Tag: Casual

Dreading Your Early Morning Class? Try These 3 Outfit Hacks

Oh, the joys of an early morning class. I was such a morning person before I came to college. It was no problem to wake up at 6 a.m. and get ready for school. But when I came to college, it was a whole different ballgame. It was not as easy as walking downstairs to eat breakfast and driving to school. You have to walk to the dining hall, and then still walk across campus to class—basically waking up 30 minutes earlier.

PHOTO: Michelle Szczech

My first semester, I did not willingly take an 8 a.m. class—I had a mandatory University Perspectives class. As if it wasn’t hard enough getting up and getting dressed, it was also an eight-week class that started in the middle of the semester. But don’t worry: I learned that you can still wake up early and dress cute and comfortably. Here are a few outfits even you can throw on at 7 a.m.!

1—Athleisure. This is my favorite trend. The athleisure style is when you dress like you’re going to the gym, but you don’t actually go. Nice, right? All you need is a pair of leggings and some tennis shoes. By now, almost every major store carries some type of athleisure attire.

2—Mom jeans Mom jeans got their name because you got them from the best store—your mom’s closet! These are my favorite kind of jeans because they aren’t super tight. You can wear these all day without dying to take them off. I love mom jeans because they give me more mobility than skinny jeans, but they are nicer than leggings. These high-waisted jeans were popular in the ’90s.

3—Boyfriend jeans. Boyfriend jeans are similar to mom jeans in that they are looser than skinny jeans. However, in some cases, they are tighter than mom jeans. They first came on the scene in the ’60s. They’re very baggy and they are usually made with a harder type of denim.

Leave your super tight leather pants at home, because chances are you’ll opt for something more comfortable on those early mornings before class.

What do you like wearing to class? Show us on social media, and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

How to Be Comfortable at Work

We’ve all been there, when you want to look decent for work but also want to be comfortable. If you’re lucky enough to have a work setting where you don’t have to wear business professional or right on that border, it’s a little easier to get away with more comfortable apparel. If you have a work setting where you can wear business casual, you’re likely to get away with outfits as long as they aren’t jeans. But some work settings jeans are totally acceptable as long it’s not leggings. Each level has a limit. This mermaid vibe look is perfect for all levels up to business professional. Business professional is pretty straightforward; you’re wearing a suit.

This outfit is both comfy and trendy. You can wear it to work, to a bridal shower, or on the town. The lace-up front for a top is seen everywhere. On a black top it’s perfect for a night out, on this floral top it’s fine to wear to work. Mix it with a comfortable green maxi skirt, and you’ve got yourself a perfect boho outfit. The Fashionista wore black sandals with this outfits. Some employers will allow that, but others will not. Therefore, you can pair it with flats as well. The Fashionista also has an amazing Little Mermaid and a few other inspirational Alex and Ani bracelets which deserve recognition. Alex and Ani bracelets can be added to any outfit and look fabulous.

In conclusion, you can be both comfortable and work appropriate. For the Fashionista it’s a comfortable, yet trendy top matched with a maxi skirt. My work place allows for jeans, so I wear them all the time. If you need comfortable slacks, Ann Taylor Loft has my personal favorite in the Marisa fit. Gap has super comfortable girlfriend chinos in multiple colors that could be worn in a business casual setting as well. Just remember, just because the dress code maybe more than your average “walk around campus with a baggy sweatshirt and leggings” look, it doesn’t have to be the most uncomfortable outfit in the world.

How do you stay comfortable in work clothes? Share your work outfit and tag us @CFashionista

Essentials for a Summer Day Trip

As another summer comes to an end, I find myself constantly running out of the house on weekends to fit in fun day trips with family and friends while I can! Whether it’s a day of shopping in the Hamptons or sightseeing in Manhattan, day trips are one of my favorite ways to spend the day while I’m still home from college. No matter what the destination is, I find myself packing the same essentials when I’m out of town for the day.

Sneakers

My first essential item for a summer day trip is a cute pair of casual sneakers. A white pair of sneakers makes every outfit look more fun and casual, and they are the absolute perfect shoes for a long day of walking around in the summer. They are a match made in heaven with nearly any summer outfit you put on and are a great way to dress any outfit down for the day.

Crossbody Bag

I love having a crossbody bag to keep everything from my phone to sunglasses at my side during a day of adventures. Carrying around a big heavy bag is the last thing I want to do when I’m walking miles around a city all day! A simple vintage black bag like the one I have on goes with nearly everything and is always in style. It also lets me not have to think about what I’m carrying around during a day of fun.

Smartphone

Lastly, a phone is your best friend on any day trip! One of my favorite parts of going away for the day is trying out new restaurants. However, if you don’t frequent anywhere, in particular, it can be difficult to narrow your choices down to one! I love searching for places to eat on Instagram and seeing what the food and atmosphere look like before you even step into the restaurant. It’s a great way to discover places that you otherwise would not have considered. Searching Instagram for locations nearby is also a cool way to find awesome shops and parks that are popular around whatever neighborhood you end up in! And even easier, a quick search on your maps app is a great way to see what is nearby.

What are your summer day trip essentials? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

Athleisure—The Do’s and Don’ts

Athleisure is one of my favorite trends. There is nothing better than looking cute and being comfortable at the same time. Clothes that were once only for the gym have become acceptable to wear out and about when we all know you have zero intentions of working out. For someone who loves athletic clothes, but does not love to workout, this is the perfect trend for you.

Athleisure is a broad category that many different brands have created their own lines of. While some are more casual than others, others tend to be nicer than your average gym clothes. With such variety available, it is easy to wander astray. Since you can either buy actual athletic clothes or specifically athleisure wear, there are some key do’s and don’ts of this trend. I have compiled these guidelines into two simple lists that will leave you rocking the athleisure look this fall.

Do

1—Find what fits you best (i.e full-length leggings vs cropped leggings).

2—Keep it simple.

3—Cute sneakers.

4—Wear sports bras or bralettes.

5—Rock the athletic look when it is appropriate (class, errands, shopping).

Don’t

1—Wear two loose fitting items.

2—Wear too many bright colors.

3—Flip Flops or sandals.

4—Let your socks show.

This Fashionista followed all the do’s of the athleisure trend. She has long, slim legs, therefore the full-length leggings make her legs looks even longer, and fit her perfectly. She kept the whole outfit very simple by pairing black and white, which is always a great decision. She is wearing a simple white tank top with a sports bra to match. When it comes to athletic tank tops, many of them make your bra very visible, which is why it is very important to make sure whatever you are wearing underneath is not only cute but also matching. She paired her super simple outfit with all-black Nike sneakers. While I think you can absolutely pair a simple outfit like this with a colorful sneaker, it is always a safe bet to go with black.

Going out in athletic clothes to anywhere but the gym is a more recent trend, but it is a pretty awesome one because who doesn’t want to be comfortable when they are going to class or the grocery store?

What’s your favorite way to wear the athleisure trend? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

Look Smart and Chic in All-Black This Fall

The college life can hit you hard; assignments, deadlines, and tests all just flood in and it’s so easy to give up on personal appearance and go for leggings and baggy hoodies. But it is so important to continuously put that little bit of effort into your appearance, even if it means getting ten minutes less of sleep daily. It’s easy to forget that your lecturers and tutors can possibly aid you in getting a job or advocate for you in getting into a course. Ensuring that you’re dressing in a smart yet casual way can be the make or break factor for their opinion of you. Dressing smart always portrays an image of not only sophistication but also that you take things seriously. It can also make you memorable and stand out from the crowd. One of the simplest ways to do this is to wear all black.

All black is simple, classy, and sophisticated as well as flattering on every body type. Black is an essential color for everyone’s wardrobe and is so easy to both dress up and dress down for any occasion.

A pair of plain black jeans always looks smart and classy and, better yet, is always flattering. A pair of jeans without any rips or distressing is always a safer option when trying to impress faculty as plain jeans look more sophisticated and are much more appropriate for someone aspiring for a specific career path.

A plain black leather jacket is always a great addition to your wardrobe and to any outfit because it makes the plainest outfit look more put together. A black leather jacket is an essential for everyone’s wardrobe no matter what your style or prospect. A leather jacket is also a way to maintain dressing for your age.

Top off the outfit with a pair of black boots, a must have in everyone’s fall wardrobe. Comfortable yet chic, a basic pair of heeled or flat boots are the perfect way to tie an outfit together and to make it cohesive and smart.

So make an effort, dress up, feel amazing and look even better. Don’t be afraid of all black; it is a flattering, classy, yet simple and easy option to turn heads and create opportunities for yourself.

What’s your favorite look to put together with black? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

A Trip to the Ringling Museum of Art

Being that I am an art major and that one of my best friends lives in Sarasota, I pretty much started geeking out when I realized how close she lives to the Ringling Museum of Art. This museum has a total of 21 exhibits, ranging from interchanging galleries of contemporary art, to displays of portrait photography. Due to the permanent collections being the only galleries I could take pictures of, I dedicated most of the time I had at the 14th-18th century European art, and the Circus Museum.

The gallery of 14th-18th century European art mostly captured art from the Renaissance era. The combination of beauty and elegant, flourishing creativity during this period is why I’ve always found the “rebirth” period to be one of the most influential movements in history. One piece that really stuck out to me features this snazzy lady right here. Her gown is hands down one of the prettiest articles of clothing I’ve ever seen and she’s holding the tiniest dog to walk the planet.

The circus museum was full of interactive pieces such walking on tightropes and sitting in a clown car, but what really stuck out to me what the fashion. The Ringling Circus was at its peak in the mid-1920s, so obviously the costumes were amazing. Female performers always had the most intricate beading and details on their costumes and this woman’s warm-toned gown matched perfectly with her partner, the elephant’s, costume. The piece definitely gives me Water for Elephants vibes.

How to Conquer the Ringling Museum of Art

1—Bring your student ID. If you’re enrolled at the University of South Florida, Florida State University, State College of Flordia, New College of Florida, Ringling College of Art and Design, or Eckerd College, this is essential. If you are a college student but not enrolled at any of these schools, bring your ID because you will still get a discount! Your ticket will cost only $5 rather than the typical adult ticket which costs $25.

2—Keep track of time and make the exhibits you know you want to see a priority.

3—Bring a bag that can fit everything, including your camera. Walking around a museum, or anywhere in general, with a camera in my hand can be very irritating, and I find that it draws attention to me. I found that just bringing a bigger purse can easily solve the problem. I usually find myself gravitating toward smaller purses, but in situations like these. A shopper or tote is the perfect solution.

How are you going to conquer your next art museum? Let us know in the comments!

Beating Heat in the Streets

As I have emphasized in previous articles, there is nothing I find more difficult than trying to put together a comfortable and trendy outfit while dealing with sweltering summer heat. I spent the first month of summer struggling with trying to find heat-friendly fabrics that also match my preferred style.

I realized that guys tend to have way fewer options at hand than us girls do when it comes to fabrics and style. This Fashionisto, however, has found a way to incorporate comfort and style in a look that can be worn every day.

I’ve said it before and I will say it again, graphic T-shirts are the perfect way to make a statement with any look. This Fashionisto wore a vintage-inspired black and white graphic T-shirt that depicts the late rapper Tupac. He complemented the top with a simple pair of Champion black athletic shorts, a perfect piece for guys to achieve comfort in the heat.

To add to the sporty vibe of this street-based look, he added a pair of green acid-washed Nike sneakers. The bright and bold sneakers make this simple look stand out in a crowd. To top off the look, this Fashionisto added a hand-crafted wooden necklace, which he says he wears with every look. Often times guys will stay away from jewelry, especially with casual looks. However, pieces like this add so much personality and character to any outfit.

What are your favorite tips on staying stylish and comfortable during the summer heat? Let us know in the comments!

How I Styled My Italian Vacation

During the past month, I was lucky enough to have spent a week traveling Italy with my family. While I enjoyed sightseeing and all of the culture of the beautiful country, I was especially interested in the fashion and trends that can be spotted almost anywhere. Feeling inspired by the fashion around me, I put together these five outfits.

This first outfit I put together for a casual day of shopping in Milan. These wide-leg pants are super comfortable and could be seen all over the fashion capital. I paired my pants with a simple black top to balance out the bolder pattern of the pants. I accessorized with a simple black hat, brown watch, and basic brown sandals.

While still in Milan, I styled this outfit for a somewhat casual dinner with my family. I focused the look around the statement green sunglasses. I found tons of unique, fun glasses like these while shopping the streets and decided I must have a pair of my own. I paired the sunglasses with this striped blouse, solid skinny jeans, and white platform wedges.

I wore this outfit to a more dressy dinner on the island of Capri. This look has a similar theme to the last with the stripes and another pair of statement sunglasses, but with darker colors in order to create a more formal vibe.

This next look has a colorful bohemian style and was perfect for lunch on the island. I love this dress because of its unique print and hemline. I paired the look with chunky, lace-up wedges and complementing bandana scarf. These types of scarves were another trend I saw in abundance throughout my trip.

My last outfit was styled for a day of shopping and sightseeing in Positano. I kept the look pretty simple with a solid black oversize top and patterned shorts. To accessorize, I chose a pair of comfortable nude heels and a black crossbody.

Did anyone else go abroad this summer? If so, what trends did you spot? Let me know in the comments below!

4 Chicago Neighborhoods That are Perfect for Your Instagram

Chicago is a big city with a lot to see. Of course, there are the main attractions that you must see when you visit, such as Cloud Gate, Millennium Park, Giordano’s, and the Buckingham Fountain. There also more hidden gems in Chicago neighborhoods. Rather than trying to capture the perfect picture of your fashion, get out your camera because Chicago is perfect for your Instagram. Here are four neighborhoods in particular that I think would make great additions to your Instagram.

 

1—Buena Park. Buena Park is not filled with tourist attractions like Cloud Gate or Millennium Park. It is more low-key than the other Chicago neighborhoods. It has a beach called Montrose Beach and is north of the loop; it’s a great location for running, walking, picnics, swimming, and almost anything outdoors. There’s a dog beach where owners can take their dogs and let them run around. Montrose Beach has a great view of the city if you want that picture of the Chicago Skyline. Buena Park has elevated train tracks, which would be a great picture to get when coming to Chicago to remember your visit.

2—West Loop. West Loop is an upcoming neighborhood full of suitable places for Instagram. Some of my favorite places to shoot include the blue brick wall and the red doors. There’s also the drink up wall, wing wall, avocado wall, and the blue doors. When visiting Chicago, the West Loop is one of the top places you should go. On top of murals, it contains some of the best food in the city with a retail area.

3—Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Chicago, filled with lots of cool restaurants and tourist attractions, including the Conservatory and the Lincoln Park Zoo. The Conservatory is filled with plants, fish, and small ponds. The Lincoln Park Zoo is filled with nature trails and lots of greenery, along with animals. Both of these places are free to the public and perfect backdrops for your Instagram photo.

4—Wicker Park. Wicker Park is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Chicago. It is full of restaurants, coffee shops, thrift shops, and music stores. All of the decorations and themes for the shops are original ideas that you will not see in any other place. While you are in Wicker Park, you can get your palm read or look at the murals on all the buildings. You can enjoy a drink in a pineapple in the summer, or a hot coffee at a coffee shop in the winter. Just make sure you check this part of town out.

Have you visited any of these neighborhoods? Post a picture on Instagram and tag @CFashionista!

Chic in the Workplace

As a lover of all things fashion, I like to make sure that I look chic at all times. The summertime is always a hectic time for me in my professional life as I run around applying for internships, jobs, events, etc. I have many go-to looks for various types of professional settings that range from casual to formal.

My secret to looking chic and professional is putting together clean and stylish basics together to achieve a flawless minimalistic look. I am a huge fan of pairing skinny dress pants with basic tops to create a casual professional look. I paired my favorite pair of skinny suit pants with a basic beige shirt. This is my go-to formula for casual professional wear.

When I want to dress up and make my attire look more formal, I like to wear darker colors. I put together a pair of black dress pants and a basic white T-shirt to dress up my look. The contrast of the black and white makes the outfit seem more professional, even though it’s just a few basic pieces.

I also added a blazer to the outfit as a way to make it even more formal for more special occasions. For all of the outfits, I paired them with a pair of basic black dress shoes.

Accessorizing is a very important part of putting together looks for me. For these looks, I like to pair them with unique accessories that will add a pop of pizzazz. A belt with a cute design can be a great standout piece for an outfit of basics. I love this belt because the fabric gives it an interesting texture which makes it even more unique. Plus, it has ducks on it. Who doesn’t love ducks?

I also like to add a bit of bling to my outfits. A simple gold bracelet can always make an outfit more chic and classy. I paired my outfit with this vintage gold bracelet.

Looking your best means feeling your best. When you feel your best in professional settings, you can have the confidence to do your best.

What are some of your favorite go-to styles for professional wear? Let me know in the comments below!