Neck – CollegeFashionista

The Must-Have Summer Item That Will Have You Baring It All

Okay, maybe not baring it all, but just enough. Are you like me and need a super easy spring and summer style to help you pull off your cute jeans, skirts, or favorite heels?

The ultra trendy off-the-shoulder silhouette is flying off the racks at all of your favorite retailers everywhere. If you are like and enjoy people watching, one of the many popular looks I am sure you have seen is the super cute and flirty off-the-shoulder silhouettes.

It is the hottest look that has been incorporated into everything from blouses, dresses, rompers, bridal, and even swimwear. The variations of this sexy and sophisticated look are virtually endless.

Many Fashionistas turn to this option as a basic or staple for their everyday campus look or for a fun night out in the city. The best feature about this trend is that the majority of women find the silhouette very flattering. Like so many, Fashionistas have problem areas, too! With this trendy design, you can keep the focus of the eyes toward your face and shoulders and away from lower body problem areas especially if that is something you struggle with.

As seen on the runway, the off-the-shoulder trend can range from high fashion to street style simply by the way the look is styled.

In these looks, you see the effortless Fashionista on campus rocking her American Eagle Outfitters bright blue off-the-shoulder blouse, vintage distressed flare denim with a tan floppy hat, a beaded necklace, and chunky bracelets. This particular style she has is one of the many variations to this trend. Notice the off-the-shoulder illusion yet there is still material located in the neckline of the blouse. This is an awesome option for those that love the look but don’t quite want to commit to the full off-the-shoulder trend.

Make sure to head into your local American Eagle Outfitters or H&M so you, too, can bare your shoulders during the hot summer months. You will be no less than a super trendsetter.

Will you be baring all with us? Show us how you are baring your shoulders on social media @CFashionista!

6 Ways to Wear a Necktie

Neckties have recently made a huge comeback in style and I absolutely cannot get enough of them. They’re great for work, the beach or even when you’re lounging around the house. If you have watched Gossip Girl, you may know that Serena Van Der Woodsen, played by Blake Lively, was a huge fan of neckties. Blake is a major fashion icon in the show and off the show—who doesn’t love her style? You can wear neckties during any season and I’ll show you how!

1—Around the neck. This one’s a given and the most popular. I adore wearing them to work and I’ve received an extended amount of compliments while wearing one. They’re super fun when wearing a simple shirt, it’s an easy way to jazz up an outfit.

2—As a hair tie. My second favorite way to rock the accessory. It’s a fabulous look while you’re out running errands or heading to the beach on a hot summer day. It’s a nice touch to add to your style when you want your hair up.

3—Headband. I’ve seen this as a trend for a little while now, the headband that ties at the side or front of your head. This is also a great look for when you’re off to soak up some sun. When you’re studying for exams, just quickly tie it around your head to get the hair out of your face.

4—Around a hat. Another one of my absolute favorites. I was packing for a vacation and I just picked up a black fedora and a necktie so that I could pack them in my suitcase. Suddenly I thought how the tie would be cute around the hat to make it more interesting. It was adorable. I remember I immediately posted a picture on my Snapchat story because I was proud of my creation. Anyways, just wrap it around the front and tie it in the back.

5—Purse embellishment. If you walk into the Nordstrom’s purse department, you’ll find some brands that designed their purses with ties such as Kate Spade. It’s a simple and creative way to dress up an accessory. Let’s say you have this remarkable off-white, Tory Burch tote, you can add a hot pink necktie to it to make it more summery or add one that has a mixture of fall colors like browns and burgundy and voila! That purse can pull off any season.

6—Shoe enhancement. I can’t get enough of this idea. I have two different ways that you can do this. One, wrap it around the strap of the shoe. Two, wrap it around the strap as well as your foot then tie it on the side.

If you enjoyed these ideas as much as I did, comment which style is your favorite and show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

Neck Scarves—The Best Summer Accessory

You can wear neck scarves a multitude of different ways without a whole lot of effort. However, are they still as popular as they once were? Maybe, maybe not, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear them all the same!

While neck scarves don’t seem to be as big of a trend this summer as they have been in the past, they are still one of the best summer accessories. They are an inexpensive way to step up a summer outfit. You don’t have to add a jacket that will warrant perspiration, or shoes that will break the bank and break your ankle. Who says we can’t have it all while not sweating to death or ending up in the hospital? (I kid, I kid). Don’t miss out on this easy trend that will make any dull summer outfit bright and lively.

Personally, I have just started getting into the trend, and I am loving it! It’s the perfect summer detail, especially if you’re a fan of chokers (which I definitely am). You can rock neck scarves to a casual brunch, or to one of the many music festivals happening this summer. Neck scarves come in various price ranges—from $10 at ASOS to $185 silk Gucci scarfs from Nordstrom. You don’t have to give an arm, a leg, and your firstborn for the perfect summer accessory.

I enjoy a good popped lip. Here, I have combined a nice red lip with a red paisley scarf, gold hoops, and a leather jacket to heat up my simple black dress. With the summer heat, you may want to forego the jacket altogether. Make sure to wear what you are most comfortable in!

What accessories are you using to style your summer outfits? Let me know in the comments below.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: All Tied Up

September is here, classes are officially back in session and the squad is back on campus. Getting back into the swing of things is always a little difficult especially after an amazing summer. Days are filled with studying, catching up with old friends and exploring around campus. As fast as daily schedules are filling up, laundry baskets are leaving Fashionistas/os with nothing but a T-shirt and jeans. But it never just stops there!

This Fashionista killed it with the small accessories. A simple outfit like ripped jeans and a white T-shirt is perfect for the new necktie trend, giving endless opportunities to play around with different colors and patterns, like this one! The simple black and white necktie she chose went perfect with her jacket which is always a must-have when going to class. Let’s be honest, there is no way to determine whether the classroom will be blasting heat or cold air for the entire class so a lightweight jacket is perfect to throw over your shoulders if need be!

Now, let’s get serious and talk about this bag. Marc Jacobs will always have a place in my heart but this cognac and camera strap combination made my jaw drop. Marc Jacobs took a classic saddle bag to the next level. It’s big enough to fit a notebook and a Fashionista’s/o’s every day essentials AND has a thick camera strap making this bag perfect for walking around campus. From the chunky hardware, to the maroon and green strap, this bag is absolutely beautiful. Marc Jacobs never disappoints.

It all comes down to comfort when walking around campus is your agenda for the day. Pair practically anything with flat ankle boots to give any look a contemporary flair.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Tied Together

Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy don’t have much in common, but they did know how to style a neck scarf and look flawless.

If you’re ready to loop, knot and tie, the neck scarf is the perfect accessory to add to your wardrobe! As we look for clothes that can get us through fall days, transitional pieces like the neck scarf become assets to our wardrobe. They’re super lightweight and come in a variety of colors to match almost any outfit you throw on. Not only that, but when you get sick of your neck scarf, you can tie it on the side of your bag (so even your bag looks cute).

The versatility of the neck scarf is one of its best features. You can tie it like a bandana for more of a western look. It can also be tied around one time with big loops so it hangs lower on your neck, which is more Parisian and sophisticated. This Fashionista doubled it around her neck with a smaller knot for a more casual scarf look. No matter what, there is a neck scarf for ever occasion and outfit. The white one this Fashionista has on is actually a bandana print with grey, white and black. The simple pattern and color scheme will match so many pieces in her closet this fall.

Luckily, neck scarves are sold everywhere from Nordstrom to Urban Outfitters, so there’s a pattern and color scheme for everyone. One of my favorite neck scarf looks is to pair the accessory with an off-the-shoulder top so the scarf can really become the focal point of the outfit. Another cute look is to add a neck scarf to a suede mini dress and booties for a more dressed-up look.

When going for an outfit like this, it’s very simple to recreate. All you really need to add to your closet is a neck scarf! This Fashionista paired her scarf with a black, bell-sleeved top, ripped denim, simple nude heels and some retro sunglasses. A black top, a pair of jeans and nude shoes aren’t too hard to come across and are practically staples.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: All Wrapped Up

So it’s that time again! Football games, bonfires, pumpkin spice lattes and big comfy hoodies are upon us. Within the next few weeks, the humid, hot weather will turn to a breezy fall climate. But there is always that difficult time in between the two seasons when people cannot decide what to wear. In central Pennsylvania, it’s too warm for pants but too brisk to not wear a lightweight jacket.

But fear no more; I have the solution to your fashion crisis! Bandanas. Yes, I said bandanas. I know you are probably thinking, “Kathleen, bandanas were so four decades ago.” Over the years, bandanas have been worn for many different fashion styles such as using it as a headband for a retro look, a ski mask to protect your face or a stylish wrist accessory. The most common trend, I believe, is when Fashionistas tie bandanas around their necks as scarves.

I am probably not the only daughter who’s heard her mom say, “Oh my gosh, I used to wear that in high school.” Just as every trend eventually returns to the fashion world, bandanas are making their way back to becoming everyone’s favorite accessory again.

Bandana scarves are perfect for early fall weather! The scarf will keep you warm from the windy weather but allow you to be comfortable in the lightweight material. This trend is a fabulous way to make a simple outfit chic and it’s very inexpensive!

This Fashionista took this trend to a whole new level of Vogue-ish! While wearing her chic bandana scarf, she added black jeans, a gorgeous top and heels. As you can tell, this outfit is very simple, but adding the scarf transforms it into a picture perfect look.

Bandanas come in all colors and patterns, so make sure you stop by your local thrift or fabric store and score yourself the hottest look of the season!

STYLE GURU BIO: Madeline Sermarini

My name is Madeline Sermarini and I’m a junior studying communications in the beautiful city of Philadelphia. I am a city girl born and raised, so choosing Temple University was the best choice I could have ever made!

I have always been a lover of all things fashion, continuously exploring and changing my style. If I were to describe my style to someone, well, I probably couldn’t! I can go from casual days in boyfriend jeans and a T-shirt to flowy dresses the next and all black paired with an edgy moto jacket after that. Fashion has always been a way to express myself so with the changing of moods comes the changing of outfits!

When I’m not shopping or taking pictures of anything and everything that catches my eye, you can probably find me at a concert, trying a new brunch spot with friends or at home watching Ellen DeGeneres videos.

For my introduction to CollegeFashionista I figured I’d wear a style that I probably wear the most often. Keeping things simple, I paired a high-neck navy blue dress with some strappy sandals. High-neck seems to be so flattering on anyone and I am totally in love with this trend! This dress was super easy for me to throw on for my day out exploring the city. Not to mention, it’s super lightweight and it even has pockets! Amazing.

My accessories seem to always be pretty simple and I love to mix gold and silver together. With this look I threw on some gold and silver bracelets and earrings with a pop of white throughout there as well. I cannot wait to see where these next few months will take me and how many Fashionista/os I will meet during this process.

I’m excited to tie my love for blogging and fashion together to create some pretty RAD content this semester! I’m looking forward to reading and keeping up with my fellow Style Gurus for some fashion inspiration. Make sure to follow me on social media so I can interact and keep up with you all! Stay trendy.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: Knot So Simple

I have always been a huge advocate for scarves. Ever since the second grade, when I taught myself how to knit, I have had an overabundance of huge, hand-knitted blanket scarves in addition to the much more stylish silk scarves my mom collected from various boutiques around town. Needless to say, I am all about this summer’s neck scarf trend. Though I haven’t been courageous enough to try it out myself (stay tuned, folks) I was lucky enough to find a Fashionista that had an awesome outfit complete with none other than a neck tie.

This Fashionista’s look is the epitome of the minimalist chic style many strive to achieve. First, she is wearing a simple black camisole top which is a great piece for layering in the spring and fall or wearing alone is the summer months. In keeping with the ’70s vibe with the bandana neck tie, she chose a pair of timeless Madewell Flea Market Flare Jeans. These tie in so well with the loose, effortless vibe of the rest of the outfit. Plus, flares are making their own comeback this year too! (were flares ever really out of style to begin with though?).

For shoes, she chose low-heeled sandals with two thick straps crossing over one another. This Fashionista kept the accessories to the bare minimum by not wearing any rings, bracelets or earrings. She is only wearing a dainty gold necklace which occasionally peeps out from underneath her navy blue bandanna neck tie.

How To: Want to get this Fashionista’s minimalist look? Luckily, you don’t need many pieces! You will just need a solid colored top, a comfortable pair of light-wash jeans, a cute pair of strappy sandals and, of course, a super rad neck tie.

ALL IN THE DETAILS: The Four Ways to Wear the Red Bandana

Are you bored with your same accessories and are ready for a refreshing and playful look? This summer, tons of celebrities have rocked the red bandana trend. This “Wild Wild West” accessory made stand out appearances in 2016 at Coachella and red carpets, just to name a few. From wearing it in their hair, to around their necks or around their arms as cuffs, style icons have managed to become more personal and creative with a simple accessory.

The red bandana is a fashion essential because of its flexibility and attitude. That’s why I chose this Fashionista to show you four easy but different ways to wear your red bandana according to your mood or outfit. Before the addition of the scarf, this Fashionista’s outfit was undoubtedly cute, but lacking. Her grunge black lace-up boots, ripped blue jeans and off-the-shoulder top were missing a color pop.

With the addition of the red bandana, her outfit went from simple to chic. This fabulous bandana can be worn as tie scarf in the front of your neck if you’re going for a sweeter appeal. First option doesn’t suit you? That’s okay! It is possible to rotate the scarf so that the tie is behind the neck, giving a thick choker look. This Fashionista demonstrates option number three, a sexy Western look, with her cowl neck wear of the red bandana. To rock the cowl neck trend, simply fold your bandana in half to form a triangle and tie I behind your neck. Lastly, the classic summer of ’99 summer camp look, the bandana headband. For this look, fold your bandana in half to form a triangle and then keep folding to form a straight line. Proceed to wrap the bandana around your head and tie it on top!

Every single one of these styles translate into your look differently. The red bandana adds edge to any outfit, so if you’re feeling edgy I would encourage you to try this affordable and trendy option. As Fashionistas, we hate being tied down to certain trends and styles. This multi-wear bandana offers free interpretation and can complete any outfit!

How To: Needing a little extra something to add attitude to your outfit? Try out the red bandana in any of these four ways! Just make sure your core pieces are simple because overpowering prints will clash with the bandana. Remember, the bandana is the focus of your look!