Author: Taylor Knox

STYLE GURU STYLE: Don’t Say Goodbye

As we head into summer, we begin to say goodbye to our favorite fall and spring pieces. I don’t know about everyone else, but there is something a bit sad about parting ways with your favorite coats and boots. But of course, the beautiful weather makes it all a bit easier.

Mixing pieces from each season is a good way to make the peaceful transition into warmer weather, but this is often easier said than done. The simplest way to do this is by adding a layering piece. Layering is also great for this prickly and indecisive weather we’ve been having.

This season, lightweight, duster-esque trench coats have made their way into Fashionistas’ wardrobes again. Thankfully, I bought this gray-beige piece a few years ago and have been dying to reintroduce it into my everyday looks.

To bring this piece into the warmer seasons, pair it with a breezy white T-shirt and a fitted denim skirt! Pairing the short hemline of the denim skirt with the long hemline of the coat plays with dimension and helps to elongate your body in an otherwise shortening look.

I finished off the look with a favorite fall/winter trend of this past season: the loafer and fishnet socks combination. Adding another cold weather trend helps round out the look, and makes a somewhat bipolar ensemble appear more cohesive. It also adds a bit of edge to an otherwise soft and classic outfit.

So, Fashionistas, begin parting ways with the old and making room for the new by mixing and matching different trends and seasons. It’s also a fun way to play with your style as we await the days where its just too hot to wear anything but a sun dress.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: A Man’s Best Friend

Men’s fashion is often seen as tricky and less exciting to many fashion lovers because, through no fault of their own, their options seem to be much more limited than for us ladies. We even have the option to incorporate menswear into our everyday outfits! While men totally can, and do, wear clothing designed for women, it is less common and a little more difficult to find a good fit. So what’s a fashion-loving guy to do?

When it comes to fashion, a man’s best friend is not a furry friend but instead a garment endowed with detail. Though the detail could be a faux fur collar or cuff, here we see this Fashionisto finding ways to incorporate a mix of detailed pieces to create a full look. The detail could be a texture, a pattern, or even a patch. Anything that can add that touch of personality and help show off one’s personal style.

Thankfully, there has been a resurgence of trendy, more experimental menswear in the last couple years. Designers have begun to manipulate silhouettes and play with details. This Fashionisto finds ways to incorporate these new styles by wearing on-trend pieces that each have a different texture or, dare I say it again, detail. This helps create a dimensional look, and allows the Fashionisto to express himself through his personal style.

The otherwise simple combination of a bomber, a pair of jeans, and sneakers is quickly elevated by choosing a quilted navy bomber which adds textured patchwork denim for a unique detail and a colorful headpiece to showcase his unique style and personality.

WHAT TO WEAR: When You’re Afraid of Wearing Color

Lately, it’s been all about the neutrals and creating a clean and crisp look. But it feels like these days, we could all use a little pop of color in our lives — and that includes our wardrobe. As Pantone indicated by their choice in the color of the year for 2017, color is definitely making its way back into popular fashion.

In my most recent shopping excursion, even I actually bought a few items in an array of vibrant colors, which was a little outside (no, really outside) of my normal purchasing choices. For some reason I was just attracted to the bright orange, red, and yellow items that I ended up buying. As we make our way into spring, a pop of color among an otherwise neutral palette is the perfect way to transition into the season. Let’s be honest: it’s probably the only way I’ll be able to implement these vibrant hues into my everyday looks.

It seems as though I am not alone, as this Fashionista felt the same way: In an otherwise all-black ensemble, down to the shoes, she introduced the bright color of yellow and a little texture to the look. Adding this faux-leather skirt is the easiest way to branch out from your other wise subdued color palette while staying in line with your personal style and preferred aesthetic.

If you’re still a little weary of wearing a bright color, start small by wearing a bright nail polish or a piece with vibrant floral embellishments. Even these small nods to spring can help brighten your look and get you out of your winter-y mood.

STYLE ADVICE: Denim Dimension

Every fashion lover knows that there’s nothing better than wearing a hot new pair of jeans out for the first time! This Fashionista got this trendy two-toned pair and was simply dying to break them out.

New trends like these two-tone jeans can be tricky to style and with tricky pieces there are two ways to go: you could go for simple and easy pieces (we have seen models like Gigi and Bella Hadid pair the item with a white crop top) or you could add more fun pieces to the mix like this Fashionista did!

Here we see her complementing the already dimensional two-tone denim with a multi-dimensional layered look on top, as she opts for a striped bodysuit and black long-sleeved crop top combination. The black top acts as one large stripe layered over the smaller stripe pattern of the mock neck bodysuit, adding both warmth and (as stated before) even more dimension to the look.

The multi-dimensional/stripe theme continues all the way down to the Fashionista’s feet, where she wears striped ankle socks and platform loafers with a stripe detail. The burgundy of the patent loafers adds a new texture and a bit of color to the look as well.

Sometimes, tricky and trendy pieces can be intimidating, and it can be easy to just let the piece speak for itself among simple pieces that barely speak at all. But fashion is fun! These jeans can still make a statement among the subdued tones of the rest of the outfit without taking away the voice of the other pieces.

STYLE GURU BIO: Taylor Knox

Hey Fashionistas!

As this is my fourth semester as a Style Guru for CollegeFashionista, some of you may have heard this whole spiel before but for those of you who haven’t…

Hello! My name is Taylor and I am a senior at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. I am a Communication Studies major with a minor in Fashion Studies. Within my major I focus on media and visual communications, and hope to use my degree towards a career as a wardrobe and set stylist.

In my last three Style Guru Bios I mentioned my long-standing love for fashion, described Rachel Zoe’s influence on my career choice, and attempted to explain my style as, quote, “a tomboy dressing up.” Three things that are still true today. I have loved fashion since a very young age, before I ever realized that it was a career option. I have been a creative for just as long, spending most of my free time as a child drawing, taking photos, and playing dress-up.

At 22, I am anxious and excited to graduate and begin adulting. I look back on my journey to graduating college, it was not so long ago that I was a senior in high school in a wreck about going and now I kind of don’t want to leave! I look back on how my style has changed, and thank god it has. I look back on the people who influenced me and those who continue to do so today. I look back on how awesome my friends and family have been in supporting my goals.

But that’s enough looking back! Now, to look forward to pursuing a career in an industry that I love.

Oh, and in case you were wondering: my outfit is one that I put together for a day of shopping in San Clemente, California during my Christmas break. True to my tomboy self, I paired a mauve T-shirt dress with a casual denim jacket around the waist and white sneakers.

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: First Dates and Coffee Shops

First dates can be an exciting, yet extremely nerve-wracking event! You worry if they are going to like you, and more importantly if you are going to like them. Will you have a good time? Will they be funniest, smartest, most interesting person you’ve ever met in your life? Or will it be awkward and now you’re stuck staring at each other until your friend comes in to save you with the fake emergency phone call (classic). All of these pre-date worries do not need your outfit to be added into the mix!

This Fashionista’s got your back with her fail-safe, go-to casual first date outfit. In specific, this outfit was chosen for a coffee date. Coffee dates are easy, comfortable and casual. The shops usually provide a multitude of comfy, safe-distance seating. These days, coffee joints have amazing aesthetics of neutral tones and often a homey feel.

So your outfit should match this air of ease and neutrality. This Fashionista went for structured pieces made of soft fabrics. The gray wool coat is meant for mild winters, allowing it to double as a cozy cardigan. It holds its shape, but is not stiff so you can easily snuggle up with your cappuccino and discuss your favorite indie films or what Gigi Hadid wore yesterday, wherever the conversation ends up.

The mid-rise jeggings won’t squeeze and constrict the whole time so you won’t have to fuss. Adding a simple halter-style mock neck top is on trend and sophisticated. This Fashionista looks put together but not too structured which will help keep the mood stress-free. Throw an updated bowler hat on top, put on your favorite flat booties—no need for heels and accidental stumbles today—and you are good to go!

This is a super cute, simple and flattering look. Free of any uncomfortable or odd fitting pieces, distracting frills and dangly accessories, this look will keep both of you focused and comfortable.

WHAT TO WEAR: Work

On another gorgeous fall day in Minneapolis, I found this Fashionista just getting home from work on a Friday afternoon. It was 70 degrees and overcast, perfect for shooting! The gold in her jacket not only matched the classic Puma stripe in her PUMA x Fenty Creepers. It perfectly complemented the golden tones of the changing leaves. This vine-adorned wall served as the perfect backdrop for this Fashionista’s comfortable yet fashion-forward work look.

Some of us are lucky enough to be able to wear fashionable clothing to work, while some of us (like me) are not. This Fashionista’s place of employment allows for a bit of creativity when getting dressed in the morning. This not only means she gets to wear cute outfits, but that wearing loud or fun outfits may even be encouraged! For this look she went for minimal pieces, adding some fun kicks on the bottom and a statement jacket on top. She mentioned that both the top and cropped trousers were bought in Spain, so it makes sense that they are perfectly tailored and minimal pieces. She may have opted for a pair of comfy sneakers to get through the day, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring! We all know and love Rihanna’s collaboration with PUMA, so these shoes are totally on trend.

This Fashionista recommends when shopping for and buying shoes to look for a pair that is versatile, that will go with anything and everything and that you could wear all day. When you’re getting ready, think about what you will be doing and how comfortable you want to be all day. You can still look chic while feeling like you’re in your PJs! 

STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: How’s the Weather?

I don’t know about the rest of the country, but this time of year only brings confusion to us Minnesotans in regards as to how to answer one (seemingly) simple question: What’s the weather like today? Not such a simple question here when one day it’s 57 degrees and you’re sweating through your t-shirt and the next it’s 65 you’re freezing in a light knit sweater!

Not to mention, once you’re on campus there’s usually no going back! What you’re wearing is what you’ll be wearing for the rest of the day. So you can see why one might struggle when looking through their closet in the morning thinking: Which kind of suffering do I want to endure through today?

So what’s a girl to do? This Fashionista believes she may have found the answer. The day we shot these photos was a perfect example! The previous week had been filled with rain, wind, and colder temperatures, but this day was absolutely beautiful. The temperature was set at a comfortable 65 degrees and the sun was shining. Still, it cooled down in the later hours.

This Fashionista started by choosing a favorite summer top of hers, in a color that complements her blonde locks, blue eyes, and fair olive skin. By adding lightweight jean and simple cardigan over the cropped cami is the perfect combo. If the wind picks up and the temps drop, just wrap yourself in the cozy cardigan. If the sun comes out and the wind is still, simply tie the cardigan around your waist! This Fashionista will feel comfortable no matter the weather. Add a pair of heeled leather boots to embrace the fall season. Pretty simple and looks chic!

STYLE GURU STYLE: New Silhouettes

The era of fashion in which we currently reside has been taking a trip through the decades for the past few years! Beginning by drawing on inspiration from the ’80s and ’90s in our everyday street style and recently, the ’60s and ’70s on the runway, this year many designers have started to think ahead again. Unique, forward thinking and sometimes futuristic designs have appeared in collections such as Marni, Marc Jacobs and Balenciaga FW16. One thing all of these shows together have in common: sending unique silhouettes down the runway.

It is likely that every generation thinks to themselves: “Fashion today is so different, cool and experimental,” and that’s what’s going on here! Designers, bloggers and your everyday Fashionistas are playing with shape in new ways. Forget about the typical straight versus bell-shaped pendulum swing we typically see in the fashion industry.

Here, I attempted to emulate this trend by creating a different, unnatural shape in my extra long white tee. By tying a knot at the bottom of the top, the shape of the garment transitions from your everyday straight silhouette to a geometric, triangular shape. Keeping the back panel of the top in its natural form helps the look continue to play with shape.

Don’t worry, I have on a pair of denim shorts underneath to peek through the long side slits. I also thew on a pair of my favorite white sneakers to keep the look clean. The mesh material adds a bit of texture to an otherwise monochromatic look. To add a nod to the previously mentioned ’70s trend, I opted for crystal necklace and a faux-suede, fringe backpack—perfect for back to school!

STYLE GURU BIO: Taylor Knox

Hello my fellow Fashionistas! My name is Taylor Knox and this is my third semester with CollegeFashionista. I will also be entering into my last year of college this fall *crying emoji* at the University of Minnesota. I am pursuing a degree in communications and fashion studies, and hope to work in a visual content position such as a creative director or stylist after graduation.

I have always loved fashion, even when I was young and did not realize that what I loved was fashion. I was obsessed with those Old Navy graphic tees and whatever Mary-Kate and Ashley were wearing! Now I eat, sleep and breathe fashion. I am always taking screenshots of bloggers’ Instagram posts, watching YouTube videos and flipping through magazines.

The only way I can think to describe my style is to say that I am a girly tomboy who leans towards classic pieces. I love a nice, feminine dress, but I will always love a roughed up pair of sneakers, too. Combos such as a light, soft-knit sweater with a pair of leather shorts, or a graphic T-shirt tucked into a denim skirt are often my go-to to pair these two styles together. I tend to wear neutral tones—basically meaning I wear a lot of black.

Here I went for exactly that: a tomboy’s version of dressing up. The turtleneck sweater and skirt combo add a little more of a dressy feel to the casualness of the stripes and denim. Of course, no tomboy would be caught dead in anything but a pair of well-worn Converse Chuck Taylors!