Author: Sara Abbasi

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Keeping Those Cutoffs

The denim cutoff. They are an absolute summer essential—I have around five pairs myself. But how are we to extend their wear into the cooler months and stay reasonably warm? This lovely lady shows us that we can still show off our glam gams without packing away our favorite summer staple.

This Fashionista is wearing a black V-neck from Urban Outfitters, shorts were thrifted and destroyed, old tights, a sweater from Forever 21, and shoes also from Urban Outfitters. Pairing a dark wash with black tights, this girl’s fashionable brilliance brings sunshine to all onlookers. Got a hole in your only pair of tights? Go for this punk-inspired look.

So don't put those short shorts away just yet. Get your hands on some liney-stockings, or any old pair. Work it with a V-neck, and a pair of combat boots.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Cozy Knits

Comfy, cozy, cuddly. All of these words have always been attractive when associated with one of our sense of touch. Now, we find all of these things just as visually pleasing. Comfort hasn't been commonly associated with fashion for a long time. For us Fashionistas, it gives us the greatest pleasure to see this notion deteriorate. This darling manages to exhibit all three of these lovable qualities with the greatest ease.

This Fashionista wears a top from Levi's, a Massimo Dutti sweater, a scarf made by her mother, Wolford tights, socks from American Apparel, and Clarks shoes.

Snag a thick cardigan, a chunky scarf, and some cozy stockings–they'll be your best investment through this fall and winter.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Rust Lust

Who said brunette couldn’t pull off brown? Whoever it was, they clearly haven’t seen this girl. Mixing a gauzy warm-weather friendly top with jeans, she wowed all of us with her marvelous swag. Sporting the color of the season, this Fashionista had me immediately searching for the perfect rust-colored outerwear for the cooler months to come. Unlike the brown trend from years ago, the shade of the moment complements us dark-haired babes with a delightful contrast.

This beauty is wearing Citizens of Humanity jeans, a Pinkyotto top, Chanel flats, and an Hermes bangle—and rocking it.

If you want the look, try snagging a pair of rust-hued jeans, a gossamer top, black ballet flats and a simple bangle.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Lovely Layers

I think Mother Nature has been a little confused lately. She’s completely unpredictable. With weeks of visible breath, followed by sweat and sebum scorchers, we’re left changing our outfits every few hours to suit her mood.

This Fashionista has it right. She knows the magic of layers. With a casual tank and cropped jeans, she’s ready for warm weather. Throwing on some androgynous shoes with a heeled hint of sex appeal, and a light bright blazer, she won’t be fooled by Mommy’s tricks. Bringing her brights and darks together with a fuchsia lip and matching Wayfarers, this all-weather treading chick is ready for class.

This vivacious young lady sports Ray-Ban Wayfarers, Girl About Town lipstick by MAC Cosmetics, T by Alexander Wang tank, her mother’s old blazer, Anthropologie pants and shoes from Forever 21.

So grab a bright blazer and pair it with a nice tank and cropped pants—and you’ll be ready for whatever Mother dearest throws at us—be it sun, rain or frost.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Casual Pastels

There’s something wonderful about a man in baby blue. Is it the irony, being a mature grown male figure dressed in a color used to classically define what determines the sex of a newborn? Is it the way the color contrasts with their skin tone in the perfect way? For me, that horizontal stripe detail gives me the comfort of knowing that some boys really do care to be chic.

Careful not to mix too many pastels, this Fashionisto pairs his hoodie with black Jordache Basics, black converse, a Cartoon Network tee and black Casio G-Shock. Looking approachable and edgy, this freshman is ready for class and singing in the male acapella group.

Grab a pastel hoodie and some contrasted jeans. Keep it clean, keep it casual.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK Respect the Classics

My campus is small. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I already knew who’d be looking dapper on the first day of classes. This freshman hunk-of-prep manages to show us his attractive personality and even his history—through his well-thought personal attire. Mixing his preppy J. Crew Khakis with Special Edition Vans and a G-Shock watch, we see his respect for the old school, as well as his creativity.

Tucker is wearing a Jack Wills button-down, white solar-panel G-Shock watch, linen khakis from J. Crew, an Urban Outfitters belt, and custom edition Vans with beaded Native-American-style straps.

“I was the sneaker collecting type, buying Supras rather than DC’s and stuff. I love shoes. I’m a sneaker freaker. But as a student, I like to look nicer when I go to school. I grew up in Fairfield County too, so I felt a need show my pride when I went to college. But I don’t go for the straight prep—I try to dress it up with some flare, with some kind of urban twist to it—like with my G-Shock, or some sneaks. It’s nice to be unique.”

His shirt, I found, was most intriguing. My eyes lit up when he mentioned the British cult brand. “When I was on the wonderful isle of Nantucket, I stumbled upon this new shop in town, called Jack Wills. It’s more of a cutting-edge version of Ralph Lauren’s Rugby. It’s got that English flare to it. Everything’s more slim-fit, a lot of really great patterns—but in the end, it’s a pretty preppy store. The tags say Jack Wills, University Outfitters—so it was perfect for me. It’s my favorite brand! I’ve got quite a bit. I think a quarter of my wardrobe is Jack Wills now, at least at college. I even have a passport cover, and their cologne is great. I even have their Union Jack duvet cover in my dorm room, and I have the accent pillow for that—the other side says, ‘God Save the King,’ on it. Obviously, I’m the king.”

So what do we take from this lesson?

Respect the classics. Instead of going to class in your jammies, wear a fresh oxford and pair it with slim khakis—but still add your own twist. A watch and urban sneakers for the guys, and for the ladies, an edgy bracelet and a pair of menswear-inspired flats.

 

Style Guru Bio: Sara Abbasi

Greetings to you young, stylish, and superbly educated wonders.

It gives me the finest pleasure to serve you as Wheaton College's first Style Guru. I'm from a town just minutes from New York City–the notoriously wealthy Greenwich Connecticut. I've always been known for my “adventurous” and “extreme” style choices–but I find that my fashion sense stems from buying stylish, yet affordable alternatives to what my classmates wore in high school. In some cases, it meant having different a style all together, that I still felt confident in. This got me noticed–in a surprisingly great way. I always look for a unique twist on what's popular, or even what's considered ordinary. My favorite fall runway looks came from Celine, Balmain, Jil Sander and Isabel Marant, but I'm always a sucker for Chloé and Alexander Wang. My personal style definitely reflects my personality: a tad quirkier than your average fashion-loving gal.

Having taken weekend classes at Parson's School of Design for fashion throughout high school, I've always been incredibly interested in the industry. And along with fashion, my passions also lie in beauty. I strongly believe that beauty is an important part of personal style, and artistic expression. Known as “sarrbasi” on YouTube, I've created my own makeup tutorials for the fashion-conscious. In my videos, I create looks for those who want to wear runway beauty trends, and still compliment their outfits. I have had the honor of working for the renowned beauty blog, Into The Gloss, in New York City this past summer, and will be continuing from Massachusetts. I've also been lucky enough to work extensively as an intern at NYLON Magazine–it felt like a second home! Through my internships, I've had the pleasure of learning about the fashion industry from the inside.

This year I'll be in New York quite frequently to continue my work. I look forward to showing you all the other glamorous collegiate trendsetters I meet along the way! Now entering my second year at Wheaton College in Massachusetts, I'm also excited to show what our school has to offer College Fashionista's readers. For a school in the middle of nowhere, there are some impeccably dressed students here–and it's time they get noticed!