How to Ride Out Summer in a Romper

While you can’t go wrong with an effortless summer dress, one of the most popular trend silhouettes of the summer is the romper. From hitting the beach to glam night out on the town with your friends, the romper is perfect for every occasion.

Rompers are honestly one of the easiest outfit choices. Save time and effort with this look. Choose a romper to eliminate the frustration of finding and coordinating pieces for your fashion attire. Not only are rompers easy, but they are one of the most comfortable trends of the season. This piece allows for an effortless route to chic no matter where you’re headed. The need to constantly adjust separates is no longer an issue when wearing a romper.

Rompers look great on all shapes and sizes. They are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. From floral to gingham to chambray, there are rompers appropriate for every event. If you opt for a more formal look, choose suede, silk, or lace, rather than lightweight cotton or jersey.

These one-pieces can be decked out or dressed down for a more laid back style. Add some statement jewelry and heels for a sharper look or throw on flat sandals with a hat or scarf for a casual summer vibe.

This gingham romper is one of my favorites. Gingham has been a popular pattern since the 18th century, but this summer the vintage gingham is exceptionally trendy. For a more updated look, I added accessories including the red bandana scarf tied around my neck, the white vintage wicker handbag, and a pair of cat-eyed sunglasses. I styled this romper with my nude block heels to add polish and height, creating a slightly more sophisticated look. This snappy casual outfit is ideal for a weekend brunch.

Stay in an island state of mind with a tropical colored romper. A flowy one piece such as this one, allows you to move effortlessly throughout your summer adventures. Cardigans are a great addition to this look for staying warm both indoors and out. Accessorize one of these pieces with a straw fedora hat and a pair of gladiator sandals to complete the summery vibe.

No matter what the silhouette, your new summer wardrobe savior is a savvy addition to any closet.

What’s your take on this summer fashion trend? Let me know in the comments below!

3 Summer Pieces to Beat the Heat

Spending over two months in Italy for my study abroad has made me quite good at dressing for the heat. On any given day, the temperature in Florence hovers around 95 degrees. And that’s just on average—I’ve experienced highs of 106 in abominable humidity that makes you feel all kinds of nasty.

It’s hard enough just to survive in this heat, let alone stay stylish. When I was still getting used to the weather here, I turned to basic T-shirts, tanks, shorts and even workout gear to stay cool. Those who know me know that I’m not a fan of minimalism, so it was extremely hard to give up my usual colors, accessories, and textures in order not to pass out or be completely soaked in my own sweat. Over time, however, I’ve found ways to bring back the elements I love into outfits that will still keep me cool. Whether it’s through accessories or fabric types or just one really smart piece of clothing, these three pieces are proof that fashion and function can go hand-in-hand.

1—Bandanas and neck scarves. These come off as restrictive but are truly hidden gems. A bold print like the one on my Urban Outfitters UO Steer Skull Bandana ($8) makes a basic outfit instantly vibrant. You can mix up the prints as well as the way you tie them, and each combination will produce a different result. I have three others in red, black, and blue pinstripe (it might be an obsession). Plus, they’re great at catching sweat. Just make sure it’s 100 percent cotton!

2—Printed rompers. This Choie’s Blue Cut-Out Back Bohemian Romper ($15) is pretty much the whole package: it’s colorful and beautifully printed, it’s 100 percent cotton and features an open back, and and it’s just one piece of cloth to put on and take off. The print also allows you to go bra-free (which is truly the best feeling in the world on a scorching hot day).

3—A good graphic T-shirt. When styled correctly, a T-shirt will allow you to stay comfy, cool, and fashionable. I’m a huge fan and collector of street brands, so I always love incorporating streetwear into my outfits. This Stussy 8 Ball Flower Tee ($49) is 100 percent cotton (seeing the pattern yet?) and is super versatile for any style. For an edgier, tomboy look, I paired the T-shirt with crinkled drawstring shorts, striped socks (a staple for every season!), and white Vans Old Skool Canvas Trainers ($55). To soften up the look, swap out the shorts and the sneakers with an embroidered skirt and colorful lace-up espadrille sandals.

These three pieces are just a few of the essentials that help me beat the heat every day and have saved my style this summer. What are some of your beat-the-heat summer pieces? Let me know in the comments below!

Rock the Romper

What comes to mind when I think of summer style—shorts, tank tops, crop tops, sandals, sundresses, and most importantly, rompers! Rompers are a great solution for looking cute, but feeling comfortable too! Rompers come in all styles and colors, but what’s trending this summer?

Velvet, velvet, and more velvet. Velvet is seriously in this summer, so you can’t go wrong when you grab this piece from your closet. With a simple velvet romper, you have options—you can dress it up with all kinds of accessories: necklaces, rings, bracelets—the possibilities are endless! Throw in a matching handbag and you can’t go wrong! If you’re really looking to dress up your look, you can even match your nails to your romper.

Another trend in the romper world is a plunging V-neck. With this kind of cut, stay away from necklaces… they distract from the dramatic V. Instead, dress it up with some dangle earrings, bracelets, or a watch.

The shoes that you pair with your romper can also get you major style points. The type of shoes you choose should depend on where you’re going or what you’re doing. Are you going on a date? Spending the day hanging with your gal pals? Or are you doing something more extravagant to enjoy the summer weather, such as a scenic daytime boat cruise? If it’s a date you’re headed out the door for, a good option would be to lace up a pair of gladiator sandals or grab a pair of small heels. If it’s the girls you’re tagging along with for the day, simple sandals or a pair of cute Keds could do the trick. But, if it’s a daytime boat cruise you’re sailing off to, wedges are a solid choice!

I love the many different ways you can dress up a romper and the numerous occasions you can wear them for.

What is your favorite romper trend this summer and what is your favorite way to dress up your favorite romper? Let me know in the comments below and share your look with us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

The Perfect Romper for Your Summer Wardrobe

We are right in the middle of summer which for many of us means balancing the challenge of trying to stay fashionable and keep cool in the summer heat. I’ve struggled with the same issue, but I’ve finally discovered the perfect item for my summer closet: a white romper. Rompers have been a massive trend over the past year because they allow you to look cute, casual, and fashionable all at the same time. In addition, white is a perfect color to wear in the heat because it won’t trap heat as much as darker colors will. That’s why I made sure to have a white romper in my closet to rock at any summer picnic, backyard party, or get together!

For this look, I wore a flowy, long-sleeve romper with lace-detailed sleeves. Because the romper is low-cut, I also paired it with a white lace bralette that matches the style of the romper. This is helpful for when the neck nine falls a little too low, as the bralette will seem like one with the romper in the event that it does make an appearance. 

In order to make sure that the white outfit didn’t look too flat with just one color, I added a black belt around the waist and a matching black choker. The belt and choker add contrast to the overall outfit and they help bring everything together.

Finally, I added a multicolored purse to accent the look, giving the outfit a pop of color. This outfit gives you a lot of freedom to be creative with colorful accessories that match your own personal style. Feel free to pop on our favorite sunglasses or a cute floppy hat to make this look your own!

How are you styling a white romper this summer? Show us on social media and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

Summer’s In

Summer is here to stay and so are rompers. They have been a trend for the past couple of years, but this year, they are more than ever making a comeback.

Our Fashionista is wearing a pale romper with crocheted-like patterns. Whenever I visit stores like H&M or Forever 21, the first thing that catches my eye is always a blouse that has an embroidered pattern. These patterns can add a great deal of detail to a simple white T-shirt, thus being a perfect way to make this romper pop.

This Fashionista also sports a waistband that you can easily adjust to the perfect fit. Instead of having to put on a waist belt, the attached strings to the waistband can be tied to however loose or tight you want your outfit to be. Rompers such as this one can be worn anywhere such as to the park or to the city and are a great alternative to wearing the default style of jean shorts. Also, button-down shirts are something that ultimately completes this look. Going on a fancy brunch date with your boo is what a romper suits, but just throw on a light blue cotton button-down and the casual sets in, making this a look for just about anywhere, which is why rompers are the bomb.

This Fashionista dares to rock some nude wedge heels that bring out her inner Beyoncé. Nude is a great color to choose from especially when one is thinking shoes for the summer. Wedges are also great to wear as a summer type shoe. There are so many different styles of wedge shoes that come with various heel heights which make it easier to pick out than a regular high heel.Put on some sunglasses and keep your summer cool and chic with this classy look.

What are your favorite summer outfit ideas? Let me know in the comments below!

Rompers Then and Now—A Timeless Essential

Dresses can end in an accidental slip, but rompers will always have your back. You can still dress up and be comfortable—what’s better than that? The great thing about rompers is that they are so easy to just slip on, and they look great on all body types. Rompers have not always been the same though; in fact, they have an interesting history. They first circulated around the United States in the early 1900s, except the term “romper” was only used when referring to an outfit for young children. Small children used rompers because it allowed for them to move around easier while playing or learning to walk. Made out of soft cotton for comfort and flexibility, the romper was the go-to for many children in the 1900s.

Currently, the word “romper” is mainly used for women’s clothing, but it still applies to children’s clothing too. Rompers or jumpsuits are an easy and gorgeous summer outfit. They’re versatile—you can wear a romper for almost any kind of event depending on the style and material that it’s made of.

For a more relaxed look, rompers made of a lighter material like cotton are perfect for shopping or the beach. Rompers for dates and nights out can be more extravagant. These can be made of silk or detailed with embellished jewels. For a night out, it’s best to wear a fancy romper than a casual romper. A lot of women like to wear black rompers because they have a slimming effect. But if black just isn’t your color, go for a fun summer color like orange, red, or yellow. You’ll stick out from the crowd in any vibrant color!

You could also try pairing a darker romper with black wedges or sandals. With lighter rompers, tan or beige wedges and sandals would go best with summer colors. Like the pictures above, a deep emerald green romper with black wedges or sandals will pop for a lovely night out.

Do you feel the same way about rompers? Let us know in the comments below!

Your Go-To Date Night Romper

Now that summer is upon us, finding the proper outfit to combat the heat can be difficult. I’ll let you in on a secret ladies—comfort is key here. Whether you are being treated to a nice dinner, meeting the parents, or even going on a double date, the theme here is still the same. Take advantage of all the fun and vibrant colored rompers that are available during the spring and summer. Who doesn’t love to be the most colorful girl in the room? All eyes should always be on you, my loves.

From my experience, I have found all of my favorite rompers at local boutiques. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try out bright colors and different styles. Jumpsuits, two-piece sets, and rompers are all the rave this spring and summer. When trying on different colors, try and figure out which colors compliment your skin tone. Most girls play it safe and gravitate more toward neutral colors and avoid color altogether. This is a don’t when shopping for your date night outfit.  A color is what makes us unique.

If your skin tone is warm, your go-to colors are reds, oranges, golden yellow, orchid, and warmer greens and blues. If your skin tone is cool, your colors are emerald, royal blue, deep purples, bright pinks, and lavender. Don’t fret if you like a color that is not complimentary to your skin tone. This is what accessories are for. Dress up your outfit with colorful jewelry, a bright bag, or even just a bright lipstick. As you can tell, my skin tone is very cool and it takes me awhile to build up a tan over the summer. I chose an emerald romper but dressed it up with orange accessories. I also threw on some light pink sunglasses to add an extra pop of color.

The final touch is always shoes. With a colorful romper, your go-to is neutral sandals.  These neutral colors include black, tan, brown, white, or sand. Try to compliment darker colored outfits with black or tan sandals. The brighter the outfit, the more likely it is that lighter sandals will be your go to. The most important thing to remember when shopping is to not be afraid to try something new and out of your comfort zone.  Lastly, don’t forget lipstick!

What are some of your favorite date night outfits? Tag @Cfashionista and show us on social media!

Follow This Guide for Easy and Fashionable Road Trip Style

Being stylish when on a road trip can be a difficult thing to do. It’s important to stay comfortable when you’re in the car, but what happens when you make a pit stop at a cool location with the perfect backdrop for Instagram? Having a cute yet comfy outfit makes for a picture perfect post while being able to stay comfortable in the car. Here are some neat tips that will help you to stay stylish on the way to your destination.

1—Rompers. Wearing a romper is a great way to look stylish and be comfortable at the same time. Don’t want to wear a dress or jeans? Rompers are the way to go! Rompers are versatile, trendy, and can be worn from day to night. To maximize comfort, pick a lightweight and soft fabric like cotton or linen. Make it casual by wearing it with sneakers or to dress it up, pop on some sandals and jewelry. Also, rompers can easily be layered with jackets or sweaters for chilly nights.

2—Backpacks. Bringing a backpack is an easy way to have a variety of items that you may need within arms reach. Its medium size makes it perfect so that it fits right at your feet in the car and its many compartments makes it easy to organize! Also, backpacks are easy to carry because they let you have both hands free to do other things.

3—Sunglasses. Yes, I know being tan is great and all, but it is extremely important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Wearing sunglasses is a stylish and simple way to protect your face from the sun. Also, they will block the sun while driving!

4—Comfortable Shoes. Wearing comfortable shoes is imperative to safe driving on your road trip. Sneakers, flats, or slip-ons are the best bet when road tripping.These options are great because you don’t have to worry about them coming off when driving like you do when wearing flip flops or sandals. Sneakers are a good option because they go with almost any outfit and are perfect when walking around at any pit stops made on the way. Flats and slip-ons are also cool because they take any outfit to the next level.

5—Water Bottles. Reusable water bottles or thermoses are perfect for staying hydrated! Whether you need water to cool off or coffee for that extra caffeine boost, a cute travel mug is ideal.  You can represent your school, favorite band, or TV show with a customizable bottle to show your flare and personality or keep it simple with a marble printed or jet black bottle. 

Following this guide for road trip fashion will help you go on your trip in style and with ease!

What are your favorite ways to keep cute and comfy while on the road? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

STYLE GURU STYLE: The Guide to Finals

My inner Carrie Bradshaw is asking a ton of questions. Why is it that girls always stress about the perfect outfit to wear? Why do we have to look presentable all the time? And the most relatable Carrie Bradshaw question—what shoes go best with my outfit? For some reason finding the perfect pair is the hardest part of completing any outfit, and trust me, I have plenty of options!

Everyone’s least favorite time of the semester has begun. Finals week. I do not know about you, but it is hard enough to focus in a chaotic dorm building without the temptation of sitting outside and relaxing with your friends. All I can say is I am glad this semester is over, and I hope next semester takes a long time to come around! The hardest part of this finals week is trying to decide if it was worth the effort to wear fashionable clothes, or if I would be better off throwing on a pair of crop leggings and spend extra time in the library.

I chose to combine my desperate need for a comfortable outfit with my desire to look presentable. I put my Fashionista skills to work and came up with a cute yet comfortable outfit. A romper is my all time go-to spring outfit! What is easier than throwing on a romper? You get the convenience of a wearing dress—one piece of clothing, so you don’t have to stress about how your outfit matches—with the luxury of shorts! My outfit was tied together with the subtle black hints I added. I made sure to wear black shoes to go along with the black bralette along side my black choker. The sporadic pieces of black drew your eyes around my outfit from head to toe!

I opted for a subtle, natural makeup look with my new favorite nude smart shade butter kiss lip stick from Almay, with just a touch of blush. I chose to pair this casual romper with a black lace bralette and trendy accessories! I layered two chokers, one with an elephant charm and the other a Greek hamsa hand. I added a couple of rings, along with my favorite pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. 

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to write for CollegeFashionista. If anyone is looking for a fun internship involving fashion and writing, this one’s for you! I hope everyone enjoys their summer break; check back next semester for more fashion dos and don’ts!

BEAUTY BAR: Let Your Beauty Sparkle

From a dark, matte lip to a cut crease smokey eye, new makeup trends surface every day through magazines, Instagram, and your favorite YouTubers. Trends are always coming and going. However, there are a few trends that have passed the test of time. One of those trends is a natural glow with a hint of sparkle. This gorgeous Fashionista is a great example on how to spice up a natural glow for day-to-day use.

To keep your makeup intact all day, it’s important to start with a good moisturizer and primer. These two products will not only hydrate your face, but they help minimize pores. The end result of a moisturizer combined with primer will be a smooth finish makeup that last all day. My personal favorites are Aveeno Clear Complexion moisturizer and e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer–did I mention they’re affordable?

After hydrating continue with your everyday foundation routine, choosing between a bb cream or full coverage foundation is completely up to your discretion. Now that you have your base layer, it’s time to make you face glow with a cream highlighter and blush.

Moving on to the eyes, this Fashionista used the Urban Decay Naked Palette along with an Urban Decay Pigment to make the look really sparkle. For the lip, she kept it simple using a Trust Fund Beauty tinted lip gloss in the color Blame Game.

Now that we have finished our makeup let’s move on to the fashion. This Fashionista decided to keep it simple, wearing a floral pattern romper (this one isn’t the exact same, but you are sure to turn heads while wearing this ensemble) with a pair of dark brown oxfords and a cluster of Disney themed bracelets.

Something that really takes this look to the next level is her nail color. If you look closely, you will see that our Fashionista’s nail color is an accent color found in her romper.