Author: Kathryn Mansur

TREND: Maximize the Maxi

Flipping through the latest spring glossies, its hard to miss the maxi craze that has taken over almost every page. From sheer skirts to printed bold dresses, its obvious that the maxi is going to take over as the top trend this summer.

Although this long length look is super chic on magazine covers, the maxi style can be easily acheived for an everyday outfit. In fact, that may be the best part of the maxi skirt or dress – it can be dressed up or down, casual or elegant, depending on how it is worn.

This Fashionista enjoyed the beautiful spring breeze in a black maxi skirt that barely graced her ankles. Paired with a bright blue printed tank and soft knit cardigan, this outft is comfortable for class and more chic then a pair of slouchy sweats. 

Ready to try on this lengthy trend? Refinery 29 lays out the best ways to wear your maxi style of choice with the article, "How to Wear this Seasons Maxi Skirt." For more celebrity style inspiration, check out the maxi styles of Olivia Palermo, Mary-Kate Olsen and Anne Hathaway in ELLEgirl. 

Hint: Still not sure how to maximize the maxi? With this trend, there are no rules. Pick your favorite style from tiered, sheer, slim or volumnious in your favorite hue and balance out the skirt frame with a tank, button-down blouse or slightly cropped top. Find a variety of maxi styles from ShopStyle.com and ShopBop.com to find the style fit for your look.

TREND: Pretty in Purple

With spring in full season at the University of Missouri, students are seen soaking up the sun on campus in their favorite bright colors. Push your heavy layers and bulky coats to the back of the closet because it’s finally time to trade in last season’s style and colors to match the spring scenery.

For this sunny season, switch out your favorite jewel-tones for a vibrant violet. Always elegant, it's no wonder that purple ruled the runway for several designers in spring/summer 2011. Jil Sander, Lanvin and Gucci were a few of the designers that got playful with brilliant purple hues in light dresses, skirts and pant suits that are fit for spring. Try out a touch of violet or go head-to-toe in spring’s prettiest color.

This Fashionista wore a touch of purple in her spring ensemble while enjoying the weather on campus. The silk blouse is practical for daytime and light enough to wear in under the sunrays. Paired with classic denim shorts, a lightweight neutral blazer and brown leather gladiator sandals, this Fashionista is casual for class with a trendy spring style. 

Find fashion inspiration from Chictopia where other Fashionistas wear purple proudly in their everyday attire. 

Hint: Whether you are looking for the perfect purple blouse, Posted on Author Kathryn MansurCategories FashionTags , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment on TREND: Pretty in Purple

TREND: Sheer Sophisticate

Slightly see-through and sure to turn heads, sheer fabrics are one of the hottest trends for the spring season.

Recently seen in skirts, dresses and blouses of all shapes and colors, the transparent trend can easily be incorporated for evening and everyday looks. Although the sound of sheer sounds a little risqué for anyone off the runway or red carpet, this look can be achieved tastefully with the right amount of layering.

This Fashionista successfully wears sheer with slightly see-through nude blouse and sheer black tights. Paired with denim cut-off shorts in a light wash – another top trend this season, this Fashionista is stylish and sophisticated in sheer. Brown oxford flats and a skinny leather belt add the final touch to this simplistic school style.

The key to pulling off the sheer trend is knowing how much skin to show off. Sheer blouses are the easiest pieces to achieve a sharp and sultry look. Whether tucked-in a pair of high-waist shorts like this featured Fashionista or your favorite skirt, this look is easy to achieve. Check out some of the latest sheer blouse styles at Polyvore.com including looks from Madewell and Urban Outfitters.

If you're feeling bold try the sheer-on-sheer ensemble by layering several pieces together for a runway-inspired look. The sheer skirt has been seen on several celebrities from Mary-Kate Olsen to Rumi Neely. Find your fashion inspiration from Who What Wear's trend report on sheer skirts.

Hint: Don't be too shy to mix sheer pieces into your everyday wardrobe. For the daytime, stick to simple sheer looks such as a loose blouse or button-up shirt. If you want to just show a touch of skin, layer your sheer top with a blazer or cardigan. 

TREND: Bringing Denim Back

Denim ruled the runway as the trend that is making its big return to the style scene. From the punk rock chic denim at Balmain or the denim on denim seen at the S/S 2011 Valentino and Céline, this blue jean trend is making its comeback as the go to everyday outfit piece. Whether you decide to dig through your closet for that worn-in light wash jacket, similar to this one from Gap or invest in new denim threads, be prepared for this trend to rule the upcoming season and the campus streets.

Although denim has always been a part of our everyday attire, designers are taking the sturdy denim threads to a new level with skirts, vests, tunics, jackets and dresses in new summer styles. Fashionologie picks their favorite high and low end denim pieces. The key to conquering this everyday material is to wear it in styles and structures that go beyond your basic jeans. The basic jean jacket and button-down shirt as easy ways to ease into the blue jean scene. 

This Fashionista tries out the denim trend by adding a jacket to her casual wear. Worn over light layers, the denim jacket is the perfect addition during the changing seasons period. Paried with simplistic pieces and accessories, this Fashionista allows the denim to make the overall statement.

To get this look, pick out your favorite jacket or button-down shirt style and layer if over a light tank or T-shirt for an effortlessly upgraded everyday outfit. Try the Free People denim collection for a trendy take on how to wear denim.

Hint: Afraid your denim ensemble will look more like a country singer than runway chic? Stay away from the denim jacket, sundress and cowboy boot combination. Instead, try a denim blazer or trench coat for a sophisticated spring style when worn with light neutral layers. For a more simple, yet chic look, layer up with a simple denim button-down or add a denim skirt. Whatever denim style you prefer, remember that this trend is all about simplicity.

TREND: Everything’s Turning to White

White is well on its way to being the top trend for spring 2011. Whether you channel the latest white on white trend as seen on the Chloé and Calvin Klein spring 2011 runway or add a bright white to your color palette, this trend is the right amount of light and luxe for the season.

Both elegant and effortless, adding white to an ensemble makes a stylish statement without trying too hard. Minimal white in head-to-toe is chic and simple when worn in light and loose materials. For structure, white pants are sophisticated for spring and can be translated into a variety of everyday outfits. Harper’s Bazaar displays their favorite crisp and cool white runway looks in a slideshow that sets the tone for the seasons top trends.

This Fashionista makes a gradual spring statement with slim-cut white pants. This touch of white adds a crisp canvas to her overall outfit. Paired with a loose crewneck sweater in coral and a bright blue knit infinity scarf, this Fashionista looks ready for spring while still staying comfortable against the fading winter breeze.

The best part of this colorless hue is that it can translate into any outfit piece or accessory. From a handbag, shorts, pants or a blouse, white can be added in one statement piece or collectively. Whether you lean towards tailored materials or flowly fabrics, this trend can’t do any harm.

Hint: Ready to invest in this white hot wear? Pick pieces that can easily be added to any outfit, whether you try the white on white look or incorporate your favorite bright whites to an outfit. Try Urban Outfitters and Topshop for fun white pieces and accessories.  

TREND: Transition into Spring in Style

Winter is rapidly approaching its end with signs of spring beginning to ease its way in. On the University of Missouri campus, students are starting to show off the latest spring styles incorporated into their everyday winter wear.

On this particularly rainy day, it’s easy to let the mood of the unexpected dreary grey weather to affect your wardrobe. This Fashionista stood out on the rainy campus streets in an outfit that is functional for the weather and mixes in pieces of spring styles. By dressing up her gray winter coat with a pale pink lightweight scarf, a cream knit hat, and sturdy brown boots, this Fashionista creates a look that fuses together elements of winter and the latest spring trends into one ensemble. This Fashionista pulls together the look with a classic black and white patterned umbrella, which adds a chic and sophisticated touch to the outfit.

The combination of light layers and heavy winter pieces is the perfect way to transition into the wet and warm months of spring. Instead of letting your style be sacrificed for the season, get inspired from the designer that invented chic rainy day wear – Burberry.

This past week, Burberry Prorsum hit the runway with an awe-inspiring fall collection that could make any dismal day look bright and in-bloom. Cape coats, trenches, and jackets are staple rainy day pieces and can be given life with a pop of color, stylish adornments, and fun and functional accessories. Review the fall 2011 ready-to-wear Burberry Prorsum collection at Style.com for more inspiration for combating spring showers in style.

Hint: Take rainy day style advice from this Fashionista by pairing your favorite winter cape coat or trench with sturdy boots and accessories to brighten up your look. Don't be afraid to make a statement with a pop of color, sophisticated statement pieces or accessories. For more rainy street style inspiration, check out ELLE magazine 'Street Chic' blog for runway inspired looks for everyday wear.

 

TREND: Master of the Mix-and-Match

As the piles of winter snow begin to melt on the Mizzou campus streets, students are beginning to lighten the layers and try on the latest spring trends. This featured Fashionista is the perfect example of the Midwest mixture at Mizzou – combining a rocker chic style influenced from the runway and different decades into one cohesive look. 

This year, leather was seen as the main accent in jackets, shorts and accessories in designer collections from Herve Leger to Dsquared. The leather jacket this Fashionista rocks is a staple piece throughout the seasons, acting as an edgy alternative to the ordinary jacket or sweatshirt. Whether worn with everyday jeans and a T-shirt or dressed up for the evening, this rocker chic piece has been popular in both the fashion industry and at the University of Missouri.

This Fashionista fuses '80s inspired acid-wash skinny jeans, lavender suspenders (identical to the trademark nerd trend of the '90s), oversized retro aviators and texting gloves, recently made popular by DKNY, to create a completely unique look. The pop of bright red lipstick adds a sophisticated surprise of color to contrast the black leather jacket and a Marc by Marc Jacobs large quilted tote shows off designer style fit for any student.

This mixture of unexpected accessories from the past with the latest designer-inspired trends are what makes this Fashionista’s overall look and the style inspiring. This mixture in the Midwest allows students to embrace their love for fashion, instead of sticking to a single stereotyped style.

TREND: Fur-tastic Femme

Fur can be found in nearly every decade of fashion. Portrayed as the ultimate luxe outerwear or accessory, fur is no ordinary fabric. Leaving a prominent mark of elite style, furs are not often seen in everyday attire. The recent trend of incorporating animal-friendly faux furs exploded this season, making the streets (and college campuses) seem more like an ultra-glamorous runway than a place to study.

This femme in faux fur transformed the snowy streets to chic. By topping off her layers with a cream colored faux fur coat, this Fashionista shows that weary weather can create a fabulous look. Inspired by designers such as Antonio Beradi and Lanvin, this luxe look can be re-created with vintage finds or faux fur alternatives that are just as chic and PETA worthy. Looking for a faux fur-tastic investment piece? Try Juicy Couture for a retro-fabulous faux fur silhouette that is anything but ordinary outerwear. 

Accessories are always admirable and this Fashionista didn’t allow her faux fur to steal the show. Textured tights, sturdy shearling booties and a thick black belt add a flattering form to her chunky wrap sweater and pleated skirt. The pleat is also another trend to pay close attention to, which is turning the everyday skirt into a smart school girl style – perfect for class or dressed up in the evening. DKNY stormed the winter 2010 runway with a variety of skirts with pleats fit for any occasion. Get pleat inspiration from Net-A-Porter and Polyvore for a mix of high end and affordable skirt styles.

Hint: Not sure if you can pull off this fierce faux fur look? Incorporate faux fur in your accessories or invest in a vest. Faux fur vests have been another major trend this season and are more versatile than a coat. Michael Kors faux fur front vest was seen all over the recent advertising campaign and is a chic piece to add over any outfit in a subtle gray. Remember, faux fur is not just for the style elite. Don't be afraid to incorporate this trend into your everday wardrobe, as long as you don't over-do it. Stick to cropped coat styles or a vest and add flattering pieces to complement. 

TREND: Shorts, Tights and Anything Nice

A historical blizzard hit the University of Missouri this past week, leaving campus buried under several feet of snow, and fashionista’s and fashionisto’s stuck indoors. After several days of cancelled classes and a bit of cabin fever, this Fashionista emerged from the warmth of the indoors for a much-needed trip downtown. This Fashionista piled on layers of the latest trends that are totally mah-jor right now (as stylist and ultimate fashionista, Rachel Zoe would say) including stripes, tights, and shorts to stay warm.

Shorts are no longer socially unacceptable for seasons other than summer. In fact, shorts have become the chic alternative to skirts and are even being traded for the everday wear of pants, when paired with thick winter tights. Elle magazine expresses their love for the shorts and tights combination with a list of their favorite designer styles, including Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang bold leather shorts, and Proenza Schouler for everday suede. Whether you wear your pair cuffed, high-waisted, or super short, pick a pair unique to your personal style and show off some leg, regardless of the season.

This Fashionista wears her black wool shorts with opaque tights and a striped sweater for warmth. This black and white ensemble makes her outfit seem perfectly put together while the bright pop of turquoise in this Fashionista's woven scarf and stone ring add the right amount of color. This Fashionista accessorizes with a simple shoulder bag and oxford shoes for a trendy touch. The key to pulling off your short ensemble is with cohesion, as seen in the balance of layers and colors in this Fashionista's outfit.

HInt: InStyle magazine shows how to stay true to your style by incorporating shorts and tights to your outfit as seen on celebrities Olivia Palermo, Nicole Richie, and Alexa Chung. These trend-setters stay true to their unique style by wearing shorts that match their personality. Cut-off denim shorts add a bohemian vibe when worn with black opaque tights and a button-up, high-waisted wool shorts are the epitome of chic, and simple black shorts can easily be incorporated into any outfit.

Pick your own pair based on your favorite winter fabric, such as velvet, lace, wool, or stick with your denim summer shorts. Check out TopShop, ASOS, and Shopstyle for a variety of short styles that are fit to your personal style preferences.  

TREND: Too Cool for School

Although January is almost at its end, the winter weather seems endless. With a bright blanket of white snow covering the University of Missouri campus, Fashionistas and Fashionistos are left with no choice but to sport their favorite shades to shield their eyes. This dynamic duo stood out in the campus crowd with funky frames and a splash of neon color.

This season, accessories are key for making a statement. After layering up in your everyday winter gear, add a few accessories to make your outfit stand out. This Fashionisto and Fashionista shared a similar style that focuses on the winter essentials: a feather down coat and heavy knit scarves, but are emphasized with bright colors against black and brown basics.

This Fashionisto rocks a neon pink and green baseball cap that adds a fun and funky '80s edge to his outfit, while this Fashionista looks cool and comfortable in a chocolate brown plush coat with a fur trim and leather shoulder bag. They both add instant style smarts with oversized sunglasses in vintage inspired frames, which are perfect for a sunny afternoon in the snow.

Whether you would rather stand out with a vibrant hat, vintage shades or a chunky knit scarf, these accessories are sure to catch attention in the classroom. For Fashionistos, try a super knit infinity scarf, such as this style from Topman, to add instant appeal to your outfit. For a bold boost to your winter wear, invest in a neon statement accessory such as a hat. Neon hats are a rare find in the Midwest, so your best bet is to try the local vintage stores or D.I.Y. by ordering an unexpensive hat online and adding a unique graphic or print. 

HInt: Sunglasses are not just for summer. Check out the latest styles from Urban Outfitters for an instant hipster edge to your everyday outfit. Thick readers and turtoise shell mirrored aviators make looking smart trendy and chic. For more geek chic styles that combine nerdy accessories and hipster flare, check out "Going Geek Chic" by Style Advice of the Week columnist Mary-Kate Murphy from Indiana University.