STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Rebel With A Cause

A fashionable guy is a rare find on a college campus, especially a male who can exude a subtle masculinity along with perfect color coordination. That’s why this Fashionisto struck a chord with me: on a cool, breezy Irvine day, I was particularly surprised at the effortlessly rebellious yet chic style of this ensemble, especially in regards to his black multi-pocketed jacket from Kenneth Cole.

A durable yet surprisingly light zip-up, this jacket possesses a variety of elements that separate it from the outerwear mainstream. Not only does its lack of a definitive collar provide options for styling, but the plentitude of pockets also give it a rugged and practical look. Paired with a green knit from Target, gray faded jeans from Levi’s, dark brown ankle boots from ALDO and a rather dangerous-looking lip ring, this Fashionisto is a great example of how rebellion can be tamed.

Find your wild side this week and channel rebellion into a single element, like this Fashionisto did with his black jacket and gray jeans. Try to pair your dark outerwear with a small pop of color to emphasize the edginess of the main piece. Complement your ensemble with a rugged shoe, slicked back hair or, for girls, a coiffed pouf. Or if you’re feeling really dangerous, try a lip ring like this Fashionisto is sporting. With all this rebellious energy coursing through your veins, is there anything you can’t do this week? Exactly.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Rebel With A Cause

According to the trend caster for fall 2012, black is back and women will have cause to dress like rebels. Fashion is going to get a little tougher and rougher around the edges as black, dark reds (burgundy) and leather dominated the runway. The bright colors that seemed to define the spring 2012 runways has been drained out of the clothing for fall and dark monochrome colors dominate. Great designs like angular cuts and high collars seem to flourish as shown by Alexander Wang, Versace and Ann Demeulemeester. After the summer, women will be embracing their inner punks and kicking those flirty pastels and florals to the curb. When I noticed this Fashionista while thrifting in Williamsburg, I was immediately drawn to her tough yet feminine edge. This Fashionista is ahead of the pack and is ready to kick some fashion butt in her leather motorcycle jacket, skinny jeans and beat-up work boots.

The leather jacket is going to be the most coveted piece this fall and the city streets will be lined with women in black leather. Some of my favorite leather jackets from the fall 2012 shows were the ones by Bailman and this one by Givenchy; as a secret punk myself, I look forward to mimicking the dark lip and darkness of the Givenchy look come this fall. This stylish Fashionista wore a real vintage motorcycle jacket; but incase you do not love rummaging through flea markets and thrift stores to find a similar piece, try this one from Acne. Personally, I think it is worth it to splurge on the perfect leather jacket because one like this will last you forever and never fall out of fashion; but for those of you who do not have the luxury to blow your savings on a jacket, this one from Pixie Market is great too. This Fashionista wears the jacket with a pair of skinny jeans; however, the look could be made a little more sophisticated with a pleated chiffon skirt like this one from Forever 21, that can be worn to class or for a night out with the girls. She tops her punk look off with ombré hair and finishes it off with matching red lips and nails. Ombré hair has been in style for a while now, but it shows no sign of dying out anytime soon. To ombré your hair is an easy and fun trend to follow and looks great on almost anyone. Next time you’re in Rite Aid, buy some hair die and have a dying party with your friends. I promise the look doesn’t disappoint.

So, ladies, get ready to pull on your combat boots, dress in leather and lace and contemplate getting a second piercing because next fall punk is back and it's here to stay.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Rebel With a Cause

When I saw this Fashionista strutting down Dubuque Street my mind immediately jumped to James Dean in Rebel Without A Cause. With her grunge-meets-vintage ensemble, this Fashionista definitely makes a statement — the words “rebel” and “glam” immediately come to mind.

Let’s be honest, nothing says, “I’m bad,” quite like a leather motorcycle jacket. This Fashionista’s patriotically punk leather addition gives her outfit an edginess that I love. Worn with a bold graphic tee, a figure-fitting black skirt, opaque tights and vintage gold accessories, this leather jacket fabulously completes this Fashionista’s retro-rocker ensemble.

Being bad isn’t for everyone. Trust me, I know. As one of the so-called “girly girls” of my friend circle, I have failed to channel my inner bad girl on several occasions. Although Olivia Newton-John made it look like a breeze in Grease, taking a sweet and feminine sense of style and turning it bad is no easy task. I found the trick to getting it right is remaining true to your own sense of style.

If you’re feeling rebellious and want to try on a bad-girl look of your own, take it slow. Rather than going head-to-toe rebel, add a leather bomber jacket to your daily wear or try exchanging your go-to flirty skirts for a high-waist leather mini. They happen to be very in right now and look amazing when paired with a softer, more feminine blouse.

Once you have mastered adding a single, sassy leather piece into your everyday wardrobe, you can move on to adding more bad-girl items. A CollegeFashionista should never be afraid to try new looks and trends, just make sure you do so gracefully.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Rebel With A Cause

I LOVE how today’s Fashionista proves that fashion rules are meant to be broken. I don’t know who is responsible for starting the myth that you can’t mix black with brown, but today’s Fashionista definitely shows us how stylish this unexpected pairing can be.

The appeal of black is undeniable. It’s elegant, versatile, and often even slimming. Team the color together with the effortless cool of denim and you have a piece that really packs a punch. This Fashionista stays away from the typical by choosing black—not blue—jeans. And a high waistline makes her dark black jeans even more special.

To mix up the predictability of an all-black ensemble, break the rules and pair your black jeans with brown leather accessories. This Fashionista first warms up the darkness of the black jeans with a pair of brown leather boots. Follow her cue and tuck any pair of skinny jeans into your boots for a sleek, streamlined look. The rich caramel color of her leather belt adds even more eye-popping contrast and accents the beautiful silhouette of her high-waisted jeans.

If you need further proof that black and brown make a perfect match, look no further than the fashion runway. From Louis Vuiton to Hermès, runway collections show the world time and time again that black paired with brown looks stunning. Never be afraid to try the unexpected. Every day is a new chance to express yourself, because, in the world of personal style, there are no rules!