Belts – CollegeFashionista

How to Make Your Outfits More Interesting Using Detail

Whether you’re going out to dinner or going shopping for the day, a stylish outfit is always important. No matter what outfit you put on, it should define you. An easy way to define yourself through your outfits is with little details or embellishments. A pair of pants or a cotton T-shirt is completely transformed when the slightest bit of pop is added.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

A trend that is taking the fashion world by storm right now is jeans with fringe at the bottom. This trend is something that everyone can rock because they are just another classic denim piece to add to your collection. These jeans can be bell-bottomed with crazy long fringe to make a statement, or they can be skinny jeans with a little fray on the bottom just to spice up your look a bit more.

Other types of pants besides jeans can also be used to make a statement using different types of detail. This can mean a patch on a pocket, a stripe down the side, or even an interesting material. These styles can be worn with an array of different shirts: a plain cotton T-shirt, a fuzzy sweater, or even a studded leather jacket.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

Belts similarly bring a boring outfit some attention. A studded black belt can turn an all-black outfit into a more chic look, while a colored belt can bring an all-white outfit some flair. A belt also makes a day outfit look more sophisticated and put together; blue jeans and a plain white T-shirt can turn into a whole new look when paired with an interesting belt. The details and embellishments that are part of an outfit are what make it interesting and unique.

Comment below to let us know what type of details you incorporate into your style!

Featured image by Kelly Rogowski.

The Perfect Romper for Your Summer Wardrobe

We are right in the middle of summer which for many of us means balancing the challenge of trying to stay fashionable and keep cool in the summer heat. I’ve struggled with the same issue, but I’ve finally discovered the perfect item for my summer closet: a white romper. Rompers have been a massive trend over the past year because they allow you to look cute, casual, and fashionable all at the same time. In addition, white is a perfect color to wear in the heat because it won’t trap heat as much as darker colors will. That’s why I made sure to have a white romper in my closet to rock at any summer picnic, backyard party, or get together!

For this look, I wore a flowy, long-sleeve romper with lace-detailed sleeves. Because the romper is low-cut, I also paired it with a white lace bralette that matches the style of the romper. This is helpful for when the neck nine falls a little too low, as the bralette will seem like one with the romper in the event that it does make an appearance.

In order to make sure that the white outfit didn’t look too flat with just one color, I added a black belt around the waist and a matching black choker. The belt and choker add contrast to the overall outfit and they help bring everything together.

Finally, I added a multicolored purse to accent the look, giving the outfit a pop of color. This outfit gives you a lot of freedom to be creative with colorful accessories that match your own personal style. Feel free to pop on our favorite sunglasses or a cute floppy hat to make this look your own!

How are you styling a white romper this summer? Show us on social media and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

4 Simple Ways to Amp Up Your Summer Style

When summer comes around, sometimes it can be difficult to figure out ways to elevate your style for the heat. With new trends on the horizon and the new season in full swing, I’ve thought of some easy and simple ways to take your style to the next level. Fashionistas are always aiming to have the coolest, freshest look, and these ideas will achieve just that. The key to achieving an awesome summer outfit is all in the accessories, so check out the ways I’ve incorporated this summer’s hottest accessories into my outfit!

1—Fishnets. I was aiming for a grungy look, so I accessorized with a few bold items. The most eye-catching piece in this outfit is my fishnet tights. Layering these under any outfit can give your look an edgy vibe—not to mention they are extremely breathable, making them great for the summer sun. Yes, these were a huge trend in the winter, but I’m loving incorporating the fishnet look into summer looks as well. Stores are even selling cropped versions of these tights that come in a range of colors.

2—Hats. I utilized a reoccurring summer trend and paired my outfit with a black floppy hat. Hats make for an amazing summer accessory as they block out the sun, hide any frizzy hair from the humidity, and best of all, look fashionable! Hats are certainly on the come up and almost all stores offer a sizable selection to choose from.

3—Belts. Another trendy accessory I chose is a western belt. Many celebrities have been pictured wearing these, and they’re sure to add an extra touch to any look. Since they’re offered in many neutral colors, different sized loops, and a range of prices, you can be sure to find one that best suits your style.

4—Statement shoes. Statement shoes are all the rage this summer and can really complete a look. To finish off my outfit, I paired it with my favorite faux snakeskin booties. Although these were a staple in my winter closet, they look stunning paired with my summer wardrobe as well. Shoes that will catch everyone’s attention, from sandals to boots to sneakers, are sure to amp up your summer style.

This accessorized outfit is sure to attract some attention and show the world your inner Fashionista. Using these guidelines to incorporate more accessories into your outfits will certainly spice up your summer style!

What’s your go-to accessory? Show us on social media and be sure to tag @CFashionista.

Menswear Is for the Girls

Summer—the season of weddings, graduation celebrations, and internships. Men have it easy when it comes to dressing for these events. No matter the occasion, a button-down shirt, sleek pair of pants and a matching belt can always keep the men in our lives looking sharp. So this had me thinking, should we be taking more fashion tips from our fathers? The answer is yes!

One of my favorite pieces of menswear for the summer season is a crisp white button-down shirt. This is a staple summer item for any man’s wardrobe as it can be casually styled or dressed up with a tie for a formal occasion. Wearing a clean, white shirt leaves room to explore fun and interesting colors for pants and accessories, such as this striped ribbon belt.

To put my own spin on this classic summer look for men, I used an oversize dress shirt from my father’s closet and turned it into a dress. To make the look more interesting I kept the top buttons unbuttoned and created an off-the-shoulder silhouette, which is popular in women’s fashion this season. I added a pop of color with some high-waisted purple shorts underneath and cinched my waist with a ribbon belt from F.H. Wadsworth. The kitten heels and floral necklace added the perfect dose of femininity to the outfit.

What I loved most about this outfit was not only the power and confidence it gave me but also how the feminine aspects perfectly coincided with the masculinity of the look. It is fun to find creative ways to wear/transform simple garments into something else. This was a great outfit for that challenge. You could wear this look out to lunch with friends, to your internship, or even out on a date! The possibilities are endless with such a classic outfit.

How do you mix menswear into your summer wardrobe? Show us on social media by tagging @CFashionista!

Belted Up With Denim and Ready to Go

As Ritu Kumar once said, “Denim has always been an everyday symbol for style.” Denim is always a piece of your wardrobe to invest in because it has been in fashion since 1873, and, let’s be real, it’s not going anywhere. I’m huge on having pieces in my wardrobe that will carry me through a myriad of different looks. I’m also a huge proponent of color for the summer. When this Fashionista came to visit me at my styling job at the New York location of Scout and Molly’s, I introduced her to new, quality brands that deserve a peep.

One of my fashion icons is WeWoreWhat’s Danielle Bernstein, who is an avid supporter ofAGOLDE denim. When I first began working this summer, I was so excited to find that we carry the brand. These denim shorts fromAGOLDE are high-rise and are long enough that you won’t be afraid of showing too much skin. AGOLDE is a brand to invest in, and when you get your hands on the product you can feel the quality that will take you in for years to come. We college kids are on a budget, and it’s nice to have something that will last you beyond your years in college and remain stylish. This Fashionista felt super comfortable in the pair of shorts we styled, and loved how they had a baggy fit.

It’s really important to not sacrifice animals for style. Society can all agree that the look of animal products are beautiful, but the means of getting the product is gruesome. Matt and Nat is a luxury vegan leather brand from Canada. You may have seen this brand before on popular websites like ASOS. This light pink bag is the perfect summer bag that adds a pop of a color to any look. It is big enough to fit all the essentials, but doesn’t overwhelm the outfit.

Bohemian brand Bishop and Young is known for loose-fitting garments. This loose patterned crop top has a laced-up top. Lace-up tops have been super in this summer, and the colors of this top can carry into the fall season.

A perfect accessory to this outfit was a belt. This particular fringe taupe belt is from ADA collection. There are several ways to wrap this belt, but this Fashionista and I styled it so that the fringe ends wrap in the front. The taupe color perfectly accents the pinks in this outfit and also the deep blue denim wash.

Comment down below what your favorite style essential is and how you would wrap this belt!

One Scarf, 5 Ways

Have you ever attempted to leave the house, but feel as if your outfit is missing something? Some type of accessory that pulls the whole look together? Well, that happens to me more than half of the time and I tend to opt for a scarf. Scarves can be used in so many different ways and each wear makes the outfit look different.

1—The neck scarf. The neck scarf serves the purpose of adding more interest to the upper body. Depending on the scarf, it could be more of a statement or more of a completion to the look. There are many ways to tie the scarf around the neck, but here I chose to make it thick with only a little tie.

2—The belt. This is a good substitution for a belt or even just a pop of color. The look of the scarf instead of a belt seems a bit softer. You could use it as a belt over a dress or jumpsuit to break it up, but I chose to pair it with these jeans I cut from the thrift store.

3—The hat scarf. Sometimes I don’t feel like wearing my hat because it’s such a large piece, I feel like it can take over the whole outfit and be very noticeable if I wear it multiple times. I like to switch up the look a bit by tying a scarf around to add a different interest and outlook on it.

4—Around the bun. Your hair doesn’t actually need to be in a bun, but tying it around a ponytail or bun, for me, adds fullness and volume. Sometimes, instead of a scrunchie, I tie the scarf around it which can lift the ponytail or bun depending on how you style it.

5—As a headband. This one is my favorite. You can tie it as a headband, but it’s such a versatile look. You can tie it and hide the knot down by the nape of the neck, keep the knot, but place it on the top of the head (either in the center, or to the side), or you can tie it in a bow and show that it at the top, or pull the long pieces down to the nape of the neck and let them flow with the rest of your hair.

There are many other ways to use a scarf, such as an ankle ascot, on your purse, around a belt loop—the options are endless. They are also easy to find or make yourself. This one I picked up at the thrift store. I have a bandana I also picked up and I cut a 3-centimeter slit around each edge and tore the rest off to give it a distressed look. I use it the same way as my scarves.

Let me know how you like to incorporate scarves into your outfits in the comments below!

The Perfect Belt for Summer

Summer brings endless trips to our local ice cream shop and beach. But most importantly, it brings new fashion trends. Jeans and leggings are replaced by cutoff shorts and dresses for the melting heat of summer. Whether you just graduated and are starting a full-time job or have an undergraduate internship, summer is the best time to experiment with your fashion by trying something new. Looking good will give you a confidence boost to do the best job possible, no matter what you are doing. Dress for the career you want, not the one you have. There’s no better way to dress up than trying a new trend you always wanted to rock.

Regardless of what summer trend you are rocking, belts are a necessity. Leather belts are great during other seasons of the year, but they do not mix well with the summer heat. A trendy belt for the summer is a ribbon belt. Ribbon belts are lightweight and come in a variety of patterns and colors, making them able to match with any outfit you want to wear.

This Fashionisto is wearing a very patriotic red, white, and blue ribbon belt. Because this belt is very classic, this Fashionisto kept the rest of his look simple with a white button- down shirt and khaki shorts. The best part about this look is that the belt is unisex. The next time you don’t know what to wear to your summer job, consider trying out a ribbon belt.

What is your favorite way to wear a belt during the summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Blast From the Past—How an Old Accessory is Making a Comeback

The latest fashion accessory? It’s not mules. Nope, not mesh. No, it’s not vintage sunglasses either. Belts are back. The great thing about this new trend is that there is not one particular style—buckle belts, skinny belts, high-waisted belts, or your non-traditional belts such as scarves, chains, flannels, and corsets are all great options.

Whether you are wearing jeans, a skirt, or a dress, a belt is a perfect accessory to top and complete your look. I decided to style this girly, polka dot romper with some ’90s-inspired grunge belts. The difference in sizes and styles add variety, but the black, silver, and chains add enough unity that the three pieces complement each other nicely.

Neck scarves don’t have to be only tied to your neck! Why not tie them to your waist? By using a square neck scarf as a belt, you get a unique look that offers a difference in texture and pattern.

For the final belt, I transformed an old flannel into a belt. Often times, I find myself tying flannels around my waist, so why not DIY a flannel shirt only into a belt? Just cut the sleeves portion and use that to tie around the waist. That way you still get the cute look of a flannel, but you don’t get the bulge from the rest of the shirt in the back.

Since belts are an accessory, they are cheap enough to grab a couple! Show off your own look and style an outfit by adding a belt (or two). Make sure to post a photo on Instagram and tag @Cfashionista!

4 Ways to Style Overalls

Overalls are a must-have in any Fashionista’s closet. You can get them in practically any color and any length. With the SoCal heat blazing, overalls are perfect to throw on and not feel like you are going to die of heatstroke.

However, styling overalls can be tricky. So, if you don’t want to be mistaken for being 12 years old, here are some tips on how to style one of the summer’s biggest trend.

1—Rock a double buckle belt with your overalls. If your overalls are just a little too baggy for your taste, this stylish belt can solve your problem. Combining these two trends will definitely make you stand out.

2—Wear a mesh shirt underneath. No one will be mistaking you for being in middle school with this cute top. It’s also perfect for summer because you will definitely be getting some air flow through the shirt. If mesh isn’t your thing, try a body suit or off the shoulder top.

3—Accessorize. Accessorize. Accessorize. Accessories are crucial parts to an outfit. Throw on a couple of bangles on your wrist and instead of sticking to your regular choker, try something different and put on a necktie to help polish your outfit.

4—Throw on some mules. I am quite obsessed with mules because they’re comfortable and still very fashionable. They are the perfect shoe to rock during the day with your overalls to create an effortless look. Trade them in for a pair of ankle-strap heels at night.

How will you style your overalls this summer? Show us Instagram and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

Boys, Belts, and Bright Colors for Summer

School is out and summer is in full swing. With the temperature heating up on these sizzling summer days, you will need the right outfit to keep you cool while looking hot. From barbecues to mini vacations to relaxing with friends, here is how your guy can add a little flare to his basic shorts and T-shirt look.

This Fashionisto wore a pair of white and navy blue pinstriped shorts from J. Crew. He paired them with a mint T-shirt, also from J. Crew, that is super lightweight to keep him from overheating. On his feet, he is sporting Nike Air Huarache Ultra sneakers in white.

As for accessories, he rocked a navy blue and green striped belt from F. H. Wadsworth. Ribbon belts couldn’t be any more perfect to wear for a day on a boat or dining on the water. Belts are an excellent way to take your outfit to the next level and these fun colors are perfect for summer. This season is all about bright colors and letting your personal style shine through.

For this look, he decided to keep it on the casual side by wearing sneakers and leaving his jewelry at home. However, feel free to add a blazer, a watch, a pair of Sperry shoes, or all three to dress up this outfit even more. Whether you fall into the category of laid back or preppy, these are easy pieces you can add to switch up your style.

What is your favorite summer accessory? Make sure to share your pictures on social media and tag @Cfashionista!