Hats – CollegeFashionista

Confession—Dressing For That Awkward In-Between Season is Actually Kind of the Best

As summer vacation is coming to an end, it’s important to consider how you are going to make that transition from summer to fall fashion. One of the hardest things in fashion to master is the “in between” look. You know exactly what I’m talking about. The look for that period of the season where it’s cold in the morning but hot by the afternoon. Just like you, I’ve searched high and low for the perfect outfit, and I have finally found the secret to that perfect “in between” outfit.

The most important thing when dressing during the beginning of fall is to remember to layer, layer, layer. I know it seems pesky, but it really will change your life in the end. You want to start off by taking a cute and simple fall college fashion outfit. A pair of light wash jeans and a solid colored shirt paired with black booties. This outfit is not only adorable but it keeps you comfortable throughout the day.

Now for those chilly but wonderful fall mornings. Your problem of shivering your way to class has finally been solved. Simply adding a cute and cozy gray cardigan to your outfit will stop the shivers, but you can easily take it off during the heat of the day.

If you really want to embrace the culture of summer to fall fashion, pairing a hat to match your boots is just the thing you need to put a little extra spice in your outfit.

If you’re the kind of girl that prefers to skip the layering, then your fall college fashion solution includes wearing a lightweight off-the-shoulder sweater. The sweater will provide just enough warmth for those chilly mornings, but you won’t be sweating by the end of the day. Layering a cute lace bralette will add the perfect amount of detail to your stylish sweater.

Just like the previous outfit, you can always add more accessories to spice up your look. Wearing a brown hat would match perfectly in fall with a burgundy sweater. The off-the-shoulder and lace-up sweater will help you keep up with all of the latest trends without having to be too cold or hot during the day.

Now that you have all the knowledge you need to create the perfect fall school outfit, go out to find your new look and share your outfit with @Cfashionista on social media!

The Busy Girl’s Guide to Self-Care

Ah, August. Thirty-one days dedicated to the beginning of the end of summer, going to county fairs, and preparing for the fall semester. Personally, I am moving apartments, towns, and preparing to transfer schools. Because of all these sudden changes in my life, I am dedicating this fall semester to focusing on taking care of myself. Self-care is more than brushing your hair and teeth every day. Self-care also involves maintaining your mental and emotional health, which is just as important. Here are a few tips for balancing life with living.

The Busy Girl’s Guide to Self Care

1—Create a schedule. Set aside time to do laundry and dishes. Go to bed before 2 a.m.

2—Declutter. Whether it is cleaning out a junk drawer or cutting ties with a negative person, surround yourself with things that allow you to grow.

3—Plants. Nothing says adulting quite like keeping something besides yourself alive. Bonus: Succulents will solve all your Instagram aesthetic issues.

4—Do what you love. Take a bubble bath, play some music, sit with a dog, or redecorate your room. Stop worrying about pleasing everyone!

5—Remember what you’re grateful for. Call a friend just because, spend quality time with your parents, or remind someone you love them. It might just make you feel whole and less alone.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, take the time to recharge yourself, and remember to breathe, always!

What are some ways you practice self-love? Tell me in the comments!

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Why Hats Should Be Your Go-To Accessory

We all know that accessories can make or break an outfit. Anyone can be into fashion, but not everyone understands style. Utilizing accessories is what really takes an ensemble to a look. Whether minimal additions or statement pieces, adding detail to your outfit will give anyone’s an additional dimension and bring a whole look together.

There are so many accessories to choose from! Some people enjoy jewelry, while some prefer bags. My go-to accessories are hats, and, here, in one word, is why they should be yours, too—versatility. You can channel any vibe with the right hat.

Learn Your Hats

Looking for street style? Get yourself a “dad hat,” aka the baseball cap. You can find one with a cheeky message, or go for one that’s made from a trendy fabric. Looking to pull some more urban style into your look? Get some joggers and a crop top, add a bold pattern bucket hat (not just for the beach anymore), et voila!

However, for the best-of-the best for versatility, get yourself a wide-brim fedora. I can pair my wide-brim hat with an array of outfits, yet each one looks distinct from the rest, yet all fashionable. Every style from modern to bohemian can be achieved by simply adding the right wide-brim to your wardrobe.

But hey, it’s summer—which means, in the world of texture and fabrics, straw and wicker season! Join in on the trend by investing in a straw hat. Opting for a boater, porkpie, or classic sun, a straw hat will help you achieve effortless beach style wherever you are (even if that’s hours away from the closest ocean). Pair it with a linen dress or a two-piece resort set, and you’re ready to strut the streets looking summertime fine.

The best thing about hats is that just having a few can go very far. I own six hats, yet I seem to have one for every occasion and outfit. Another added benefit is the coverage from sun exposure. While this isn’t directly related to style, protecting our pretty skin from future wrinkles with a cute hat is definitely a win-win!

Do you have a favorite way to style hats? Show me on social media and be sure to tag @CFashionista!

Simple Styles to Add to Your Wardrobe to Survive the Summer

I have a little of a love/hate relationship with summer. I love the sun, boating, flowers, farmers markets, and all other good things about the season. Although, I hate getting hot and sweaty in some outfits. Even if I’m just hanging out at the lake, I want to look cute and simple without sweating. So, how do we do that without internally screaming because we’re dying from the heat?

There are so many ways to play up your summer essentials such as trendy bikini tops, hats, and T-shirt dresses to match your everyday summer vibe. We all want to look like we’re trying, without really trying. Here are some ideas of how to stay looking and feeling cool with the summer sun beating down on you.

1—Mesh. The key to wearing clothes without really wearing clothes. Especially if it’s a T-shirt dress, you can just throw it on top of your bikini—how easy.

2—Bikinis. Bikinis have come such a long ways since the original triangle top. With so many styles and colors, I wish it was socially acceptable to just wear them as tops. If you’re living life by the beach, bikini tops are probably your choice instead of a shirt. Pair them with cute bottoms, accessories, a loose top, and out the door you go!

3—Slides. Personally, I’ve ditched the flip-flops and bought myself a pair of slides. They’re easy to slip-on and you can get a pair to match any occasion. From brunch to a casual walk, there are tons of options for slides.

4—Ripped Boyfriend Jeans. I know it’s summer, so why jeans? I mean with all of the rips, they’re basically like air holes… right? If you want to throw on some jeans without suffocating in them, then ripped boyfriend jeans will give your outfit a breathable edge.

5—Hats. Not only do hats protect your face and scalp from all those UV rays, but it’s an instant outfit game changer. Throw on a trendy hat, like the ones with all the fun sayings and graphics, to play up your outfit.

The nice thing about the summer season is your outfit can be so versatile. Anything really goes and you have way more options than just throwing on a parka—sorry winter. Play up your summer essentials to rock an outfit without melting under all that extra fabric. Stay looking and feeling cool this summer fellow Fashionistas!

How do you stay cool in this summer heat? Show us your go-to summer trends and tag @CFashionista!

9 Reasons Why Short Hair Will Be the Best Thing You Do All Summer

Summertime can be filled with adventures, beach trips, and endless relaxation. Or, it may include starting an internship in a new city. No matter what, summer is always an exciting time, filled with heat. Shouldn’t your hair be as adventurous and carefree as the summer? I’d say so. As someone with thick, plentiful wavy hair, I have spent years searching for the ideal hairstyle, and I think I have figured it out: pixie cuts.

I’ve compiled a list of reasons why short hair is the way to go for summer, and honestly for all seasons of the year.

1—The freedom. There is nothing as liberating as letting go of the hair on your head. Short hair feels lighter and simpler. You’re also freeing yourself from stagnation and beauty standards.

2—Natural hair. Depending on your hair type, you may be able to air dry your hair and go completely natural. This saves time styling, reduces heat damage, and hair product costs.

3—The options. There are countless ways you can style your hair even though you have less of it. Some think less hair equals fewer hair styles, but the flexibility in styling comes in a different way. Instead of buns and braids, there are tons of different accessories, such as hats and headbands to change up your look. Not to mention gels, pomades, and serums provide different textures and amounts of volume.

4—The showers. If you have long, thick hair, you know that showering can be a chore, taking forever for hair to dry or to get the shampoo out. Also, with shorter showers, you can have more free time (to play around with styling!) and a lower water bill isn’t bad either.

5—Less hair product. Less hair means you need less hair product on a daily basis. Suddenly trial size products feel huge. This makes traveling easier and lightweight.

6—The confidence. You can’t hide behind your hair, allowing you to feel bold and independent by selecting a style that so few people dare to try.

7—Repairing. You can get a fresh start and repair hair damage from dyes or heat. This is also a great opportunity to try out new hair colors because you will be able to cut damaged hair off sooner.

8—The gym. Having to do your hair for the gym is a thing of the past. You may still want to use a headband or bobby pin to push some bangs away from your face but the bulk of your hair can stay put.

9—Emphasizes your face. Now that most of your hair is gone, your face is no longer covered by it. That means your hair accessories will be highlighted. Also, your makeup and jewelry are brought to a focus, making the perfect opportunity to try some bold looks.

I hope that all of my trials and tribulations will come as a benefit to you. Have you ever considered a major chop? Let me know. Short hair has definitely won my heart (and head).

I Had One Day in Venice, Here’s What I Wore

Venice, Italy is a place I had always dreamed of. I fell in love with photos of the long, peaceful canals, the multicolored buildings with flowers in the windows, the cobblestone streets clad with cafés, shops, and fruit stands. So, naturally, even though it was about four hours away from the town I was studying in for a month, I was determined to make the journey. With only one full day to explore the town, I wanted to wear something that would withstand the long day but also make me feel like a part of the romantic town. Here’s what I decided to go with.

Step One: The Dress

First, I chose a simple, black midi dress. This is one of my favorite items in my closet, because of its versatility, comfort, and class. A basic dress like this can be worn in countless ways; it can be dressed up or down, and pretty much anything looks good with it. Another great thing is the breeziness of the material and design. Its light and airy so you don’t get hot, which is essential for walking around in the summer heat all day.

This dress really made me feel like I was a Venetian. In Italy, you see a lot of longer, looser skirts and pants. As I walked down the streets with this dress blowing in the wind, I felt like I truly belonged in the town.

Also, one of the best parts about this dress? The style of it makes it super easy to go braless. And if you’re anything like me, that is a win.

Step Two: The Hat

I knew that if I was wandering around Venice all day, I needed to bring my beloved boating hat. These hats are kind of a quintessential Italian accessory, as you will see tons of street vendors selling all types of them. I wanted to wear mine to pay tribute to the gondoliers, the adorable men in their striped shirts and straw hats that steer the boats all day.

Aside from being a sort of sentimental symbol of Italy, the hat jazzed up my outfit in a great way too. It made it so I didn’t have to accessorize a whole lot, which contributed well to my comfort. It also did its job keeping the sun out of my face, thus keeping most of my makeup in tact throughout the day.

I ultimately knew the hat was the right choice when I took a look at all the great photos I got from it. Thank you, magical hat.

My philosophy when picking an outfit for a special travel adventure is to be comfortable, but to wear something you are going to look back on happily. My breezy dress and hat served me well with all the wandering and boat-riding. But most of all, I felt like a true Venetian.

What are you wearing on your summer travel adventures? Show us on social media by tagging @CFashionista!

Catch the Vibe—Tropical Chic

It’s the typical South Florida summer afternoon. Storm clouds are rolling in and tourists are home, recovering from a day in the sun with rosy cheeks and newfound tan lines. Though most are using the calm before the thunderstorm to apply aloe, kick back, and replenish some of the energy drained in the sand, I decided to take advantage of the soft lighting and hazy atmosphere for an impromptu photo shoot.

My Fashionista and I both wanted to put together something totally different for this look—something boho but chic and fit for the serene vibe and smell of rain permeating the tropical, humid air.

The hat is easily what makes this look stand out, so we’ll start there. Statement pieces like brimmed suede hats are everywhere this summer and can really add a sense of poise and attention to detail to a simple look. They’re the perfect complement to those sultry waves in your hair from a day in the sun and salt water.

Let’s talk about sneakers.

I love how seamlessly these suede Adidas fit into this outfit. I personally pay the most attention to street style trends, so I’m all about a fire pair of sneakers. With so many options out there as far as brands and styles, the sneaker craze is definitely real, and I’m all about it.

I think my favorite part of this look is just how simple it is. Each of the elements speaks for themselves and come together to create the exact vibe we were going for: tropical chic. The subtle gold additions of her watch and necklace stand on their own to really create that island feel.

What summer trends can you not get enough of? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

A Californian Beach Picnic Made of Dreams

Even a Southern California native can forget to take advantage of the beach. Recently, I made a promise to myself to start appreciating what living on the coast has to offer. So, my friends and I decided to beat the heat and have a picnic at the beach to watch one of our vivid sunsets. Nothing is more fun than juggling a ton of beach blankets to your favorite spot. So spread out a selection of Trader Joe’s food and drinks so that you can relax out it the sun with your friends. At the end of this article, I’ll also be listing my favorite beach tunes to play while you’re having your beach picnic.

One great way to make sure your food doesn’t get sandy is to take extra blankets to make a safe barrier. Bringing this large wooden cutting board not only helped keep the food in it’s proper place, but looked great for displaying the food in photos. My friend, Vendela, owns a wicker bucket bag that is currently hot on trend. This vintage wicker basket bag brings back the seventies, Jane Birkin style. As you can see, my friends and I all brought hats to protect our hair and face from too much sun. Always bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from UV rays. Being cautious of the sun is cute! Just like those John Lennon look-a-like sunglasses.

I’m wearing one of my prized thrifted finds. My crochet bikini top. This style has been seen everywhere on Instagram, Tumblr, Coachella, and Free People. It’s the ultimate summer styling essential, because it can be worn as both a top, and a bikini. I’m also wearing my woven sunhat, and a pair of linen bell bottom pants from Anthropologie.

It seems to never cool off during summer in San Diego, even after the sun has dropped into the ocean. The vibrant sunsets on the coast should never be missed. This time of day is also some of the best lighting for photos. It’s known as the “Golden Hour.” Don’t be discouraged if you don’t live by a beach. A picnic can be done in parks, by a lake, and even your own backyard. So, pick up some brie cheese, fresh fruit, a baguette, and your friends to have a summer picnic.

How will you take advantage of your summer? Let me know down below!

The Two Holy Grails of Summer

The summer sun is just a few days away, which means traveling is just around the corner. This year’s summer trends have been soaring since March, so I decided to give a couple trends a try. “Dad hats” and mini backpacks are summer’s holy grails. The hat and the backpack can add that extra flair to your summer outfit without the overheating.

Let’s face it, we all hate it when the sun beats down directly onto our pretty little faces. That’s where “dad hats” come into the picture. A “dad hat” is what we now call a baseball cap, but they don’t look how they used to. Now you can find patches and embroidered sayings on them. The popularity and variety are fairly large. Walk into any clothing store or a thrift shop and I can guarantee that you’ll find one. I don’t know about you, but I’m going to use these to avoid melting my makeup away.

The ’90s called and they want us to take their mini backpacks. Does anybody know why they went out of style? They’re so convenient and cute. When traveling, you want your favorite essentials within easy access. Big bags can be a hassle if you’re looking for little things like your favorite lipstick. That’s why these little bags are perfection. They aren’t hard to find; it seems as if they’re everywhere. If you’re tight on cash, you can dupe it or DIY one like I did. I found my bag at a department store and added adhesive patches that you can find at any craft store.

How do you feel about these trends? If you try them out show us on Instagram and tag @Cfashionista

Summer Essentials on the Water

It seems like it took forever, but June is finally here. I feel like I’ve been waiting all year for this month to finally come around. From late night cookouts to adventuring afternoons on the boat with your friends and family, get ready for a careless free summer. These are the kind of days that we are looking forward to when we are stuck in the office on slow Wednesday afternoon.

This Fashionisto is ready to enjoy his day on the water with some loose fitting clothing. His North Face water-resistant shirt is designed to speed dry whenever it comes in contact with water. It is also very lightweight, which makes it a great shirt to cover up in whenever the sun is shinning down on you. To top it off, his outfit is also paired with this stylish Adidas hat. This is a great touch to any lake outfit because it adds a sense of style while also keeping the sun out of your face.

Another summer essential that is a must on the lake includes sunglasses. Nothing is worse than having to squint your eyes all day from looking at the sun. It’s always a good idea to invest in a pair that can protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. This Fashionisto decided to pair his outfit with a bold set of black shades, which is always a great accessory to any outdoor outfit.

As a final point, I would like to leave you with some ideas as to what else you can bring on the water to make your day a little bit more enjoyable: Always protect your skin with sunscreen whenever you are in contact with the sun, anything with a SPF 30 or above that is water-resistant is a must for me. Along with that, I always like to capture great moments with friends and family, so I always have some sort of camera on me. Lastly, playing any sort of music on the water is a huge essential because it provides great entertainment to everyone around you.

With the weather warming up I am definitely looking forward to discovering more must have essentials for life on the water!

What warm weather activities are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comment below!