Blouses – CollegeFashionista

Bringing Back The Denim Skirt

Denim skirts used to be all the hype when I was a fifth grader. I remember wearing my denim skirt with a shirt from the Mary-Kate and Ashley’s line that they used to sell and a pair of flats that probably didn’t even match. Fast forward to sixth grade through the end of high school, you wouldn’t catch me in a denim skirt to save my life! Of course though, like everything else, denim has made its way back and it’s bigger than ever. I now want all the denim skirts, light shades, dark shades, and all the in between shades.

Bringing It Back: The Denim Skirt

I snagged this denim skirt on sale and I fell absolutely in love. It has the perfect snug fit on my hips but also is extremely flattering toward the bottom of the skirt. For being a denim skirt, it is also very comfortable. Also, talking about bringing things back, I paired my the skirt with one of my favorite white off-the-shoulder tops. Off-the-shoulder tops are also my favorite and it instantly elevates any outfit. If you are wearing just plain jeans and add an off-the-shoulder top, your outfit will look instantly more put together.

Now onto my slides. Like everything else in this outfit, I’m obsessed with them. Slides are the easiest thing to put on and they look extremely chic with any outfit. I have probably bought about five pairs of slides this summer in so many different colors. If you are looking for a practical, comfortable, and chic shoe, grab a pair of slides!

What are some of your favorite items to wear this summer? Are you loving denim skirts, too? Let us know in the comments below!

How to Dress Trendy at Your Summer Internship

Summer is an exciting time for college students. Not only is it a nice break from the constant class time and studying, but it is wonderful opportunity to gain career experience through a summer internship. While yoga pants, an oversize crewneck, and a messy bun are acceptable attire for lectures and taking exams, that is not exactly the case when it comes to a real world job. It is extremely important that you are dressed to fit in with your company’s culture. You definitely do not want to be underdressed, but you also do not want to be overdressed. Make sure to ask your boss or other people in your office what the proper attire is.

Some companies will require business professional, while others may be cool with jeans and flip flops. Most establishments usually go with a happy medium, abiding by the business casual look on a daily basis. Luckily for you, there are so many fun and trendy ways to make business casual a lot more fashion-forward than what it gets a rep for.

Let’s take a sundress for instance. You could 100 percent wear this dress to your family’s cookout with sandals, but you could also wear it to the office with a trendy blazer and flats or heels. Never underestimate the power of a blazer.

When I used to think of blouses, my first thought was something along the lines of bland and boring. I learned quickly that this really isn’t the case! So many stores offer professional shirts that are stylish and trendy.

You can also take a plain blouse and dress it up by simply adding a fun statement necklace. I love bold necklaces because you can re-wear them with different tops and have a completely different and unique look every time.

An impressive bag can totally transform an entire look. Treat yourself to a classy, versatile purse to take into the office every day. Personally for myself (a girl who takes many snacks to the office), the bigger the bag, the better!

How do you dress up your office style? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

How Paris Changed My Style

This summer I had the opportunity to study abroad in arguably the greatest fashion capital of the world. Parisian women have the reputation of being effortlessly chic and timeless; this stereotype is definitely well deserved. When most people think of fashion, the first word that pops in their mind is trendy. French women defy this definition of fashion. They focus less on following trends and more on wearing classy pieces that will never go out of style. Their closets are filled with staple pieces like black trousers, white blouses, and linen shorts. These simple yet sophisticated clothing items ensure that they will always be in style.

After six weeks in Paris, my style began to alter as well. I began to master the art of looking effortlessly chic. In order to achieve this look, I traded in my traditional denim shorts for classic linen shorts.

Not only were these shorts stylish, but they were also very comfortable. It is also very easy to style these shorts. For my outfit, I styled the shorts with a black Bardot top. If you want to make the look more dressy, I would recommend a nice blouse and heels. This type of shorts and linen trousers can be found on the streets of Paris during the summer.

And of course, you can’t forget about stripes! Although stripes are French stereotype, this pattern is definitely a necessary staple. I chose to wear a striped body-con dress. This dress was great for such warm weather, and I was able to travel through the Louvre in style.

If you also would love to start buying fashion staples for your wardrobe, I would recommend trousers, linen shorts, and this white off-the-shoulder blouse.

How will you upgrade your wardrobe? Show us on social media! And don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

I Wore the Same Jeans For a Week and Lived To Tell About It

If you’re a vintage shopper like me, you know that finding a great pair of used-but-not-too-used, vintage Levi’s is the ultimate achievement. While there are thousands and thousands of pairs in the world, only a rare few will find that one perfect fit. I’ll admit that over the last four years, I’ve exhausted my thrift shop resources and have tried on give-or-take a hundred pairs of jeans, all with no prevail. Let’s just say that hope was dwindling.

A few short weeks ago, with the last bit of will that I had left, I set out to a flea market that I’d perused for denim just a week prior. Under the glare of Brooklyn’s June sun, I spotted a pair of light-wash jeans mixed in with a dozen too-dark, too-stiff pairs of denim. I slipped them on, ignoring sizes as many thrifters know to do, behind the vendor’s makeshift dressing room, and even without a mirror, I knew that I’d finally done it. That was the day my wardrobe changed.

Okay fine, I’ll cut the theatrics, but in reality, finding my now-favorite pair of vintage Levi’s has significantly altered my everyday dress. Prior to that fateful day, I was a one-top shop with about ten different pairs of jeans, trousers, skirts, and shorts that I switched in and out depending on my mood or the weather; however, now that I have one great pair of denim, there’s a new challenge at hand. If I wanted to wear the same jeans multiple times a week, I’d need to find some other way to express myself and maintain the diversity in my wardrobe.

My solution: tops, tops, and more tops. No longer am I forced to spend all my time and money in the denim section of every vintage boutique, thrift shop, or flea market; so naturally, to fill the void, I’ve begun spending all my time and money with the endless array of blouses at every vintage boutique, thrift shop, and flea market. I may have found my happy-ever-after jeans, but I will always have to get my vintage fix. Below, find the ways in which I managed to wear the same pair of vintage Levi’s six days in a row while still seemingly wearing something completely different.

I’m kind of addicted to wrap tops.

Sometimes I just roll out of bed with my pajama shirt still on and then slip on these jeans.

Other days, I make them more formal with a blazer.

If it’s above 80º, you can almost always find me in some kind of camisole.

Anyone who knows me is aware of my ever-growing collection of white tops.

But every once in a while, I go for bold colors.

So I survived in style. Have any trusty pieces of clothing that you would (and have) rocked for more days than you care to count? Show us your ride and die look on Instagram—don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

3 Garment Tips All Women Should Know

You are at the mall and you see a beautiful garment a few feet away. “It’s absolutely perfect for summer!” you think as you mentally check off the boxes in your head. That is, until you figure out it has one or more of the following: a slit, peek-a-boo legs, a distasteful sleeve length, an unflattering neckline, or awkward rips. You internally groan at the inconvenience of revealing more skin than you would like. “But it’s so nice. I don’t want to give it up,” you tell yourself. And you shouldn’t, because I have three tips and tricks to help you tackle common garment obstacles without a visit to your local tailor.

If you desire longer sleeves or a conservative neckline, layer your look with a shirt of a desired style and length.

For garments with sleeves too short for your liking, you may pair it with clothing to be worn on top of your outfit. Consider kimonos, cardigans, jackets, and blazers. You can also experiment with blouses over or under your garment to get a desired fit.

Is a certain neckline bothering you? Plain shirts or tops with higher necklines can be worn underneath for chic vibes with strapless, plunging, or sweetheart necklines. Try bell or butterfly sleeves to add some flare.

Colored pantyhose, tights, and leggings are a great way to flavor ripped jeans, sheer pants, or short bottoms.

Wearing plain leggings or a maxi skirt under dresses and skirts combats revealing legs.

Maxi dresses and skirts are often subject to peek-a-boo leg syndrome, a term I have coined for a condition that occurs when the slip of a garment cuts off mid-thigh or at the knee, leaving legs exposed through sheer fabric. Don’t fret, this can easily be adjusted with leggings or a plain maxi skirt. Simply wear this under your outfit to create a fluid stream of opacity. For a seamless look, match accordingly. This same rule applies to dresses and skirts with slits!

Be bold and remember to have fun creating combinations!

Do you have any favorite clothing adjustments that don’t require a tailor’s service? Let me know in the comments section below. If you have tried any of these tips, show us on social media and be sure to tag @Cfashionista!

Sugar and Spice

Being a twenty-something means constantly searching for your identity. Whether that be in books, music, or fashion, aesthetics get meshed together, and we become so much more complex than we realize. This is especially true for fashion—sometimes we want to maintain a romantic style with lace and ruffles that enhance the daintiness of the décolletage, and other times we just can’t say no to those perfectly distressed jeans. So why choose? The beauty of youth is rebellion, which most definitely includes your wardrobe.

For this look, I started off with a white ruffled blouse that has details to die for––perfectly flared sleeves and lace detailing. I loved the blouse because of its romantic feel; I’m a total sucker for necklines that reveal my décolletage and ruffles to compliment. The ruffle trend has never died in my eyes! To tastefully contrast with the delicate look of the blouse, I chose to pair it with charcoal distressed jeans and lace up heels. I absolutely love to combine distinct styles into one outfit…which is the magic of fashion! You make your own rules. As long as you feel great in it, wear it!

The only “rule?” to maintain a look like this, it’s key to keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum. I opted for dangly hoops, a dainty necklace, and some subtle arm candy to avoid distracting from the whole ensemble. I usually keep my accessories simple and elegant, so this helped me stay true to my personal style. To add a final touch, pair this outfit with a large tote for day and a slinky chain bag for night.

Whether you are going to brunch with some gal pals or running to the office, this look will definitely add some spice to your sugar!

Have a sinful combination in mind? Share your style ideas in the comments below or show @CFashionista on social media!

4 Summer Trends You Have to Try

Just as spring’s flowers are replaced with summer’s green leaves, my raincoats have been traded in for lightweight blouses and carefree maxi skirts. I adored the ’70s inspired trends that made their way into the wardrobes of fashionable men and women. Now that summer is officially here, so are a few new trends. Here are my favorites so far!

1. Off-the-Shoulder Tops

Whether it’s a lunch date or a night out with friends, I think the off-the-shoulder top trend is the perfect feminine touch for a hot summer day or evening outfit. Not only does it show off your great shoulders but it can be a great opportunity to play with accessories like layered chokers and other necklaces!

2+3. Ankle-Cut/Cuffed Jeans and Platform Sandals

For short girls like me, these jeans are the perfect way to give off the illusion of height. The small bit of skin showing makes your legs look longer as well as emphasizes the cute shoes you’re wearing!

Another good item, if you’re a bit on the short side, is a gorgeous pair of platform sandals. Like the ankle-cut jeans, it adds length to your legs as well as makes them look leaner. If you’re not too keen about heels, then definitely try these out. The evenly distributed weight of the platforms make these shoes super comfortable. I wore mine all day and didn’t have any trouble!

4. Graphic T-shirts

Is it appropriate to call this a “timeless” piece? Graphic T-shirts have made a serious comeback thanks to the rebirth of the ’90s grunge era in the fashion world and I think it’s safe to say that this is a trend that’ll stick for a while. Or, at least for the summer. My favorite graphic tees are the ones with cute sayings like the shirt above which I got for $5 at H&M, talk about a good find!

Thank you for reading! Are you loving some of these trends too? Leave a comment below about what you’re favorites are!

If you’re loving these or want to share your own fashion faves of the summer, share them on social media and tag us at @Cfashionista!

WHAT TO WEAR: Spring Alert

With the weather finally warming up, you can finally wear something to show off. No more bundling up in those thick jackets and heavy boots. You are now free to wear whatever you want without having to think if it is going to fall in line with the cold weather. However, since you are able to show your outfit freely now, the question of “What do I wear?” may come to mind. Well, have no fear. First of all you should be able to wear whatever you want! Second of all, since it is spring you have tons of choices to pick from.

Even though it was a little chilly, this particular Fashionista decided to enjoy this spring weather by wearing a denim jacket and black jeans. With the color coordination she had with her white shirt and her black and white Vans, she was able to show off her sporty look and take on the day with a smile. I really like this outfit because it really brings out her bright personality and coordinates well with the spring weather! The colors she uses are definitely a plus.

Even though I love every part of her outfit, one way she can make her outfit even better is by adding some accessories. Adding some accessories like a necklace or earrings will give the outfit more of a chic look and redefine the whole outfit. Besides these small details, everything about her outfit is great. She is definitely ready to take on spring and also end this semester strong!

STYLE ADVICE: Oktobers’s Very Own Traveling Fashion Guide

There’s no better time to adventure abroad than to witness October’s very own… Oktoberfest that is! Preparing for her study abroad this fall, this international Fashionista took prepping for a European getaway and the German festival quite extensively. Ensuring that she could strut her stuff appropriately while traveling all across Europe, she combined dominant styles and aesthetics. Of course, focusing on those known as the most prevalent and sought after countries, such as France and Germany.

Starting off her killer look, she begins with a textured white top with elongated flare sleeves, reminiscent of the romance one would experience when traveling to France. Picture yourself roaming through the illuminated Parisian Avenue des Champs-Élysées from day to night in this posh look. Her outfit intertwines cultures, pushing it further with a pair of denim overalls; typical fashion of the German festival. Adding a twist to the basic denim bottoms are intricate floral appliqués that adorn the sides. This adds rich, bold color to the festivals somewhat strict visual color palette.

The European fashion traveling feat is accentuated as she adorns her neck with a bold floral ascot that plays up the slight intricate details of the appliqués that run along her thighs. She skips the stereotypical clogs for a more fashion forward look by rocking lace-up wood platform heels.

The look itself comes together so tastefully on its own, so she opts to solely rock a pop of color on her waterline to give her ensemble hints of a playful edge while she keeps the remainder of her makeup application pretty natural and simplistic. By doing this, she keeps the focus on her overall attire instead of distracting her audience by the details that create the look. A braided high ponytail resonates the fun and whimsical atmosphere one would experience from attendance at Oktoberfest, yet it still allows her to stand out among what would be expected to be a sea of braided pigtails.

This Fashionista sure is ready to embark on her international traveling excursion in style! I can’t wait to see what cultures she fuses together next with her personal style. Hopefully, you, too, can take a stab at fusing European fashion trends within your daily ensembles.

STYLE ADVICE: Grad Season

Can you believe that in 41 more days this Rocky Top Fashionista will slay the stage for graduation? This is the moment all those long nights in the library and weeks with only $4.85 in your account were for. What the days you went to class with yesterday’s yoga pants were for, and what your parents will die for: graduation.

As we go into the last weeks of the semester, it’s important that we acknowledge our graduating seniors. It’s definitely grad season in Tennessee, so what better way to slay than senior pictures? I said, “It’s great to be a Tennessee Vol”, isn’t it?

Her Volunteer orange off-the-shoulder button-down blouse is one that is extremely in season and pretty popular right now. As if that wasn’t enough to catch the eye, she paired vintage high-waist, skinny leg jeans to give off that edgy, yet casual and chic look. Her brown leather Dillard’s backless, platform chunky mules complete her look and their silver studs spice them up just the right amount! I love everything about this look, as it hits all this season’s newest trends.

We could all take a couple notes from this diva! In one look she’s given us graduation, courtside and wine night vibes, with an outfit that will have you prepared to casually slay any occasion. A simple yet bold look is always the key, especially when giving style advice. The best looks come together when the express and compliment the person wearing them, and her smile tells it all! I was happy to catch this bubbly, energetic Vol slaying campus for one of the last times. What better way to begin grad season, than in your Rocky Top Orange!