STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Boys, Boys, Boys

Since I usually spot a majority of trendy Fashionistas on my campus, this week I decided to switch it up by featuring my very first Fashionisto! Whether reading this for your own fashion tips or for your boyfriend, brother or best friend, it is essential to understand guy’s fall fashion. Newsflash boys: it is no longer warm outside, which means you can’t just throw on a T-shirt and shorts and call it a day. With fall in full swing, jeans, layers and closed-toe shoes are a must. So why not use the change of seasons as an excuse to buy some trendy fall wardrobe staples?

I spotted this adorable Fashionisto around the academic quad this weekend (I’ll let you all in on a little secret: he’s my boyfriend!) He’s sporting the ideal preppy layered look for this fall. Before the weather gets too cold, fall is the perfect time for a great heavy sweater. This Ralph Lauren half-zip sweater should be one of many fall staples in every Fashionisto’s closet. This sweater comes in eight colors and almost all of them match with just about everything. Did I mention that it’s also really warm and comfortable? With this sweater, you can either make it more causal with jeans or dress it up with khaki pants and dressier shoes. Here’s a tip: these sweaters oftentimes go on sale during the season at department stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.

My Fashionisto decided to pair his Ralph Lauren sweater with a flannel button-up. Although many brands have flannels like this one, I recommend Vineyard Vines. Vineyard Vines has adorable fall colored flannels to complete a fall preppy look. Putting the collar of the button-up over the sweater creates a polished and preppy look. These sport shirts are also very warm, as they are made from cotton yarn flannel. 

Last but not least, guys normally do not accessorize with much. Unlike girls, they do not have ample opportunity to pair their outfits with accessories like jewelry, scarves and bags. However, a watch is the perfect exception for guys. This Fashionisto wears a stainless steel, blue-faced sport watch, very similar to this Decker Stainless Steel Watch by Fossil. Fossil is a great watch brand for Fashionistos because they are affordable and super durable. If a guy in your life does not own an everyday watch like this, buy it for him! They make great gifts, trust me.

The bottom line is that guys fall fashion certainly should not be ignored. There’s no excuse why any guy cannot dress like a true Fashionisto!

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Boys, Boys, Boys

One of the most fascinating and rather difficult to execute trends from the last year, most notably fall of 2011, is menswear-inspired fashion. From oxford shoes to blazers and boots, ladies on campuses around the world are taking a leaf out of their man’s closet — and maybe a few sweaters too! Designers such as Jason Wu and Dolce&Gabbana inspired with structured and tailored pants, high-necked blouses and jackets, and neutrals for a polished look. The key, however, is creating a look full of comfortable and generally more tailored pieces that still screams, “I’m a lady!” 

This gorgeous Fashionista’s look was exactly what I was looking for in terms of inspiration for this week — simple and full of menswear-inspired silhouettes and pieces while still being undeniably feminine and pretty. I love how nothing she’s wearing is particularly girly (no ruffles, no lace, no sequins) and in fact, almost has a western vibe in terms of her Southwestern color palette. This Fashionista’s outfit takes the menswear inspiration an entirely different direction than the somewhat office-chic seen on the runway, yet is still comfortable and chic at the same time.

Her lovely dusty rose coat is the focal point, with a loose shape that is perfect for spring. Aided by her tan ankle boots with a very, very slight heel and her leather bag with embroidered detail, her neutral pairings are interesting yet not over-the-top — my favorite combination!  The chunky and androgynous boot as well as the boxy leather bag are both items that could fit in a designer menswear OR womenswear collection without missing a beat, and the simple shapes that characterize her outfit are very reminiscent of many menswear collections.

This look is easy to emulate for any Fashionistas who happen to be inspired by the menswear trend. These Topshop square toed boots are similar to this Fashionista’s boxy and neutral ankle boots, although with a bit more of a heel for a feminine addition to an androgynous piece. And for a loose-fitting coat in a palette of chocolates and creams, look no further than the ASOS Cocoon Coat: utterly lovely awaits.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Boys, Boys, Boys

Some men look like they just rolled out of bed because, well, they just did. Others have to try a little harder to achieve that lived in, rough around the edges look. One designer who has mastered the art of dressing down is the late Alexander McQueen. His Spring 2010 Men’s Collection featured distressed, weathered, and destroyed everything, from shirts to shoes. And as I look at this week’s featured Fashionisto, I have to wonder how much of an influence street fashion was to McQueen’s designs. The worn-in cuffed cotton trouser was a major player for spring/summer, and this Fashionisto hit the nail on the head. In fact, cuffed trousers, no socks, and a pair of slip on shoes is by far one of my favorite men’s wear combinations.

Oddly enough, my favorite men’s wear combination also translates well into women’s wear. For the ladies, I recommend cuffing a boyfriend fit jean–this look works best with a slightly loose fit. Right now, Gap is featuring a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans on sale for $17.99! Try slipping into a pair of heels to counteract all the masculinity.

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