5 Fashion Pieces That Will Elevate Any Back to School Outfit

The time to head back to college has officially arrived—there’s coffee in one hand, school books in the other, and a chic outfit to top it all off. The crisp air is creeping up on us, and all the newest fall pieces are hitting your favorite retail stores. First of all, overthinking an outfit in the morning while getting ready is awful and time-consuming. So, with a new semester here, look out for these five items that will make your mornings easier and elevate any outfit.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

1—Raw hem denim

Having a go-to bottom to reach for in the morning is going to make your life ten times easier. Raw hem denim is the perfect piece to spice up a somewhat basic outfit! You can pair your denim with so much: a plain white T-shirt, a chic off-the-shoulder top, or even a silk cami! Raw hem denim will help you elevate any outfit easily.

2—Loafers

Shoes are everything! Your shoes can make or a break an outfit. As a college girl, I love the combination of being stylish and comfortable for a long school day. Loafers are the perfect in between. They are stylish, look good with almost any outfit, and are definitely comfortable. I love being able to pair loafers with something as simple as jeans. The raw hem denim and loafer combination is to die for!

3—Denim jacket

The infamous denim jacket is making its rounds all over again, and this time the lust for it is even bigger. Denim jackets can enhance a look in so many different ways. You can go for the oversize look with a denim jacket and a dress, or you can go with the notorious denim-on-denim vibe. Denim jackets come in so many different textures. I love the oversize, distressed denim look.

 PHOTO: Stella Fanega

4—Hoop earrings

Let’s talk hoops. Hoops are definitely making their way back, and I hear no complaints. They are simple, easy, and modish. Remember the denim-on-denim look I just mentioned? Picture that with a slick back ponytail and hoops. Furthermore, those little pieces of jewelry just elevated that outfit another notch.

5—Button-ups

Please tell me you’ve seen all the dashing ways that you can enhance your button-ups? First of all, you can make it into an off-the-shoulder piece. Second, you can tie at the bottom of your top into a bow. There are so many blog posts out there showing you how to elevate your button-ups. Adding a button-up with a twist to it is the perfect way to take your outfits to the next level.

You can find all these styles in some of your favorite stores like Zara, Forever 21, and Nordstrom. Having these go-to pieces will help you mix and match many different items and seriously make your outfit planning so much easier.

Are you going to add any of these pieces to your wardrobe and start elevating your looks? Tag @Cfashionista in your posts when you do!

Additional photos by Lex Kelly and Kelly Rogowski.

The 3 Types of Jeans Every Fashion Girl Should Own This Fall

Denim jeans have been a fashion staple for decades. What began as a clothing item meant to withstand rough working conditions quickly turned into something trendy and rebellious. During the ’60s and ’70s, the bohemian movement that was sweeping the nation claimed denim jeans as its own. After that, jeans adapted and evolved with the people who chose to wear them, as they continue to do today. Let’s take a look at three current denim jean trends for fall 2017.

PHOTO: Kelly Rogowski

1—Frayed jeans

Frayed jeans have faded in and out of the spotlight over the years, with peak popularity in the ’70s. Fast-forward four decades and they’re back and better than ever. The fringe detail is sure to catch onlookers’ eyes; plus, you don’t have to worry about fraying the cuffs through wear-and-tear!

2—Two-tone jeans

This is a fairly new trend seemingly inspired by the patched jeans of the ’70s. One thing’s for sure, though: these color-blocked pants definitely make a statement. They come in many forms, with the color split down the sides of the jeans, at the cuffs, or even at the knees! The mix of light and dark denim is sure to make the average passerby do a double-take and is certainly one of the more “out there” trends this season.

3—Embroidered jeans

Quite possibly the biggest trend to hit stores this season—embroidered jeans—are, at least for me, a throwback to the days of bedazzled and ornate pants pockets decorating the back of every millennial’s flared jeans in grade school. Only this time, jewels and sparkles have largely been traded in for more delicate accent pieces, like flowers. You’re almost guaranteed to find roses or daisies on at least one pair of pants in any major department store. With pops of color and designs of varying intricacy, these pants possess a unique feminine charm and look as adorable as the wearer herself.

What are your favorite fall jeans? Show us on social media and tag us @Cfashionista!

Additional photos by Lex Kelly and Maddy Haller.

Why Wide-Leg Pants Are Still Trending

Unless you have been living under a rock recently, you have surely spotted the wide-leg pant trend everywhere. From street style influencers like Bella Hadid to the runways of dozens of designers, wide-leg pants have been a huge trend for the past few seasons. While some trends tend to be short-lived, the wide-leg pants have key factors going for them that indicate they are a classic in the making. Check out why wide-leg pants are the staple you should be buying right now.

1—They balance classic with modern. Although recent designers are certainly putting a modern spin on the wide-leg pant, this style is nothing new. Throwing it back to the ’70s with elephant pants, the wide-leg style has reinvented itself time and time again. Current wide-leg pant styles are both trendy and practical and are sure to have your friends deeming you the “stylish one.” Try a black wide-leg pant for a classic look, or spice it up with a patterned fabric.

2—They work well with other current trends. While there are dozens of ways to style wide-leg pants, one of their biggest assets is their versatility with other trends. Cropped wide-leg pants work wonderfully with this season’s trendy sock boot. Pairing wide-leg pants with a wide corset belt is a match made in style heaven while opting for a trendy crop top adds a chic and practical element to the pant.

3—They can be dressed up or down. Whether you need a professional outfit for your internship or just want to look on-trend, wide-leg pants have a varied fit for any style need. For a business casual look, pair a simple wide-leg pant with a tucked-in white blouse and heels. If you are feeling a more casual ensemble, pair a wide-leg jeans with a T-shirt-style cropped top and mules.

Whether you are dressing to impress for that internship or simply want to rock the street style look that all of your favorite models seem to be donning, adding a wide-leg pant to your wardrobe this season is a practical and classic way to be versatile.

How are you rocking the wide-leg pant trend? Comment below or tag @CFashionista on social media!

Is Denim on Denim Fabulous or Fallacious?

Most people in the fashion world find it intimidating to pair denim with denim. I can see why it can be considered risky looking back at Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s denim fiasco back in 2001. But the truth is, there are no rules in fashion. It’s important to have confidence in what you are wearing. So, here are some tips to help you feel fierce while rocking denim on denim. It’s totally possible!

If you want to wear denim on the top, it’s always safe to choose a denim jacket. This Fashionista wore an adorable denim jacket paired with distressed jeans. If you don’t want to match your denim separates exactly, wearing distressed jeans is the way to go. It breaks up the outfit and it keeps it exciting.

One thing that is always hard to figure out is whether or not to pair a light wash of denim with a dark wash of denim. If you want to wear both light wash and dark wash, go with the light top and dark bottoms. It’s usually the most flattering. Another option is to wear the same wash of denim like this stylish Fashionista chose to do.

Another way to achieve this look is adding a pop of color to the outfit. It will help you rock this look for sure. For example, this Fashionista is wearing a red crop top and red ankle-strap heels to pull this look together. Try wearing a basic top so the outfit won’t look too busy. This is a great tip for beginners because the bold choice of color prevents the denim from looking too excessive, which will allow you feel more comfortable and confident.

And there you have it! Whoever said denim on denim is fallacious is now proven otherwise. It can totally look fabulous when using these tips. While wearing a bold look can be intimidating, it can be fun to step outside of your comfort zone every once in awhile. Fashion is all about breaking the rules today, from mixing patterns to wearing white after Labor Day. Be a trendsetter!

How do you wear your denim? Let us know in the comments!

The Key to Dressing for Every Season All Year Round

We’ve all heard the fashion do’s and don’t’s for each season: don’t wear white jeans unless it’s summer, turtlenecks and boots are only for cold weather, dark or black jeans are exclusively for winter. While we have accepted these so-called rules as a society, rules were meant to be broken! I say that you can dress for any season, any day, as long as you have the confidence to make it work. I want to tackle these fashion misconceptions and show fellow Fashionistas how to rock any trend, whether it’s 20 degrees and snowy or 75 and sunny.

Let’s talk jeans. Jeans are an essential part of anyone’s wardrobe all year round, but we’ve come to believe that dark washes are for the winter and lighter ones are for the summer. White denim before Memorial Day and after Labor Day is not a legitimate sin—in fact, it’s pretty cool. Rocking white jeans with a sweater on a chilly day like I did in the outfit below can look so cute. With the denim skirt trend on the rise, a white denim skirt can be paired with thigh-high boots to work for the winter. On the other hand, black and super dark wash jeans can look great with pretty, summery tops and sandals.Some of my favorite summer outfits incorporate dark denim in major ways, whether it’s my jeans or a cool jean jacket.

Ankle boots are also a staple regardless of the season. While they’re classically worn with jeans and sweaters, they can add a unique vibe to shorts and a T-shirt for a hot day in the city. Booties are also perfect with a flowy summer sundress to create just the right mix of girly and edgy in a look. A cool, printed ankle boot can be just the right accessory to spice up an outfit for a summer night out.

Turtlenecks became one of my favorite pieces this past winter, and I was disappointed to think I had to stop wearing them when the temperatures rose. Good thing I didn’t, because there are so many cute ways to incorporate turtlenecks into your summer wardrobe. A short sleeve turtleneck is a fun piece that can make any outfit look more trendy and sophisticated. Turtlenecks in light knits and cool colors can work beautifully with shorts or a summer skirt.

So there you have it: trends are not seasonally exclusive. Forget the common myths that surround certain clothing pieces and instead treat your closet as a free-for-all to wear anything, any day and anyway you want!

I’d love to see how you rock these pieces this summer! Be sure to tag @CFashionista in your photos.

Basic Summer Outfit Essentials Everyone Should Have

Due to the weather, summer can be a tricky season for fashion. However, if you have the essentials, your summer style will be rocking all season long. While sporting extravagant outfits inspired by mainstream fashion icons can be tempting, summer is a great season to keep it simple and explore your own unique style.

As the weather is warming up it is important to keep cool. Crop tops are a great way to achieve that. While trends have recently moved towards choker band T-shirts, the crop top still remains a timeless and practical summer outfit essential. Due to the vast variety of styles that they come in, there is a crop top that fits everyone’s personal style. Not only is their versatility appealing, their practicality is as well. The material is mostly thin, allowing the Fashionista maximum breathability in the summer heat.

Although crop tops remain timeless in the ever-changing fashion world, there is a basic essential that is being slept on. The heat can discourage many from rocking a pair of jeans. However, not only do they serve as a great option for any outfit, they can also protect you from the potentially damaging rays of the summer sun. While caught up in working on your summer glow, it can be easy to forget sun protection. With jeans, you already have an incredibly fashionable built-in protectant. Similar to the crop top, jeans also come in a variety of styles, leaving you with endless unique fashion options.

To spice up any outfit, accessories are a great option. Whether it be a nice pair of shoes or an expressive makeup look, accessories are a great way to complete any outfit regardless of the season.

Summer is a great time to express your own sense of style, and when you have two incredibly practical and versatile clothing options, you can never go wrong. Tag @Cfashionista in your posts rocking your summer essentials!

How to Find the Perfect Pair of Jeans for Your Body Type

Shopping for jeans can be a serious struggle. With so many different brands, cuts, and washes, it’s a daunting task to search for the pair that is perfect for your body. Jeans are not one size fits all, and denim can also be expensive. But trust me when I say the $200 pair of jeans that make you cringe when you look at the price tag is actually going to be worth every penny when you find your perfect fit.

Premium denim is made to not stretch out. What you see in the fitting room is what you get after the twentieth wear, unlike that cheaper brand. With the help of some of my friends at work, I was able to compare how the same pair of jeans can look completely different on each different body type.

Meet Sadie. She is thin, petite, and wears a size 23 or 24. She struggles to find jeans that fit because many stores do not carry a size 23. She is still in the search for her perfect pair, but she recommends trying J-Brand. One tip she has for the shorter girl is to try a high-waisted jean because it will elongate your body and make you appear taller! Be patient when looking for your perfect pair. Allow enough time in the store to try on a lot of styles and brands, and get a feel for what you like or dislike.

Meet Lyn. She is curvy and short. Lyn is the perfect example of how all denim sizing is not the same as she ranges from a size 30 to 32. She likes to stay clear of jeans because they tend to bunch up around the ankles. To battle this issue, you can either roll your jeans at the bottom or get the pants hemmed. Don’t be afraid of alterations. A simple hemming of the bottom or alteration of the waist can make a world of difference. Stores like Nordstrom offer complimentary hemming on full price jeans, so take advantage of it.

Meet Allie. She is a size 24 or 25. She loves her curves and smaller waist, but it definitely makes jean shopping a struggle. Having a bigger butt and athletic build makes it challenging to find a pair that fits in all the right places. Her go-to jeans are from AG because of how comfy they are. Focus on the fit, not the size. Every brand runs a little different and will fit differently depending on how much stretch they offer. You might need to size up or size down.

Meet Nicole. Being six feet tall and wide in the thigh, she struggles to find a full-length pair of jeans. Paige Denim is her go-to pair of jeans because they are high-waisted and offer a lot of stretch to work with her curves.

What are your favorite styles or brands of denim for your body type? Let us know in the comments below!

DIY Fringe Jeans in 5 Easy Steps

I absolutely love keeping up with trends, even if I know they’re only here for a moment. What I don’t love however is breaking my bank account on things that aren’t classic staples I’ll keep around. One of my favorite trends currently is fringe jeans so I’m going to show you how to make your own on a budget with stuff you probably already have laying around.

1—Gather your materials. For this project, you’re only going to need a few things: a ruler, a pair of scissors, a piece of chalk or chalk pencil, and a pair of your preferred jeans (I used a pair of skinny medium wash American Eagle Outfitters jeans).

2—Remove the hem. It’s as simple as it sounds, simply trim off the hem from each ankle of the jeans, making sure both sides are equally lined up.

3—Mark it up. Now you want to take your ruler and measure up three inches from the bottom and draw a line with your chalk.

4—Cut some strips. You can make these as wide or thin as you want, but I found it easiest to measure the width of my index finger and cut the strips accordingly.

5—Wash and Fluff. Throw your jeans in the wash (this will create the base of fluff that will become fringe out of your strips), when they first come out they might just look like fuzzy strips, but as you pull the pieces apart they will start to spiral and make fun little twisty pieces of fringe.

This DIY is so easy even the artistically challenged can do it and it’s super fun! I had a blast making my own little fashion statement and I know you will too!

How do you DIY your outfits? Show us on social media and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

3 Essential Denim Pieces for the Summer

One of the largest trends I’ve noticed recently is the uprising of denim. Thanks to James Dean, denim was a staple piece in every bad boy’s closet, and it soon evolved into the reliable fabric many of us wear today. As fashion trends changed, denim prevailed throughout the years and changed its form, thus opening the doors to its versatility; denim is not only seen as a bad boy’s go-to material, but as a form-fitting, trendy, and even laid-back look. For this month’s feature, this Fashionista styles three different pieces of denim that may be used when dressing up or down!

1—Overalls. These babies have been making a comeback in the last couple of months. They’re popular for their effortless, comfortable style. This Fashionista chose to wear a bold shirt to give the public eye an idea of what a feminist is! To keep it casual and old-school, she wore a pair of Stan Smith Sneakers. Whether they are snug or loose, overalls are a great piece to wear when you need to choose something in a rush.

2—Distressed jeans. It was probably Kim Kardashian who brought back the look of highly-distressed denim into the market. All of a sudden it has become socially acceptable to walk around with large holes in your jeans, and even fashionably cute! This Fashionista keeps it dressed down by pairing her distressed denim with a loose-fitting, pastel, color block shirt. These shirts are comfortable and will definitely help keep you cool during those hot summer days. Slide sandals are also in high demand this summer, causing this particular Fashionista to let her skin breathe through these metallic, open-toe slide sandals. To top off the dressed-down look, she threw on a white cap.

3—Denim skirt, If you’re like me, pants can be a little constricting sometimes, especially when it’s hot out. Denim skirts have recycled themselves through the fashion world and are now coming back into play! Pair them with a cute pair of heels or even with your favorite pair of sneakers. This Fashionista decided to go for the casual look again, sporting a brightly-colored graphic T-shirt to remain unique in a crowd. The denim skirt itself is patterned with silver buttons down the center just to give it extra character. She ties the casual look together with her favorite pair of white Vans.

Whether you dress it up or down by choosing between stilettos and sneakers, denim is a go-to for everybody. It can be used as a top or bottom, causing it to be one of the most versatile pieces in a closet!

How would you style your denim? Show it off on social media, and don’t forget to forget to tag @CFashionista!

Born With Good Jeans—Denim On Denim

Were you born with good jeans? Just as everyone is different and beautiful, denim can be worn in so many fun and interesting ways. Styles are constantly changing, but denim is always in fashion. A current and fun way to wear this look is to mix and match several different pieces, known as denim on denim.

My favorite denim looks often start with a pair of ripped jeans, like the American Eagle Outfitters boyfriend jeans, in a medium wash seen here. Boyfriend jeans can be found everywhere! Wearing different washes together gives the look depth. The white tank top shown, also shredded and ripped, comes from American Eagle Outfitters as well. This combination goes great with a lighter wash jean jacket found at T.J.Maxx. The piece that ties the whole outfit together is this amazing Michael Kors crossbody bag. This bag was found at the Michael Kors outlet in Orlando, Florida. Handbags are my favorite accessory because they can make or break the whole outfit.

Each piece in this ensemble is versatile and can be mixed to make many other outfits. That is the beauty of this fabric. This outfit can be worn anywhere from a casual coffee shop in the day to a night on the town. Gold jewelry to match the hardware on the handbag could be used to dress the whole look up. Multiple rings and bracelets or even a statement necklace could easily jazz things up. Shoes are also another way to change the look. This outfit is seen with casual leather chunky heels from my favorite hole-in-the-wall shop, Gabes. Colorful block heels or stilettos could be added to dress up the outfit. Another trend that would look great with this outfit is a pair of embroidered chunky heels.

What are your favorite denim on denim looks? Post a picture on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.