STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Opposites Attract

On cold, rainy days, it is not only difficult to get out of bed, but it is also difficult to pick out clothing that is anything other than a set of pajamas. Yet despite both of these things, Barnard student Ashley shows us how to be comfortable yet extremely stylish in nasty weather. Although I don’t own one myself, this Fashionista’s look has definitely convinced me to invest in monochromatic knit sweater dress. Unlike some versions which are more form fitting (and therefore usually uncomfortable), this one allows for additional layering underneath, be it a long or short sleeve tissue shirt or a pair of leggings or tights, all of which would add extra warmth. The thick cowl neck is also a great addition to this piece and perhaps something to keep an eye out for if you are looking to buy one. If you already have a sweater dress, but envy this neckline, try wearing it with an infinity scarf of a similar color or shade as the dress.

The cozy, knit dress is perfectly balanced by polished, heeled motorcycle boots of a mesmerizingly slick texture. Although a similar effect could have been created with the more traditional flat motorcycle boot, the heel in this case makes the ensemble more striking and showcases her legs, which seemingly go on for days. Perhaps another key as to why this outfit stands out is that Ashley has not overdone her accessories, but chooses to highlight the stark difference between the opposing textures of the dress and the boots. Hopefully with this image of clean simplicity in mind, New York City Fashionistas will be inspired on upcoming wintery mornings to choose stylishly bulky knit instead of bulky sweatpants.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Opposites Attract

We’ve all heard the saying “opposites attract,” but rarely do we take the time to think about how much this phrase really rings true in our day-to-day lives.  For example, a favorite (guilty pleasure) study snack of mine is pretzels with M&Ms. The savory salt and sweet milk chocolate come together to make a truly delectable treat. Even more than I enjoy combining culinary opposites, I love outfits that combine the best of two trends. Take a cue from this week’s Fashionista, whose leather and lace ensemble is genuinely sensational.

Using dark wash jeans as a clean backdrop for the look, she adds a dainty lace top in a soft color. By tossing on a black leather jacket, she adds an unexpected twist and instantly makes the outfit equal parts delicate and edgy. Finally, her buckle-embellished equestrian-inspired boots give the look a touch of prep.

As this Fashionista shows, leather and lace (both of which are huge trends on their own) play off each other’s style strengths and accentuate the best elements of each texture. There are countless ways to get a similar “best of both worlds” look from your own wardrobe — and most likely from pieces you can already find in your closet. In fact, mixing together contrasting trends is a great way to freshen up old favorites.  Looking for something eye-catching? Pair neons and neutrals. This striped sweater, for example, does the work for you. For a girly-meets-tomboy outfit, couple a ballerina-inspired tulle skirt with a sporty graphic top. If you're nervous about mixing such contrasting pieces, keep the rest of your look simple with neutral accessories such as a leather cross-body bag or a few gold bangles.

To return to the culinary metaphor, think of this trend-mixing technique as the fashion form of peanut butter and jelly. Each element brings out the best aspects of its counterpart and transforms two independent “goods” into one fabulous “great.”

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Opposites Attract

Fall is an unpredictable season. One day it would be cold and rainy, and the next it is warm and sunny. That is why it is important to keep your summer clothes out of storage during the fall season. Those warm days are a perfect opportunity to mix up your summer pieces with your fall staples.

This Fashionista paired a simple t-shirt and tailored black blazer with a pair of damaged jean shorts. To make the outfit standout, this Fashionista matched a pair of feather earrings and chic platform boots with the ensemble. This look is fashionable and perfect for a warm, fall day.

The key to creating the perfect fall look on a warm day is matching fall staples with fun summer pieces. Fall staples include, but are not limited to blazers, sweaters, boots, and scarves. These pieces usually works effortlessly with colorful summer pieces. To accomplish this look, you can pair a summer print dress with a jean jacket and combat boots. Or, you could pair opaque tights with shorts, a T-shirt and a blazer. Be sure to have more fall pieces than summer pieces. You do not want appear to be in the wrong season.

The best places to shop for scarves, sweaters and blazers are Forever 21, Macy’s, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal and Urban Outfitters. To find the perfect pair of chic platform boots, take a look at NastyGal.com. This website have a variety of edgy and creative pairs that will make any outfit pop.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Opposites Attract

The rumors are false: florals aren't just for the spring! This blossomy print is one of my favorites no matter what season it is or how many buds have sprouted. Florals come in all shades and pieces including blouses, dresses, and even jeans. For the more timid Fashionista, strictly solid pieces could be paired with bold floral patterns. This season Fashionistas are stepping out of their comfort zones by uniting pretty florals with bold contrasting patterns. Mixing and matching is a tricky trend because it could either be fabulously chic or an absolute fashion faux pas. The most popular (and unexpected) companions to complete this trend seem to be florals with stripes.

This Fashionista rocked an adorable strapless cotton dress with a break at the waist between thin navy and white stripes on the top and red and white poppies on the bottom. She also made the smart decision to add a solid white cardigan — any sort of texture with her outer layer would have been way too busy. Her simple accessories like silver cuffs, silver gladiators, and Ray-Ban aviators make the sundress the eye-catcher in her ensemble. Though her outfit is fabulous the way it is, a nude belt can highlight the juxtaposition between the two patterns even more. 

Lucky for this Fashionista, she didn't have to worry too much about the right combination of florals and stripes since the designer of her dress did most of the work for her. If you're lucky enough like her to find a dress with these patterns already embedded, then mission accomplished! But for many of us who work with multiple pieces in our outfits, there are a few key pieces that you'll need to accomplish it. An oversized, thick-striped sweater or blazer over a feminine floral skirt or dress is perfect with flats for class or with wedges and fun earrings for a night out. If you're more interested in switching the location of the patterns, seersucker shorts and a flowy floral blouse make a preppy but cool outfit for any occasion. 

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Opposites Attract

It has always been the biggest fashion dilemma amongst almost all the Fashionistas in the world — classic staples or trendy must-haves? Blue jeans or bright tangerine maxi skirts? Marc Jacobs or Alexander McQueen? My answer to this all-time mind boggler, why not both? This CollegeFashionista has cracked the code by showing us that anyone can enjoy the best of both fashion worlds. With a classic white button-down that reminded me of a vintage Ralph Lauren ad and a navy blue body con animal print skirt, she was able to balance the classics with the fads. Her top has a loose and flowy style, which added a carefree quality to her sophisticated and well-polished polo; her figure-hugging bottom, which added a little more feistiness to her already sexy animal print skirt, proved that the opposites attract rule does not only apply to love and relationships, but also to fashion. To complete her well-balanced, fashionable and, of course, functional look, she added other classic staples, her black ballet flats, her TechnoMarine pink and white watch and her everyday school bag — a Longchamp Le Pilage Tree of Life in navy.

The most classic of all the fashion staples is, as the name says, the classic, white shirt. It has taken many different shapes, patterns, and forms; these are just some of the avialable interpretations Forever 21, Topshop and Zara have. Now, what to wear with these classic white shirts? Take advice from this CollegeFashionista and try it with different trends. Whether you pair it with a bright maxi skirt or polka-dot shorts, almost everything goes well with this staple piece of clothing. Just keep in mind that anyone (yes, anyone!) can pull off both styles by just finding the perfect fashion equilibirum in every look. Remember these styling tips on the perfect opposites — loose and tight, white and bright, solid and print and chic and casual.

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