Cardigan – CollegeFashionista

Winter Is Always Coming—Finding Essential Fashion Staples Off-Season

A question I often get asked is “Where do you find such unique fashion pieces?” My secret is very simple: I like to buy many of my seasonal clothes off season.

When summer rolls around, everyone is focused on finding the latest summer trends. Whether it be the newest off-the-shoulder top or jean skirt, you can guarantee that within a few weeks every website will be stocked with every color, shape, and form of that same trend. What tends to go unnoticed during this time are the cute, unique, and trendy jackets and coats that everyone lusted over in the winter. This is where I like to focus my time. It’s so much easier to find certain F/W styles over the summer than in the winter when every girl is trying to find the same piece as you. Everything from my warm suede knot dress to my favorite trench coat and cardigan has been purchased in the midst of the summer when colder days seemed the to be the farthest thing from everyone’s minds.

I understand that shopping for winter clothes in the summer is not an easy task. The moment the warm weather rolls around, everyone wants to ditch their layers for shorts and a crop top. I can promise you, though, that the payoff is worth the early investment. Buying clothing off-season makes purchases cheaper than usual. I cannot tell you the amount of times I have found an extremely cute coat or jacket over the summer for half the original price. The same thing goes for purchasing summer clothes in the winter. I’ve found so many crop tops, shorts, and other summer staples during the winter, and most often, for so much less than in the summer. Many times, these pieces will be tucked deep within the sale section of websites. Finding the right pieces, especially in common sizes like small or medium, takes a little bit of digging, but makes the reward so much greater.

Now, this method is not without its faults. By buying a F/W piece in the summer, you run the risk of it being out of style by the time you get the chance to wear it. That’s why it’s important to search for basic pieces that are easy to wear on multiple outfits, and can potentially be worn during more than one season. Neutral-colored flats, boots or hats are great pieces to invest in during the summer, but trends like peplum or off-the-shoulder sweaters might not be. By searching for classic multi-use pieces, you will quickly be able to develop a solid wardrobe by the time winter rolls around.

Next time you’re online shopping, keep an eye out for cute F/W steals. Comment below if this technique has worked for you!

What to Wear for 6 Weeks in Europe

Packing for a big trip can be really stressful, it feels like you need to bring everything in your closet, including that cardigan you haven’t worn for two years but keep around for the “just in case” times. Here’s a list of how to pack smart, comfy, and cute (yes, this can be done!) for six weeks of travel in Europe.

1—Cardigans. Layering is essential when traveling, especially in Europe, where there are style goals left and right. Cardigans (or jean jackets, button-downs, etc.) are great because they double as blankets/pillows for traveling days, a cute way to mix up your limited wardrobe, and keep you warm when the nights get chilly.

2—Comfortable Shoes. Seriously, don’t choose cute if it comes between the two. In Europe, there is a ton of walking to be done. If you aren’t wearing the right shoes, your feet will kill and you’ll be the miserable tourist with blisters all over her feet.

3—Basic Shirts. Leave the neon and funky prints at home! You’re going to need to be rewearing these items a lot, and it’s easier to have that go unnoticed when you’re wearing neutral colors and basic (enough) cuts. I would recommend bringing two cute blouses, two tanks, three short sleeves, and one long sleeve. Yes, this only totals to eight but when you’re traveling all over Europe, you’re not going to want to have to carry too much, trust me!

4—Jeans. You always need a solid pair of jeans, no matter what. Bring a dark wash, so if you spill gelato on them, it won’t be as noticeable!

5—Leggings. I am obsessed with my leggings, I always need a pair with. I recommend bringing a black pair with to stay versatile.

6—Shorts. Definitely going to want to bring at least three pair of cute shorts and one pair of athletic shorts. Europe in the summer gets hot so you’ll be thankful for those shorts.

7—Dresses. I love dresses, because of a few reasons. One, you can dress them up or dress them down; two, they’re pretty comfortable; three, you can put shirts on top of them and make it look like a skirt. Total game changer.

8—Swimsuit. If you’re planning on going anywhere near the Mediterranean, you’ll want to pack a couple extra swimsuits! Bring two tops and two bottoms, unless you have the extra room to bring more. I would say bring tops that match both bottoms, so you can get a more versatile swim wardrobe.

9—Sunglasses. Sun. So much sun, need I say more?

What were some things you wish you had known before you traveled? Comment below!

Styling a Boho-Chic Summer Outfit

After endless months of cold and unpredictable weather, summer has finally arrived here in the northeast! With that being said, it’s time to bring out all those shorts, tank tops, sunglasses, and just about anything that screams “warm weather!” Personally, my style has always been very boho, so for this particular summer outfit, I decided to follow just that.

With the serious heatwave passing through the northeast these past few days, it was almost necessary to wear shorts and something lightweight. I was going for a casual look, so I chose to wear these ripped denim shorts along with a plain black tank top.

Accessorizing the Outfit

Any outfit needs some accessories, so I started off by throwing on a kimono. You can never go wrong with a kimono especially since it is a nice lightweight layer of clothing to wear in warm weather. The kimono isn’t necessarily the focal point of the outfit, but it acts as more of an accessory to a plain look. It completes a basic outfit by adding some personality to it and gives it a more boho-chic vibe as well.

In order to add a bit of glam to the plain black top, I put on a long chain necklace. It went along with the boho-chic vibe while still keeping it simple and not too overbearing.

I topped the outfit off with a pair of aviator sunglasses because it’s not summer without those shades! Believe it or not, I actually got these sunglasses from a cheap find off of Amazon! They give a great look and are great quality. Look closely enough, and you can get the best find for your money’s worth.

Finally, I walked out with these cognac heeled sandals. You can really wear any sandals or summery shoes with this look. I find cognac to be a neutral shade of brown that ties up outfits pleasingly without drawing too much attention. Also, a boho look wouldn’t be complete without a hint of cognac. These heels perfectly completed the outfit by adding style and a touch of self-confidence to a casual outing.

This boho look can go great for upcoming music festivals, fairs, day trips, and other cute summer events! Hopefully these tips can help inspire some of your summer outfits. Share your pictures on social media, and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

Studying Style

If you’re like me, you either just have been or might still be cramming for a statistics final…or pulling an all-nighter in hopes of finishing a class strong. It’s been a busy time of year for all college students, but that doesn’t mean your fashion should suffer for it! Here’s a look I love that’s fashion-forward, comfortable, and perfect for a study date.

I love the look pictured because it can be easily dressed up with a statement necklace and a cute pair of wedges, or dressed down with a cardigan and a comfy pair of flats. In the spirit of finals week, I chose to dress down. I paired my favorite pair of boyfriend jeans with a layered, loose-fittibg tank top. I love this combination because it’s fashionable, super comfortable, and practical for all things academia without having to resort to sweatpants and a hoodie. I also added a gray ruffled cardigan (just in case, to keep me warm on a rainy day). To finish the look, I went with silver glitter boat shoes—they’re studious, and they add the topping-off-touch of sparkle to bring some brilliance to the look.

During the time of year when you’re limited on time, this cool-but-casual look is, in my opinion, the perfect outfit. A simple, comfortable, trendy outfit may be just the outfit you need to make it through finals week, or any study session!

Any other stylin’ studying ideas you’d suggest? Post a comment below or a social media post and tag @CFashionista and show of your studying style inspo!

STYLE ADVICE: 50 Shades of Pink

Summer is all about losing the layers and feeling fresh in your own skin. This flowy dress almost looks like it has its flower pattern in 3D. It reminds me of a pink version of dandelions, which were blown to this dress, perfectly matching it to the burgundy color of the dress. The effortless, flowy nature of the dress turns the look of the Fashionista from a casual summer look to a more exotic one. The cutout in the middle of the dress allows her leg to be more open. This dress gives the whole look a romantic feel because of the different colors that are similarly colored to each other.

Her ankle strap heels are an excellent choice to go with the dress. A nude color can never look wrong with an outfit, especially if you are wearing many of the same colors, which in her case are burgundy and pink. The bow at the top of the heels make her look more feminine, but they are also very comfortable to walk in. This color allows the dress to be the center of attention.

Her light makeup, including a nude lip, warm eyeshadow, and pink blush, greatly emphasizes the romantic aspect to the look. It was super fun to shoot with this Fashionista, as she seems like such a fashion pro for combining all the colors in such a unique way.

While some days in May may be windy and chilly, this Fashionista thought of a perfect solution to wear a light, purple cardigan to keep her warm. Whether she wears it fully or just throws it on top of her shoulders, the cardigan adds a nice touch. She loves to carry her burgundy bag with a black and white stripe pattern on the inside. Her jewelry is also an important asset to her, and she advises to wear as much jewelry as you can in order to look more exotic instead of plain and simple. Indeed, her jewelry pieces, especially the purple stone ring, make her hands more exotic.

WHAT TO WEAR: Spring Floral

College finals are now over. I can finally let my brain rest. School may be out for the summer for some students but it’s nice to make sure that I refresh my brain on the stuff I learned in school every now and then. For now, I’m going to enjoy the nice weather. This summer, I’m looking forward to traveling and to new adventures that I’m going to take on. With all the traveling, I’m going to need to pack some clothes that I can wear in multiple ways so I don’t over pack too many clothes. I saw this Fashionista’s laid-back outfit, and I got the idea of mix-matching clothes.

This Fashionista’s outfit is perfect for any day of the week and when your traveling. If you’re a person whom doesn’t wear much floral, a black floral dress is a way to go. Black is a neutral color and with the small floral prints, it’s perfect because the floral prints are not that big or bold. Keeping the neutral color look, she threw on a gray cardigan that has a hint of black and white thread in it. She finished off her outfit with nude lace up sandals. Not only do the shoes give her height but also they elongate her legs. This outfit is simple and girly—great for going out to brunch with families and friends.

What I love about this Fashionista’s outfit is that every clothing piece can be worn by mix-matching with other clothing piece. For example, you can throw on a T-shirt over the dress and wear a floppy hat with flat sandals. When putting together outfits for your next trip, be sure to mix and match clothing pieces that you’re sure that you’re going to wear. That way you won’t over pack.

This semester has gone by fast. I just want to say thank you for reading, and I hope everyone has a fantastic summer! I’m so glad that I got to meet and connect with Style Gurus all around the world! See all of you Fashionista/os next semester!

WHAT TO WEAR: Summertime Style

Spring has sprung and summer is finally upon us! There is no greater feeling than knowing you don’t have to turn in an assignment, present a project, or study for an exam for two whole months. Summer is a time for traveling, catching up with friends you haven’t seen in months, going on family outings, and enjoying that time you have with friend and family not stressing over what grade you need in a class.

The best thing about summer arriving is the fashion. It’s a time to show off all the clothes you have been hoarding in your closet during those cold winter days, anxiously waiting to debut them. In the past, spring and summer collections have always given off a fun and flirty vibe. The color palette for spring and summer 2017 is nothing shy of being fun and flirty! To kick off the new season, Pantone, a color expert company, released what they believe to be the top ten colors for this season. Niagara, Primrose Yellow, Lapis Blue, Flame, and Island Paradise are just a few colors that made it onto the list.

This Fashionista is ready to take on the summer in her outfit. She wore a cranberry bodysuit, which she paired with a light floral cardigan, perfect for any summer day. She also wore a pair of white skinny jeans and finished off her look with a pair of cream wedges. This outfit is perfect for going out with friends on a summer night or strolling around town during the day with family.

BEAUTY BAR: Ready for the Warmth

Summer is right around the corner, which means warm weather, sunny days, and good vibes are almost here. This Fashionista not only chose an outfit that matched the weather, but she made sure to pair her beauty look with the mood of the season as well!

One thing I love about this beauty look is the focus on the eyes. Gone are the smoky eyes that are often associated with the gray and dreary days of winter; instead, this Fashionista opted for a warmer eye shadow color to match the warm colors of spring and summer. She finished off the look with a winged eyeliner and a pink lip tint.

As for her outfit, this Fashionista went with a black and white color scheme, mixing in a few natural shades to complement her eye makeup. The floral, soft fabric shorts are my favorite part of this outfit. The painted gray and white flowers are a nice contrast to the black color of the shorts, and they add a nice classy feel to the outfit. I also love the material of the shorts because they aren’t only comfortable, but they are also light and airy, making them perfect for the summer heat. The basic gray crop top and black cardigan accent the color scheme of the shorts, making for an aesthetically pleasing outfit. What I love about this Fashionista’s cardigan is that it’s breathable design makes it ideal for the days where it may be warm outside, but cool inside the classroom. To finish off the outfit, this Fashionista added a pair of strappy sandals that feature a brown base and black straps, making them the perfect addendum to this spring outfit.

WHAT TO WEAR: Finals Week Rockstar

So, it’s that time again—the dreadful finals week, but don’t let the thought of a final deter you from your stylish looks. For most people, this week consist of the baggiest of sweatpants and a lucky sweatshirt but this Fashionista has decided to pull out her best and rock her way to the end of the week. As she passes by the rest of the student population who goes for the alternative look, her confidence is boosted as she hears the “ooh’s” and “ah’s” of her fellow colleagues.

As the saying goes, “Look good, feel good.” And that is exactly what this little Fashionista has done for a successful finals week.

The best way to achieve a rockstar look during finals week is to pull out your favorite pieces that inspire your most confident look. For this Fashionista that consists of her favorite black denim skirt. As the temperature outside is rising so is her comfort by wearing an airy skirt that keeps her chilled out.

Another part of her rockstar look is her creme cardigan. To ensure she is comfy and cozy during the long hours of studying in the library, she takes breaks by cuddling up with her cozy cardigan but remains stylish without toting around an extra large blanket and pillow. It’s like your childhood teddy bear on your back and it’s the best of luck to ace those finals. To complete her stylish finals look, she tops it off with her floppy hat. Now, the secret to a successful finals week is to disguise the nerves and remind yourself that you are capable of successful with a little extra work and a determination to conquer the world.

Set out for the ultimate goals this week and remember, you will rock the runway one step at a time!

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Jogging Through Spring

The constantly changing spring weather is making it hard to put together a cute, yet comfortable. outfit. Especially with finals quickly approaching, fashion can end up taking a backseat. However, this doesn’t have to be true. This Fashionista created the perfect outfit to rock during finals week and all spring long.

Comfort is key for this spring look. This Fashionista centered her look around her black cotton jogger pants. Joggers are essentially dressed up sweatpants that will keep you comfortable for any library study session or presentation. She paired her joggers with a simple white tank top, which adds the perfect layered piece if it starts to get hotter throughout the day.

To add some color to the outfit, this Fashionista wore an open, army green cardigan. Not only does this color fit into the current military trend, it also adds subtle details to the outfit. The cardigan has simple stripes which throws a pattern into the mix of this causal look. Not to mention, it will also keep you warm through any spring showers.

To accessorize this look, this Fashionista wore another trendy spring item, gladiator sandals. These black sandals tie in with the black joggers. Because the pants and shoes are the same color, they give an elongating appearance. Finally, no spring look would be complete without a pair of sunglasses. Classic Ray-Ban style sunglasses are perfect for this causal look, or any other look you plan on rocking this spring. No matter your finals style this is a great look that will kept you comfortable while still looking cute until summer comes!