Becca Weber – CollegeFashionista

WHAT TO WEAR: Day To Night

As much as I love wearing a dress that’s both sleek and chic to take me from office casual to dinner date ornate, I find that wearing seemingly conflicting pieces allow for a more expressive and stylish approach to a basic day to night outfit.

This Fashionista appears both polished and refined as she incorporates three ensembles from a decade that is known for it’s timeless and impeccable fashion. Her ’60s-inspired bohemian top is both relaxed and romantic as it exposes her shoulders and flows elegantly around her midriff. The blouse is fun, flirty and especially forgiving when aiming to stay away from skin tight tank tops. I’m currently obsessing over Spell & The Gypsy Collective and Beyond Vintage’s lace tops.

MANGO carries similar bohemian blouses available in both black and white, while Henry & Belle offer a timeless pair of skinny jeans available in various colors. This Fashionista’s casual cuffed jeans are classically cut, and when paired with a pair of Jeffrey Campbell suede booties, the resulting look is inspired.

When looking to appear both fresh faced and gracefully sophisticated, mimic this Fashionista’s feminine approach and combine pieces that are both structured and chic to keep things unique. This is a perfect wear anywhere outfit that can easily take you from daytime shopping to karaoke night with very little modification.

One Simple Change: Add a fun cocktail ring and an oversized envelope clutch to instantly elevate this look from basic to bold. Your girl’s night out will be stylish and fun!

WHAT TO WEAR: Casual Date Night

Coming from a season full of flats, fringe and faux leather leggings, it’s refreshing to see a summer outfit that incorporates trends from diverse decades to create a refined and sophisticated sense of style. Beginning in the late ’60s, skin tight pants were worn as a protest against the bell bottom flares that were becoming ever so popular. After making a comeback in the ’80s, the black skinny pant was a sure staple in almost every woman’s closet.

It wasn’t until the early ’90s that leggings began to outsell jeans as they were seen as comfortable and wearable bottoms that were appropriate for hotspots other than the gym. I’ve always been a fan of chic black leggings, as they are both functional and edgy. They often have an ability to add another dimension to an otherwise basic outfit.

Although there are many ways to style a pair of dressy black leggings, this Fashionista wore hers with a white bohemian blouse and a pair of black lace-up wedges. She kept her hair down and accessorized with a classic silver necklace and tiny diamond studs. Her makeup was minimal and her toes were painted with a light lavender polish that pulled her entire look together.

The Row offers modal leggings that would flatter any silhouette, while Raquel Allegra designed a pair of cashmere leggings that features a ribbed ankle cuff and chic shredded details. I’m currently obsessing over Jeffrey Campbell’s gladiator style wedges with a lace-up front and a short subtle heel. Restricted offers an affordable version of these wedges both with leather detail and a man made sole.

One Simple Change: To take this look from casual date night to daytime dapper for class, pull your hair into a low sleek ponytail and swap the wedges for a pair of simple summer sandals.

WHAT TO WEAR: Concert

Being a season full of carnivals, concerts and endless festivals — summer is a time to appear carefree chic and even a bit geek(y). I often struggle to find a balance between hippie and haute neat, but with a few basic pieces any Fashionista/o can mix and match for a put together and laid-back look.

I spotted these Fashionistas in high-waisted flare skirts and flashy leather flatforms that brought back some ’90s nostalgia and hipster envy. They both wore oversized glasses and fuzzy socks which gave them an ‘I don’t care’ feel to their look. One Fashionista chose to wear a feminine cream blouse as the other wore a simple cropped top and an open gray cardigan. Their hair was long and free flowing as their makeup was kept to a minimum with an ever so slight cat eye.

If you’re looking to try this trend with a bit of an edge, Jeffrey Campbell carries a pair of 80mm leather brushed platform boots that would look perfect with any flare skirt and a NASTY GAL-esque cropped top. Steve Alan has a pair of lace up boots with a wearable combat heel and a pointed toe, while Akira has a pair of hologram flatforms with a 2 1/2″ heel and similar black detail along the soles and laces.

NASTY GAL carries a fun and flirty scuba skater skirt with a high waist and detailed pleats. For those of you looking to rock the chambray styled skirt, they also have a similar blue skater skirt perfect for any summer concert.

One Simple Change: To take this look from concert casual to evening appealing. Replace the retro flatforms with a pair of stiletto lace-up booties and chic side swept chignon bun.

WHAT TO WEAR: Weekend Wear

I always like to do things that others wouldn’t expect. Whether it’s wearing wooden wedges in the winter or snakeskin in the summer, I find that a simple shock factor has the potential to add another dimension to an otherwise boring outfit. Although there are obvious ways to push the boundaries of your personal style, it is far more compelling to subtly break the rules by wearing key pieces that artfully craft a sense of style and mystique.

Summer is seen as a season full of florals, flats and fedoras since the most influential designers focus much of their attention on creating their fall line. Fashionista’s everywhere tend to wear bright colors and light fabrics to create a carefree and versatile sense of style; and it is only those daring enough to break the rules that help to determine next season’s popular trends.

This Fashionista broke every assumption about the summer season as she wore numerous pieces that emulate an appropriate appearance for fall. Her maroon tapered trouser’s and black floppy hat caught my attention immediately, by giving off a flair unlike any other piece I’ve seen this season. Being both edgy and chic, a felt floppy hat is the perfect accessory as it adds both a dash of elegance and a hint of rebellion to any classic look. I absolutely love Luisa Via Roma’s wool blend hat that features both a floppy brim and grosgrain hatband. NASTY GAL offers a similar vintage style brim hat perfect for those of us fighting against relentless bad hair days.

P.A.R.O.S.H. carries a pair of casual tapered pants in both maroon and black while Brian Dales has a pair of virgin wool cropped pants appropriate for even the most scorching days of the season.

This Fashionista accessorized with a sparkling statement necklace, a simple gold cuff and traditional diamond studs. Her sweater tank and dark red lips can be worn through the next two seasons and her subtle cat eye remains consistent with her soft features. I admire by her ability to appear equally edgy and chic while working against the season’s norms by pulling pieces from conflicting and seemingly inconsistent styles.

One Simple Change: Exchange the light brown wedges for a Louboutin heel, and add a simple Céline bag for a structured and polished finish.

WHAT TO WEAR: Brunch

Being a part of both men’s and women’s wardrobes since the late 19th century, the denim jacket has proven to be a popular piece for modern day Fashionistas looking for a chic summer staple. A simple rolling of the sleeve or raising of the collar can transform this jacket into an elegant and sophisticated layering element; as celebrities like Rachel Bilson and Cameron Diaz have been spotted wearing this classic trend in some of the most unconventional and eccentric ways.

I personally love this piece worn with a flowy and free maxi dress (or skirt) and a pair of simple strappy sandals. This Fashionista wore her denim over a bright red sleeveless top and an aztec patterned maxi skirt. She accessorized with a pair of chandelier boho earrings and a short triangle necklace which flattered the cut of her red tank top. This Fashionista wore a pair of nude flat sandals and decorated her nails with a bold blue and polka-dot pattern.

My favorite distressed denim is designed by rag & bone and can be found at Cusp by Neiman Marcus. Mango and Rebecca Taylor offer this jacket in a slightly lighter wash, which can be appropriate for anything from an early brunch to a casual late lunch. Although wearing denim on denim is not a new concept, I always find that mixing colors and textures helps to create a new twist on this old school trend.

One Simple Change: Hold the jewelry and create a carefree boho chic vibe with a basic denim jacket, black maxi skirt and a neutral crop top.

WHAT TO WEAR: Presentation

As the first session of summer school is slowing coming to an end, students everywhere are rejoicing over the freedom that is soon to come after eight weeks of cram sessions and all-nighters at the library. Something that seemed like a good idea at the time has turned into a sleepless and stressful week, filled with essay writing and exam taking. While most students are basking in warm weather and carefree vibes, few of us are forced to finish our degree in the summer and manage the final presentations that come with it.

I have been #blessed with four presentations this past week, all consisting of powerpoints, notecards and excessive sweating. Being the only senior left in most of my courses, I’m compelled to lead each group into earning an A without sacrificing my personal boho chic style while doing so. For me, dressing for the presentation is sometimes the most stressful part of the project but with some poise and a few bold pieces, any summer school student can appear stylish, chic and sophisticated during a demanding presentation.

I spotted this Fashionista in a green patterned jumpsuit filled with swirling colors of blue and turquoise. She wore a pair of black leather sandals and kept her hair down, flowing and free. I admired her ability to wear a bold print to a school presentation as she remained both classroom appropriate and suitable for summer.

NASTY GAL carries a plethora of patterned jumpsuits that are both feminine and edgy for anything from a group presentation to a formal speech. I personally love Boohoo’s eye-catching feathered jumpsuit as it emits both confidence and sophistication in a singular look; while Mango offers a cropped version of this wide-leg trend as it falls slightly above the knee and reveals a little leg.

One Simple Change: To take this look from daytime trendy to evening intriguing, add a pair of high nude wedges, an elegant pendant and a strong colored lip.

WHAT TO WEAR: Study Group

The open knit sweater—being simple, sophisticated and significant in almost every season—is by far the coolest way to add some spunk to any summer outfit. It’s functional, stylish, and will bring out your inner je ne m’inquiète pas without appearing too frumpish. I spotted this Fashionista in a grey blend open knit sweater with a pair of flat leather sandals and acid wash shorts. I admired her ability to mix black and brown leather by keeping the black to a minimum and forcing the satchel as the focus piece of the outfit.

The open knit sweater on this Fashionista was unique in that it had leather detail along a waterfall hemline. Mango has a chic chunky knit cardigan perfect for layering, and ASOS offers a unique oversized cardigan with a waterfall hemline. She accentuated the edgy hem by wearing high-waisted cutoffs and a simple Vince tank. Her black leather sandals enhanced the simplicity of the sweater while the brown satchel and ombre hair gave her look a warm finish.

Nasty Gal carries some cool vintage cut-off shorts that are high-waisted, ripped and totally shredded. Distressed cutoffs have been in and out of the fashion limelight for a while now, and it appears they will be making their mark again this season. I love pairing my acid wash cutoffs with a feminine top to balance the edginess with a bit of grace and keeping my hair soft and loose.

One Simple Change: Swap the satchel for an oversized envelope clutch, and swap the flats with a pair of leather wedges to take the outfit from day to night in one easy step.

WHAT TO WEAR: Errands

We all know what it’s like having to run from store to store on a sunny summer afternoon. It feels long, exhausting and especially draining. After a while we start to become slow and dragging zombies, forcing ourselves into the next busy shop. While the activity of running errands might not the most exciting, dressing for the occasion can be a wise and sensible way to make the experience much more enjoyable.

I spotted this Fashionista walking down the ped mall wearing a simple white T-shirt, a pair of light brown crochet shorts and Birkenstock Sandals. She kept her belongings in a brown cross-body bag and left her hair and makeup looking both soft and natural. Her ability to match her bag to her shoes and her shoes to her shorts was impressive as most Fashionista’s appear to be forcing a match that wasn’t there to begin with. Her look was neutral, organic and perfect for running around town on a hot summer day.

Both crochet and eyelet shorts are not new to the festival nor fashion scene. They had their 15 minutes of fame on hippies in the 70’s as many outdoor summer festivals and concerts welcomed Fashionista’s in textured shorts, cropped tops and bare feet. Free People offers a wide array of eyelet and textured shorts, while Revolve offers a swim suit cover-up variety that will be sure to make you stand out against the basic cutoffs. Although this Fashionista’s Birkenstocks are the most practical aspect of her look, they tend to take away from the texture of the shorts. A beaded detailed sandal similar to this one would take her look from plain jane to plain chic in no time at all.

One Simple Change: Swap out the cross-body bag for a Celine handbag, switch the Birkenstock Sandals with a pair of chic cork wedges and add a fun floppy hat.

WHAT TO WEAR: Early Class

Dressing for class is never an easy task. Being forced to sit in a cold classroom when the weather outside is anything but can be both agonizing and annoying to say the least. When deemed with responsibilities throughout the summer, the addition of some fun accessories and a bright outfit can easily take your day from drab to fab in no time at all.

I spotted this Fashionista on her way to class and her colorful top instantly grabbed my attention. The chevron pattern along with the pop of color adds some personality to her overall look and her accessories are the perfect example of wearable pieces that are both classroom appropriate and explicitly stylish. Michael Kors offers a chic blush chronograph watch similar to the one spotted on this Fashionista, while Sole Society offers an elegant gold cuff that can also add some sparkle to your look. This Fashionista wore the perfect summer cardigan, being both white and light she can wear it in a cool classroom without feeling overheated.

Gaining fame in the past few seasons, the chevron pattern can take your basic stripe from bold to boisterous with very little effort. Neiman Marcus offers a sophisticated spin on this trend with a high collar structure and soft blue palette. Sperry Top-Siders are a go to shoe for most scholastic Fashionista’s due to their preppy structure and wearable shape. This Fashionista finished her look with a pair of black knit pants. Denimocracy offers a similar style with a French Terry twist.

One Simple Change: When looking to elevate this look, swap the open cardigan for a cropped denim jacket and add a neutral infinity scarf.

ACCESSORIES REPORT: Not Your Basic Beanie

Rocking a hat (and a beanie at that), is one of the easiest ways to polish off a chic winter outfit. With its fuzzy texture and structured shape, this hat is a staple that can be worn with leather, denim and even other knits. Whether laid back and slouchy or structured and preppy, the beanie is an accessory that should be a part of every Fashionista/os closet.

I spotted this Fashionista in a deep purple structured knit beanie. She wore white wash pants and a pair of beige ballet flats, giving her outfit a touch of grace and elegance while her layers kept her outfit looking cozy yet trendy. This Fashionista rocked a dark green military style cinched-waist jacket as she finished off her look with a tote bag, black mittens and a multicolor infinity scarf.

The Olsen’s are notorious for rocking the beanie along with many other celebrities such as Jessica Biel, Nicole Richie and Rachel Bilson. Ranging in color, texture and style, there are many different trends that will work with anybody’s style. Free People offers an array of hats that can be worn to class, concerts and classy dates while REVOLVEclothing.com has some edgier syles, similar to this dimepiece cap. Urban Outfitters also has some fun styles like this Animal Ears beanie or a chunky knit pom one.

Whether it’s the dead of winter or the middle of August, the knit beanie is a statement accessory that will give an outfit a cool and funky vibe.

Spotted: Alexander Wang’s fall 2008 collection featured some trendy yet casual slouchy beanies.

My eBay collections were curated as part of the CollegeFashionista and eBay collaboration with Style Coalition #FOLLOWITFINDIT