STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: All Black Everything

While I was in New York for Fashion Week, I suddenly had the urge to tone down my bold, vibrant wardrobe. There is something incredibly chic and sartorial about an all-black ensemble. A true city girl has the ability to wear black from head to toe and still look sophisticated. However, how does a Fashionista still give off a friendly, approachable vibe while donning an ultra-dark outfit?

I spotted this Fashionista channeling her inner New Yorker with a feminine, yet edgy look. She wore a breezy, sheer black printed skull blouse, a high-waist pair of shorts and suede loafers. She polished off the look with a long, silver pendant and added a subtle pop of color with a red lip.

This Fashionista’s all-black ensemble was on the cutting edge, yet she still looked amicable. Her mix of different fabrics, prints and silhouettes made this look oh so chic. If you want to recreate this Fashionista’s look, start by selecting a sheer black printed blouse that fits your own personal style. Opt for a skull print blouse like this Fashionista did, keep it country with this Western print blouse or stay true to a preppy, timeless style with this polka dot blouse.

Since you’ll want a loose-fitting blouse, stick with a more fitted bottom. These high-waist shorts are great for the current transitional weather, and later on in the season you can switch them out for black high-waist jeans. A classic, suede loafer will finish your look and give you an air of sophistication.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Back in Black

On winter mornings when I do not have any idea what to wear, my outfit typically ends up on the darker side of the color spectrum. I tend to go for black leggings or pixie pants and an oversized sweater or shirt. They don’t say, “black goes with everything” for no reason after all. Don’t get me wrong, I am as excited about the bright colors of spring and summer 2012 as the next Fashionista, but as long as winter lingers, I’ll keep wearing my favorite dark staples.

I found this Fashionista heading to class on Monday morning. First of all, I give her major credit for wearing these stylish wedges to class. She put her outfit together so well, utilizing dark colors. I knew she was the perfect person to highlight for this unique time of the season. She paired a simple black and white striped shirt with a black high-rise skirt. She made her outfit completely February-friendly by adding black tights, a classic winter coat and leather gloves. My favorite part of the outfit is definitely her black booties, which have been my favorite trend of fall and winter.

With the way the weather acts at Penn State, there is definitely still time to follow this Fashionista’s lead. Consider wearing your favorite skirt from the holidays and dress it down with a plain black or gray T-shirt. Add some black tights, and if wearing heels to class is too ambitious for you, try black slip-on booties instead. You’ll have a charming look for a day of class and you’ll get to use the clothes you were so excited about merely six months ago in a new and fresh way, what could be better than that?

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Back in Black

January and February are the calm months before the floral storm that March brings; therefore, it is sometimes difficult to transfer from the preceding months of holiday wear to the upcoming season of spring. So what’s a Fashionista to do? Simply rely on your basics and embrace that oh-so flattering color of black.

Not only is black one of the most subtle ways to play with your wardrobe (for example, an all-black ensemble with only accents of colors), but it’s also an easy way to transform your everyday wear into a more professional looking outfit, an aspect that is important for every college student.

This Fashionista takes her noir ensemble to a whole new level in a sheer shirt with patterned velvet roses. Combining complementing colors with the recent resurgence of velvet, this button-up shirt is truly a standout piece for every wardrobe. Although this item was purchased at a thrift store, similar styles are available at various modern retailers, including this top at Urban Outfitters. This Fashionista completes her ensemble with a loosely fitted jacket from Forever 21 and chunky platform boots from Urban Outfitters.

Often forgotten by most college students, black is a severely overlooked shade for young Fashionistas/os in their daily wardrobes; however it can be handy in situations like the drab months of January and February. Advice of the week? Next time you’re staring at your closet looking for the perfect top for class, don’t glaze over the darker colors, but instead pair a black button-up with skinny jeans, ankle boots and a nice red shade of lipstick. This will create a subtle yet stylish outfit that will not only start the New Year right, but also set you apart from the mid-winter fashion blues.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Back In Black

This week, as we fully enter the throes of winter weather, I have been finding myself (and my eye for fashion) more and more inspired by the concept of only wearing footed pajamas and never leaving the house ever again. Unfortunately, due to the untimely return of the spring semester, this feeling becomes less feasible. Since I am no quitter, I have decided to take the next best move: scaling things way back to the basics — I’m talking about a strictly fashion diet of rich blacks and crisp midnights.

The key to pulling off this black-on-black-on-midnight look is undeniably texture. Adding an interesting touch no longer comes from a pop of color dangling on your wrist, but rather from the flirtation of a sheer blouse peeking out from under a leather vest. Accessorizing a little black dress ceases to be an issue when it boasts a luxurious velvet sleeve and ombré glitter detailing. Concerned about a bulky coat distracting the rest of your look? You don't need to be if your coat is texture-blocked with thick wool and sumptuous leather.

The rich simplicity of this Fashionista’s ensemble reminds me why scaling back to basics proves to be a wonderful styling technique. Starting from the ground up with a notable pair of black ballet flats, her look already displays a high-style IQ. The addition of classic black leggings and an oversized blazer are her next move and it is again, oh so right. She plays up her femininity by slipping into a basic midnight camisole and pairing it with a sexy, sparkly black tank top. Finishing the look with a menswear inspired watch and simple gold necklace, she is not afraid to let her rich fabrics speak for themselves.

Adding more black to your closet is a move you will not regret — even once you have moved out of your “dark period.” The trick to choosing black pieces that you love is opting for classic shapes in luxurious fabrics; you will never regret the day you add a black jersey wrap or silk tank top to your closet!

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Back in Black

Yes, I know it is summer, which means bright colors and prints are meant to be flooding out of your wardrobe, but I will always have my essential black items that are so easy to throw on to get that classy, yet edgy look. Black is just a very versatile color, with many of the items able to be worn throughout the summer and into the fall. I had to stop this Fashionista as I saw her walking the street because of all the relaxed black pieces she put together to make her outfit. You can never go wrong with black, however you have to be careful with the black items you use together to make a summer outfit. For instance, if she had used a thick black belt that may not have worked so well, but since all of her pieces are lightweight and relaxed it looks just right. One of my favorite parts of her outfit is her belt. The thin double braided belt lies loosely around her waist – and note that it is knotted, not properly done. This Fashionista’s belt is originally from another outfit and meant to be worn lower. It is a perfect example of how to use pieces in your wardrobe that you thought would only be able to worn with one outfit. It instantly made me think of a belt that came attached to a dress that I have never used separately before. Take a look through your own closet with a creative mind and I guarantee you will be able to put together outfits that you had never thought of before.

Hint: Try some of these black items to transition you from summer to autumn. These shorts are ideal as they are flowy for hot summer days and when the cold comes around pair them with a pair of tights for an equally fashionable look. This belt has that vintage look to it and can be worn on your waist or hips with the braid.