Liann Wu – CollegeFashionista

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Hey Fedora

Considered fashions most underrated accessory and is redolent of class and mystery, the fedora has been making its full fledge high fashion comeback. The felt hat is the accessory choice for dapper dressers for decades and while its the boys who traditionally laid claim to this style, it has also made its appearance on numerous Fashionistas worldwide.

This Fashionista, looking exceptionally fashion-forward, with everything from her tie-dye print tee to her bright red bag to black combat boots, showed just how great the fedora can be. While she would certainly still have looked impeccably dressed without it, the fedora is the perfect piece to tie her entire look together. By staying away from statement jewelry pieces, she allows the fedora to take center stage, giving her the chic yet modern style that many aspire to have.

Fedoras are not as easy to come by as other accessory pieces, but I have selected a few that I believe may satisfy your headwear needs. I love the stark contrast between the cream and black in this Toyo braid fedora from Shopbop. This Panama fedora by Juicy Couture achieves a very similar look. I also know that J.Crew stores are currently selling some at budget-friendly prices, so be sure to check those out before they go out of sale. Regardless, fedoras are universally revered as they can really take an outfit to a whole new level. Whether you are having a bad hair day and want a quick coverup or want that little extra dash of spontaneity, fedoras are a great way to update your summer wardrobe. Pair with your favorite breezy summer dress or a simple white tee and denim cut-ouffs, and you will surely be one to be remembered.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Tribute to Black

While color has certainly become a vital part of this season's trends, I would like to dedicate this post to the classic black. Yes, black can symbolize an absence of life and light, but it is certainly still appropriate to wear all black for any occasion. Whether you want to get a glamorous, practical, elegant, powerful or modern look, black is the year round go to hue for wardrobes of Fashionistas all over the world. Not only is noir easy to integrate into your rotation, but it's also flattering on most any skin tone and most any body shape.

I caught this Fashionista on her way out of work and her completely monotone outfit speaks to her strong personality. Instead of drowning in a sea of black garb, she keeps her ensemble interesting with a mixture of lengths, layers and texture. By pairing a sharp blazer with a more flowy dress and by opting for a pair of black leather boots to wear outside her tights, the look is playful, while still retaining a degree of class and sophistication. The gold hardware on her bag, as well as the necklace, works well into the ensemble, without overwhelming it with too much extra adornment. Ultimately, she is able to achieve a look that shows off her wonderful sartorial sensibility.

Finding black pieces is probably one of the easier shopping tasks, but I would like to recommend a few that I believe will work especially well for these warmer months. This Daftbird button detail maxi dress from Shopbop would look great with cropped black leather jacket. Top the look off with a pair of oversized tortoise shell sunglasses and you will be ready for a day (or night) out on the town. For something a little less serious, this Gleaming the Cube babydoll dress by Evil Twin is the perfect piece for those of you who like it a little more flirty and playful. In short: while you should continue to take advantage of the beautiful summer whites and tropical colors, you can still elevate your black basics with interesting patterns, fabrics and proportions and you will achieve a look that is anything but bland and boring.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: The Slouchy Trouser

While I will always be a die-hard fan of skinnies, slouchy trousers are a fresh option when it comes to pants this season. Loose and relaxed, these pants, that are often known as the more tailored cousin of the harem pant, have been popping up all over the runways, making it the go-to for cool and casual springtime looks. The looks that strolled down the runway featured all sorts of different styling choices – fitted tops, blouses, crop tops, similarly slouchy tops, blazers of varying cuts and classic tees. Essentially, these styles can easily fit into any wardrobe and lend themselves to a myriad of styling choices.

This Fashionista decided to keep her outfit understated by keeping her upper half black, while opting for a dark aubergine trouser pant. Color is huge this season, but for those of you who like to stick with darker shades, take her as great inspiration. The purple hue adds a nice sweep of color, without being too bright and overpowering. The beige boat shoes work perfectly into this chic outfit, and allow for quick and comfortable travel to and from class. The gold necklace is the perfect finishing accessory; it serves as an appropriate statement piece that really brings the whole ensemble to life.

Now, you may be wondering where you can get your hands on some slouchy fabulousness of your own. Well fortunately, these slouchy pants are available at nearly every retailer out there. Shopbop has a whole section dedicated to these pants. For summer, I particularly love these Mason by Michelle Mason Belted Pants, as well as these Vince Cropped Slouch Pants. ASOS also has some pieces that might interest you, such as these Vero Moda Very Slouchy Cupro Zip Pants. Pair any of these with a white boxy tee, a statement piece of jewelry and caged sandals, and you will be ready for all of summer's fun festivities. Enjoy!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Bright Neckwear

If you've popped into the store lately, you might have noticed the wide range of accessory options that are currently available. While hats, belts and jewelry have always enjoyed being in the shopping spotlight, nothing is more essential to your closet than a statement scarf. As much as I appreciate the sophistication and simplicity of a classic slim silk scarf, I often prefer a bold, eye-catching style of neckwear to adorn myself on those chillier spring days. It's a great way to bring a look from run-of-the-mill to chic and inspiring.

This accessory trend can be easily incorporated by anyone, regardless of age or personal style. This Fashionista is adds a vibrant pop of color to her otherwise monochromatic outfit with this brilliant gold canary piece. The low scoop adds the perfect amount of flair, while still keeping her look unfussy and clean. She further accentuates with a long pendant necklace that keeps her look balanced and proportionate. I truly believe that this is the way to go during this season – choosing clean pieces, while still maintaining a sense of youthfulness and modernity.

As much as I love patterns and prints to bring to life any outfit, I also believe in the sheer power of solid colors, as presented by this Fashionista. That said, I have had my eye in several scarves to add to my spring wardrobe that while simple, will certainly add that much needed splash of fun. This Theodora and Callum Scarf in yellow would look excellent against your summer whites. For those of you who like the infinity style, this Pins and Needles Lace Eternity Scarf from Urban Outfitters would certainly fulfill your fashion needs.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Tribal Style

While I am a strong believer in monochromatic closet staples, I also have a serious crush on clothing that makes a bold statement. This love affair blossomed after the Louis Vuitton S/S '10 show, where Marc Jacobs designed a playful collection filled with exotic patterns that looked as through they were sourced from foreign bazaars from the far reaches of the globe. So, yes, florals and stripes are a great way to go, but the most directional designners and dressers take a new approach to patterns by embracing ethnic prints. Whether they riff on classic Native American folk art or are African safari-inspired – tribal prints are always exciting, full of life, color and vitality.

This Fashionista is sporting a fabulous Maurie and Eve dress, inspired by the Mexican Aztec culture. The blue and white print with its various lines and shapes make it fun, yet wearable, which is perfect for a sunny afternoon in the gardens or a barbecue. The gold studs on the straps also add a element of exoticism, without being too overbearing. Because of the stand out nature of the dress, she keeps the rest of the look simple with a pair of brown wedges and a simple gold bangle. In the end, she is able to achieve a striking balance between all the elements of this summertime ensemble.

To achieve this flirty, apres-beach look, be sure to check out Shopbop for a wide variety of tribal pieces ranging from tops to jewelry items. Their Minkpink tribal dance tunic tank would look great paired with skinnies or even as a beach coverup for your warm weather escapes. Another piece that is a real testament to the ethnic look is this Nom De Plume by YaYa Penny dress from Urban Outfitters. Pair this dress with a some nude wedges and you will not only look long and lean, but ready for a day at your favorite music festival. And lastly, for those of you who rather show off this look through accessories, check out this We the Owls tribal scarf from Net-a-Porter. Wear it with a plain white T-shirt and you will have a look that is chic, yet sartorial-worthy.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: The Crisp White Blouse

In order to reach optimal results when you practice seasonal trends, it is important to periodically assess the basic pieces in your wardrobe – like the crisp white blouse. This closet staple will certainly never go out of style, but it is experiencing even greater popularity, especially as the hot summer days come rolling in. White blouses are no longer reserved for interviews or formal functions; they are great for a day basking in the sun or even an afternoon in the coffee shop.

This Fashionista was on trend with her sleeveless white top. Equal parts refreshing and chic, she shows how it is possible to look comfortable, yet put together. By pairing it with a pair of lightly frayed denim cut-offs, she is able to strike the balance between clean simplicity and playful fun. Her grey strappy sandals also help keep the look interesting, without going overboard on details and embellishments.

I’m so excited to let you all in on one of my all-time favorite fashion brands: Equipment. Their classic silk blouses have been an industry favorite for years. Not only are they fitting for everyday purposes, but the drapey quality of the shirts in many subtle colors, including white make them a must-have label. For a top similar to that of the Fashionista above, check out Equipment’s sleeveless signature blouse. For a top that will carry you through every season, their full sleeved signature blouse is also a must-have. Lastly, Topshop offers a great selection of budget-friendly tops, such as the white sleeveless grandad blouse and the basic button-through shirt.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Mini Rompers

While the temperature here in the South has begun reaching that perfect 80 or so degrees, students here have begun focusing on three things: staying hydrated, coating themselves in plenty of sunscreen, and of course, rotating through a fashion playlist made up of comfortable, beat-the-heat ensembles. As far as the last priority goes, while we are still depending on lightweight dresses and the classic tank and shorts combination, the mini romper has also made its way to become a standout staple.

As shown by this Fashionista, rompers are not only versatile, but also create a look that is sophisticated, clean and impeccably pulled together. The floral print allows her to keep her accessories minimal and the one shoulder is definitely a refreshing take on the more usual spaghetti strap or strapless styles.

Though this garment will seamlessly fit into your transitional spring-summer wardrobe, it is certainly not as easy to find the most desirable, figure-flattering jumpers out there. Shopping in Urban Outfitters the other day, I came across a countless number of stylish options. This Ecote Embroidered Romper and this Reformed by The Reformation Ricky Romper would make for two excellent closet additions. I am also lusting after this Ella Moss Dawn Romper; the cutouts at the shoulder are a great way to show off some skin, while still looking classy and chic. I have no doubt that this shape will bring you to new stylish heights – enjoy!

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Put Some Spring in Your Step

Sometimes, particularly when you're deep into a season, a product or trend can be in so ubiquitous that it's hard to know where to start. Such can be the case with spring summer sandals. With so many variations out there, from gladiators to this season’s newest flatform style, choosing sandals isn't as easy as wearing them for a walk in the park. But fear not, this Fashionista shows just how the wedge can strike the right style note.

While I agree that Havaianas flip-flops and flat strappy sandals are quintessential summer necessities, investing in a pair of neutral-colored wedges is just as important. Like a blazer or floral frock, wedges are a nice way to incorporate some quick and easy polish to your look. After all, a couple extra inches of height has never hurt anyone. This Fashionista makes the smart choice of keeping her color palette filled with blues and browns. The cropped jeans are a great way to show off the shoes and the leather jacket adds a little of the edgy, urban style that has come to define our generation.

To aid you in your shopping process, I would like to offer a few suggestions as to what wedges may be excellent additions to your wardrobe. Because this year is all about nude tones, stick with the basic white, tan or brown. Ash offers some stylish options to jumpstart your way into the warmer weather, such as their ‘Lucy’ Sandals and their ‘Marilyn’ Wedge Sandals. Another one of my go-to retailers for quality shoes is Nine West. Since meeting the company’s creative director, Fred Allard, last year, I have been obsessed with the line’s young and tasteful aesthetic. Check out their ‘Nacia’ Wedges, which will give you a fresh confidence as you walk through campus, the park or the boardwalk.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Knot it Up

Over the decades, the white button-down has deservedly earned its place as a closet must-have. Whether worn by itself with a pair of dark skinnies or tucked into your favorite skirt, this classic never gets old – it’s versatile, crisp and perfectly chic. With that being said, today’s look is all about finding ways to reinvent this beloved top and finding new ways to bring it into this new season.

Although this look is so impeccably put together from head-to-toe, it was the knot at the bottom that really caught my attention. Instead of buttoning the shirt up or leaving it completely open, this Fashionista’s decision to tie the ends makes for a distinctive character that is refreshingly cool. Yes, it is a throwback to the 1980s, but she keeps the outfit modern with the clean lines of her tank, cropped jeans and oxfords. And, lastly, it would be an injustice to not mention her statement-worthy hair. A great presence comes from utilizing every outlet to be creative and unique and that is exactly what she has done.

If there is one retailer’s aesthetic that this Fashionista epitomizes it would have to be Vince, which offers a complete line of luxe staples with a fresh sensibility. Their oversized silk blouse would make a great addition to any wardrobe, as well as their shrunked striped classic shirt. The faded stripe and relaxed fit make it look like an item that you have loved for years. Also, check out J.Crew for their signature shirts, such as this stretch perfect shirt. The extra-soft fabric would allow you to tie a knot and achieve a look as classic and confident as this Fashionista.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Pretty in Lace

Right now you’re probably thinking that the current lace craze is nothing new. And, you’re right; it’s an extension of a trend that has, for some time, firmly cemented itself as a fashion world favorite year after year. So, what follows is, instead, more about how to wear this pretty look and how to set yourself apart from the masses – so that you can bring it forward and into a look that is distinctively yours.

This season, the ultimate balance of lace is all about being romantic, but not overly girly; sensual but not overly suggestive. This Fashionista captures just that perfect equilibrium. She keeps her outfit modern, yet feminine by pairing her cream lace skirt with a vibrant pop of red. The skirt also hits at just the right spot. For those of you who still want to show some leg this summer, despite the recent onset of longer hemlines, a skirt that hits right at the thigh is equal parts modest and flirty. Lastly, her black caged sandals were a smart move. Though they don’t follow the ladylike theme, they bring a touch of edge and intensity, without being too overwhelming.

So, as we finally get out of the frigid cold days of winter, it’s time to begin finding stylish pieces that will take you throughout the spring and summer. The lace skirt will be one such critical piece for your updated wardrobe. This Fashionista's skirt is from Club Monaco, one of my favorite stores for timeless, yet contemporary pieces. For those of you who are willing to take a little more risk and perhaps venture into longer skirts, I highly suggest this Reformed by The Reformation Blanche skirt from Urban Outfitters. The tonal knit mini skirt followed by the sheer lace makes this a piece worth investing in. Whatever you may pick, have fun with it. Lace is such a versatile style; take it as a palette that you can really build off of and with which you can create stunning looks.