versatile tan to soft ivory or even striking oxblood red. But be warned: you'll never want to take them off!

This Fashionista completes her modern military look by adding a girly peach blouse and a well-loved vintage-style satchel bag to add a generous dose of feminine charm to this borrowed from the boys look.

Pretty, stylish and polished, get inspired by this Fashionista's perfect trans-seasonal elegance.

Hint: No longer reserved just for a wet, windy day, trench coats have become a style statement in their own right, making them a stylish option for evening wear thanks to modern with luxe details such as leather and studs. Throwing one over your favourite evening dress adds just the right amount of insouciant glamour, but with coats as beautiful as these, you might not want to take it off at all!

TREND: Get Leathered

From Kate Moss to Chloë Sevigny, the little leather jacket is the go-to cover up for all our favourite fashion rule breakers. And who could question the appeal? Tough, sleek and the falling on just the right side of rebellious, these glossy little jackets can provide the perfect finishing touch to absolutely any look, ranging from casual jeans and Converse to the girly and even the glamourous realms of the ballroom. And it doesn't stop there! Leather has been reigning supreme on the catwalks in every imaginable style and form, from Alexander Wang's leather pants that call to mind the skintight glamour of Grease to Maje's futuristic leather dress. Yes, it's true, leather is a must-have addition to any Fashionista's wardrobe, regardless of the season. But this summer, it is undoubtedly the little leather jacket that offers an easy solution to both dressing up any look and keeping any sudden chills at bay.

This Fashionista really makes the most of leather's all-weather, all-occasion versatility, casually throwing her jacket on over a cute ditzy floral print mini dress and stompy boots. Recalling the boho chic aesthetic of Sienna Miller, I love this Fashionista's perfect juxtaposition of the feminine and the tough, kept interesting with its monochrome palette. Black and white dresses with subtle prints, such as this starry version, are perfect for rocking an understated brand of edgy femininity ideal for summers in the city, which this Fashionista gives a laid back, youthful edge to by adding some loveworn leather ankle boots and shades.

Which brings me on to this Fashionista's fabulous accessories that tap nicely into the summer's trend for global traveller-inspired touches. A vintage look fringed suede satchel and wrists laded with adorable trinkets that look like they've been picked up from far flung destinations inject a touch of sunshine into the monochrome ensemble, suggesting the ultimate in laid back charm and juxtaposing brilliantly with the slick toughness of the leather jacket.

Hint: Leather jackets are perfect for adding just the right dosage of rock and roll to even the girliest of looks. But keep it chic by sticking with dark or neutral coloured leathers rather than attempting to make any bright, bold statements. Alongside the classic black version, pretty nude, glossy chocolate and smoky grey hues all add edge without losing elegance!

TREND: All White Now

With this summer shaping up to be typically British (Lulu Guinness umbrella anyone?) the country's Fashionistas are keeping their sartorial cool by mixing their favourite summer basics with throw it on cover-ups that suit all eventualities, come rain or shine. This Fashionista takes the wardrobe classic of skinny white jeans, that evoke the French Riviera at the height of summer, and gives them a new lease of life for the unpredictable weather by adding slouchy, loveworn boots and a relaxed navy blazer. White jeans have a long and diverse sartorial history, being favoured by everyone from rockers to prepsters, but this Fashionista's combination of stompy boots and a discreetly distressed style ensure her interpretation of the trend falls on the right side of laid back yet polished cool.

Breezy all white outfits tap into the ever-recurring trend for minimalism, as championed by designers such as Calvin Klein and Chloé and act as the perfect blank canvas for showcasing personal style — something that this Fashionista pulls off with an elegant charm. Subtle flashes of animal print on the jacket's sleeves, a skinny tan belt and a roomy grey shoulder bag rescue the overall look from the realm of the drab. The beige tones of the boots also act as a perfect foil for the crisp white and navy tones by adding a tougher edge to what is otherwise a basic and almost nautical look.

The rich navy hue of the blazer blends beautifully with the fresh, athletic whites to create a clean cut silhouette that works well in any season. Offering the perfect modern take on a classic, this Fashionista projects a preppy prettiness while keeping the overall effect sleek and sophisticated. The sheerness of the tee also balances out the opaque tones of the rest of the outfit, adding interest and a unique attitude.

Nothing evokes summer more than easy, breezy white and this Fashionista nails simple summer glamour to perfection — now if only that sun will start shining again!

Hint: An all white outfit need not only call to mind the athleticism of Wimbledon! It's actually the perfect opportunity to have some fun experimenting with accessories and it doesn't need to cost a fortune. Grab some affordable statement sunglasses, layer up fun jewellery (this Fashionista was rocking several rings on one hand!) and raid local charity and vintage shops for the perfect unique clutch bag or tote. Pile it on, clash colours and prints and be as brave and bold as you dare.

TREND: Ice Cream Sundae

What could possibly be prettier on a bright sunny day than soft, powdery colours that call to mind the magic of the local ice cream parlour? This Fashionista radiates laid back, feminine summer elegance in her peach sorbet hued shirt dress from H&M. The trick with this trend is to go for bare legs to avoid overpowering such a delicate colour scheme with heavy tights, but this Fashionista balances out the short length of the dress with some chunky heeled slouchy suede boots — adding a tougher edge to keep the look fresh and modern and prevent dainty overload.

Pale ice cream shades have a long tradition of being a hugely popular spring/summer trend. Is it because of the ability of a sunny day to make us instantly desire to banish anything black and opaque from our fashion conciousness? Or perhaps these colours immediate evocation of carefree days in a sun drenched park? Whatever the reason, designers relish the coming of the warmer months in order to turn their focus to floaty, breezy shapes and soft shades that sparkle with girlish innocence. From Chloé's peach melba silk dress to denim wonder label J Brand's bold strawberry jeans, there is no better way to embrace the warm weather than these simple shades of colour perfection.

The overall look is highly reminiscient of fashion's Queen of cool Isabel Marant's spring/summer vibe, combining feather earrings and a Brigitte Bardot does St. Tropez style oversized straw tote bag, adding a glamourous bohemian edge to add substance to the prettiness. Marant is now legendary for knowing what the cool girls want to wear before they even know it themselves, and as this Fashionista's own brand of laid back urban cool proves; it doesn't need to be high fashion to be beautiful.

Hint: When dabbling with the sorbet hued trend, be aware of your skin tone. Brighter, fruiter shades tend to pop better on darker or more olive skins, while pale skintones look radiant in softer peppermint or peach hues. Avoid looking washed out by keeping hair soft and ever so slightly undone and makeup rosy and glowing. And remember, with such a simple trend it's all about putting your own unique stamp on it with accessories.

TREND: A Pop of Poppy

England's temperatures are finally rising and with it so too are its Fashionista's hemlines. I love this Fashionista's easy, breezy take on urban summer chic, in particular that stand out poppy hued kaftan style mini dress. There truly is nothing better than a throw it on, go anywhere dress that looks as perfect dressed up with statement heels as it does with trusty Hunter Wellies in a festival field. Urban Outfitters is the perfect place to stock up on versatile thigh skimming dresses — from edgy printed versions to breezy white lace — or if you're feeling really brave, dazzling cobalt blue.

This Fashionista plays down the bright colour pop of her drapey floral dress with understated accessories that add just the right amount of urban tough. Dark woven gladiator sandals, a classic leather tote bag and the ubiquitous aviator shades all lend a practical edge because, after all, what is glamourous about sore feet and squinting into the sun? The perfect finishing touch comes in the form of a delicate, antique gold charm necklace; trinket jewellery laden with sentimental value will never go out of style, so try eBay for some great bargains!

The simplicity of the rest of this Fashionista's look also allows the bold dress to do all the talking. Sometimes the best style statements are the most effortless.

Hint: The daring length of mini dresses can strike fear into the hearts of even the most gazelle-legged Fashionistas! But don't be put off them all together — just use your imagination instead! Dresses of this length also make super flattering long tops when worn with your favourite cropped jeans or a pair of reliable leggings and are indispensable over a bikini or swimsuit on the beach. Mix it up, play with proportion and, as always, have fun! If you can't have fun with fashion, where can you?

TREND: Going Dotty

Ah polka-dots! Why do you continue to haunt the imagination of every stylish girl? Because us Fashionistas just cannot get enough of your adorable charm, your eternal prettiness and, of course, just how beautifully you blend with everything else in our wardrobes.

But along with such sartorial popularity comes the inevitable danger of fashion clichés, for example the ever present polka-dot skirt and prim white cardigan. This Fashionista, however, makes the classic black and white dotty look completely her own, choosing a belted one shouldered dress with cute ruffle detail and adding accessories that radiate feminine cool. Polka-dots make a great alternative to the ubiquitous summer stripe and the possibilities are endless. Try a romantic flowing maxi dress in a girly dotty print or go short and sweet when the sun starts shining. Just remember that it's all in the little details that really make you stand out from the crowd.

This outfit is undeniably jazzed up by the punchy cherry hued pumps in a super soft style. Ballet style pumps have long been popular as the cool girl's go-anywhere shoe but why not try a real ballet dancer version to add a more delicate edge? Practical and pretty — what more could you want from a shoe?

The clincher of this show stoppingly elegant ensemble has to be the oversized tote bag in a chic nude shade that recalls this season's hottest arm candy from the likes of Gucci and Alexander Wang. Combining both the fashion forward and the classic, this understated bag is roomy enough for all those essentials (because a woman's handbag truly is an extension of herself!) while still adding the perfect finishing polish. Grab a similar style from Zara.

Charming, feminine and utterly sophisticated — this is a classic summer look sorted.

Hint: This weekend has finally brought a little bit of summer to diffuse the usual British gloom and this Fashionista has found the perfect outfit to stay as cool as she is chic. But that isn't to say this trend can't work once the sun bids us goodbye once more. Layer up chunky knit cardigans, add some opaque tights and swap flimsy pumps for cosy boots and you've got a perfect autumnal look.

TREND: Playing the Blues

Blue, from bright sky to deepest navy, never seems to lose its sartorial magic and, as this Fashionisto proves, its not just for the girls! Catwalk conscious Fashionistos can glean inspiration from Scandinavian wonder label Acne's strikingly bold blue hued trousers this summer or perhaps add a smarter edge with Farah Vintage's classic navy chinos.

Blue trousers make a great warmer weather alternative to regular heavy black and this Fashionisto has even rolled up the hems to turn otherwise smart, slim chinos into casual, laid back streetwear that is perfectly complemented by loveworn chocolate brown boat shoes. Playing with and customizing hem lengths is a territory not just reserved for skirts and dresses, and can add a whole different dimension to an overall outfit. So, take note boys: whether you choose to roll up or take to the scissors, flash some ankle this summer for an instantly relaxed but still polished look.

But the main thing that grabbed my attention with this Fashionisto's look is the fun anchor print shirt by great up and coming Dutch label Scotch & Soda. It instantly made me feel that summer is most definitely on its way and it can't help but evoke thoughts of carefree Mediterranean summers spent by the ocean. Its subtle, discreet design is a fabulous way to experiment with summer prints without having to make any bright, bold statements and the navy of the anchors wonderfully reflects the classic, understated hue of the trousers. From afar, the shirt looks like any other, but get up close and the fun print instantly rescues the shirt from the realm of the plain and drab. Remember, its unique little details like this that truly make a look your own!

Finally, this Fashionisto throws on a beautifully battered leather satchel and prevents the overall look from becoming too preppy by adding some classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers — these chunky plastic shades have a long and rich history of adorning the famous, the cool and the beautiful (and now come in an array of colours and prints!)

Effortless and casual, stylish and polished, this Fashionisto ticks all the right sartorial boxes while retaining an attitude that is uniquely his own.

Hint: Bags are certainly not just for the girls and can be incredibly useful, not to mention add the perfect finishing touch to your look! There's a hundred reasons why us girls are hooked on them. The ultimate It bag for boys has to be the classic leather satchel in chocolate brown or midnight black shades. Both practical and stylish, these bags tend to keep getting better and better with age and you can score great bargains with already loveworn ones from London vintage temple Rokit or even eBay. Clutch it, throw it over your shoulder or effortlessly sling it across your body, like this Fashionisto — anything goes!

TREND: Nautical But Nice

One of my favourite ways to create unique outfits is to juxtapose different elements and textures to create a look that's pretty and feminine but with an edge — a technique that this Fashionista pulls off with aplomb! Her mixture of nautical striped long sleeved tee, slinky silk leggings and edgy studded biker boots work incredibly well to create a look that is both stylish and effortless.

Nautical chic stripes are a great way to inject a touch of summer into your wardrobe, but this Fashionista takes the basic staple of a striped tee and adds a rock 'n' roll edge with an all black lower half. You can find summery striped tees like this Fashionista's everywhere from Zara (including this cute embellished version) to classic French favourite label Petit Bateau.

The next thing that drew me to this Fashionista's look is her amazing boots. The chunky silver studs and stompy shape create a great contrast with the sleekness of her leggings and toughen up what could otherwise be a straightforward pretty look. The boots have the added bonus of being practical enough to run around in all day! Finally, this Fashionista has pulled her look together perfectly with a pair of retro style Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses, the perfect accessory to any rock chick look, and essential now that the sun is shining!

Simple, undone, effortless — I think of this as the rock chick's perfect spring look!

Hint: If the idea of tight leggings and a tee makes you nervous, try a longer length or oversized top instead. Comfortable, casual, but still gorgeous!