Skirt – CollegeFashionista

Who Says You Have to Put Away Your Linen After Labor Day?

Labor Day is just around the corner. In a fashion sense, many think this means you have to retire all your summer clothes for fall and winter. If you ask any Fashionista, this statement is so false. Wearing white and linen can be appropriate with any outfit, any time of the year!

With these hot summer days still present into the early fall months, wearing linen past Labor Day is totally acceptable if you do it right. I am here to give you a few tips and tricks to picking out the perfect summer inspired fall outfit.

1—Wearing a summer inspired outfit it totally okay in a warm climate, such as by the beach.

2—Adding a pop of color to a white basic makes the outfit not stand out as much.

3—Wearing a fall shoe ties in the whole fall outfit. This can be anything from a sneaker to boots.

4—Long sleeves complete a fall outfit. Adding a warmer clothing item to a skirt is a perfect way of keeping warm when the temperatures drop as the seasons goes on.

5—Sunglasses may give the look a more summer vibe, however, they bring the whole outfit together for a casual daytime look.

6—Make sure you accessorize to finish the perfect summer inspired fall outfit. Adding simple jewelry or a scarf to a linen or white look will complete the outfit.

7—Be creative and unique with your outfit choices.

8—Be comfortable and confident.

The change of season gets many excited for new fashion trends, but also prohibits items to be worn. You do not have to wait until a new season to get the okay to wear certain clothing pieces. Carry over pieces into the new season and feel confident in your choices as a fashionista!

Do not be scared to wear summer clothing items year-round. Make your closet appropriate for four seasons instead of changing it up every couple month. Having a variety of clothing and knowing how to style each piece brings uniqueness and diversity into your clothing options. A Fashionista knows how to use each piece in their closet in a unique way while still looking cute and feeling comfortable.

Interested in creating a summer-inspired fall outfit? Post your creation on social media and do not forget to tag us @Cfashionista!

The White Button-Down—Your Most Versatile Style Basic

The most versatile piece of clothing, next to your favorite pair of denim, hangs your white button-down. Whether your button-down is oversize or off-the-shoulder, linen or cotton, it is essential in every wardrobe.

To get the most out of your button-down, try these styling tips.

1—Off-the-shoulder. First, button the shirt halfway down from the collar. Tie one end of the shirt through the opening between buttons and knot with the other end. Then, fold the upper half of the shirt over (the same width as the collar). To complete the look, pair it with high-waisted pants or a skirt.

2—Classic tie. Knot the button-down through the opening of the buttons for added security or loosely since the two ends together (like tying your shoes). As with any cropped shirt, a tied button-down is best paired with high-waisted pants or a skirt.

3—Backwards. Wearing a button-down backward can be done two ways. First, flip the shirt around and begin buttoning at the collar, then leave a couple of buttons open at the bottom to expose some of your back. Low-rise skinny jeans are your best friend with this one. On the contrary, you can also start buttoning from the bottom, leaving the top loose and casual. For a slightly more polished look, tuck the shirt into high-waisted pants or a skirt.

4—Bandeau top. Button the shirt as you normally would, leaving your arms out of the sleeves. Next, wrap the sleeves to the front of the shirt and knot or tuck them into the top of the bandeau. This can also be done with one sleeve for a one-shoulder look.

The button-down is not only a style basic for its functionality but its versatility for every style. For a more feminine look, Fashionistas pair it with an A-line skirt. However, the same shirt tied differently with a pair of high-waisted denim edges it up a bit. An oversize white button-down is perfect for a more relaxed look while a fitted button-down makes for a workwear essential. Choose to wear it buttoned to the top or loose and casual. No matter how you wear it, it’s sure to be your next wardrobe staple.

What’s your favorite way to wear a button-down? Tag your photos @cfashionista!

Subtle ’90s Revival

Every millennial knows that the ’90s had some of the greatest fashion moments in history, so it’s no surprise that so many trends from the decade are already making a quick comeback. For the look pictured, I wanted to channel the era of Clueless and Tamagotchi without looking like a wannabe Spice Girl (pun absolutely intended). Here are some other ways to look fresh out of the ’90s without looking like you’re fresh off the set of Full House (unless that’s what you want, in which case, feel free to go full DJ Tanner).

1—Add a choker. But please don’t let it be a tattoo choker from Claire’s. The things have their charm but they’re neither chic nor modern. You can still channel the ’90s with a gold charm choker or a simple black velvet one.

2—Pop on a mini-skirt. The ’90s were all about ’60s revival fashion, which meant a lot of leg was being shown. When in doubt, a high-waisted denim mini like this one will make you look as amazing as Fran Fine. Try pairing it with a fitted turtleneck for the perfect fall-transition look.

3—Tinted lens sunglasses. Not everybody can be blessed with the face shape to pull off the classic ’90s oval sunnies, but grabbing a pair with colorful lenses in a more modern shape can still give you that vibe without being awkward looking.

4—Tube tops. Tube tops are such a cute ’90s trend that fit into every style. Rocking a metallic pink one with low-rise pants may be a bit much, though (sorry, Britney). Pairing them with high-waisted jeans or flowy pants is a super cute and on-trend way to wear the style in 2017.

5—Mules. Mules are no doubt the shoes of summer 2017, and I would like to give full credit to Carrie Bradshaw for that. They elevate any look while still being totally relaxed. This makes them the perfect vessel to infuse the ’90s into your wardrobe.

If you want to look like a Fresh Prince of Bel Air extra, I absolutely encourage it! But if you’re more interested in just taking some subtle inspiration from the ’90s without being asked if you’re going to a costume party, these items are some great staple pieces.

Do you love ’90s fashion? Who is your ’90s style icon? Let us know in the comments!

One Piece of Advice for Back-to-School

Summer is slowly fading into back-to-school shopping days for supplies and best of all, clothes. Shopping for new school clothes is all fun and games until you see some of the company’s price tags. Especially as a broke college student, you want the best deal you can find. If you’re like me and always want a way to save money or reinvent your current wardrobe, stay tuned and read about how to transform current summer trends into a cute outfit for back-to-school!

What Is This Big Summer Trend?

A big trend for the past year has been the infamous bodysuit. Every girl and their mother have one. With that trend swarming the Internet and the streets, it was only a matter of time for people to break out the one-piece swimsuits. One-piece swimsuits haven’t seen the light of day since maybe elementary school. Now they’re all the rave with fun cut-outs, patterns, and the oh-so common high cut leg. No matter the suit you chose, any can be transformed into your next favorite school outfit.

Based on your selection of one-piece and your own personal style, choose a bottom that suits the look. Casual and comfortable looks call for a cute pair of denim shorts or boyfriend jeans. Denim screams casual, especially looser fitting (and also trendy) boyfriend jeans. More of a flirty, dressed-up look would go great with a cute mini or maxi skirt. My one-piece is a dusty mauve color with a low scoop back and a ruffle detailing. Ruffles really catch the eye and instantly give the look a flirty vibe. To keep the look flirty, I choose a lace-up corduroy mini skirt. Since I went for a dressier approach, sandal heels were my shoe of choice. For a more casual look, you might want a cute pair of flat sandals or even some comfy sneakers. Adding a simple pair won’t draw attention from the center of the look and it’s more practical for walking around campus.

Accessories should be chosen as you so please. I kept my accessories limited to my everyday stud earrings and two coin-like, simple necklaces. Ruffles were enough of their own accessory that I didn’t feel I needed much more. Adding more to your look is easy if you would like to. Layer more necklaces or choose your favorite go-to bracelets for more on the arms.

Make It Your Own Look

Although summer may be coming to an end, there will always be a bright side. The bright side here is that you can come up with so many new ways to style your current summer favorites for a fun and new school look! Don’t own any one-pieces or don’t want to limit your outfits? Use the same tips with your favorite bodysuits. Mix it up day to day based on your mood for a casual look to class or date nights!

How would you style your summer favorites for back-to-school? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

The Beginner’s Guide to Thrift Shopping like a Pro

Between textbooks, tuition, housing, and party funds, college is notorious for leaving students broke and brain dead. Luckily, I’ve found a fun, affordable way to spice up my wardrobe through the art of thrift shopping. All it really takes is patience and an open mind to find super cool pieces, and it gives you some major street cred in the process!

One of the most important things to remember when you first step foot in a thrift shop is that you won’t immediately love everything, or maybe even anything! It takes a lot of digging to get to the good stuff, so take your time and don’t get discouraged when nothing jumps out at you right away. This vintage Fashionista makes thrift shopping look easy, wearing a stylish, suede skirt paired with a silky lace tank found deep in the racks of Goodwill.

Both of these pieces are super versatile and can be paired with a variety of different clothes to create a fresh look every time! An important pro tip on thrift shopping is to buy a piece because you love it and you know you’ll wear it, not just because it’s only $3 and it looks cool. When I find something I think I really love, I ask myself if I would still buy it if I saw it on the rack at a normal retail store. If the answer is yes, then I know I’ve found myself a winner!

Besides the wallet-friendly prices, thrift shopping gives you the opportunity to pick out what you want to wear, instead of limiting yourself to current trends that everyone’s wearing. To amp up her own unique look, this Fashionista is rocking some vintage gold chains and a black bandana around her bun to create a classy street style vibe so you know she means business.

Accessories can make or break a look, but this Fashionista isn’t breaking anything but necks as she struts by with her vintage handbag. Her bag perfectly complements her skirt, adding an interesting pattern to contrast the solid colors in her outfit. Black converse and hipster shades are the perfect way to incorporate the new with the old, combining stylish accessories she already owns with her new thrift store finds!

In a world where fashion is constantly repeating itself, there’s always a good chance you’ll find some vintage pieces that are currently in style. And the best part is that behind each piece of clothing is an unknown story. I think it’s really cool to think about someone creating memories in a piece of clothing and passing it on to someone else who will wear and love it equally.

Now it’s your turn to make memories, so stop breaking the bank to fit in with the latest trends, and start digging for some gems of your own. Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista to show us what you find.

Summer Staple Skirt

Summer is one of my favorite seasons, and now that we’re two months in, you probably know that it’s hotter than hot out. To keep cool in July, I like to minimize my layers as much as possible. I do this by wearing light and airy pieces that allow me to breathe on the warmer days. My favorite piece this summer is my early 2000s inspired denim skirt from Levi’s. I have been wearing this skirt a lot lately, and have found that it can be worn with many different styles. Additionally, this versatile skirt can be dressed up or down for many occasions. This denim skirt is one of my summer wardrobe staples but is a year-round basic.

I paired my staple skirt with a white lightweight cold shoulder blouse. The super thin fabric plus the cold shoulder holes are perfect for the July heat. My favorite part about this blouse is the ruffle detailing across the chest. I have always been a fan of ruffles, and I love that I am seeing them more in my favorite stores lately.

Then, I opted for a leather wrap-up sandal from Free People—I have linked a similar pair. I have been loving leather sandals lately and these have definitely been my go-to this season. However, the downside is the funky tan lines!

To pull the entire look together, I threw on my leather Shinola watch and my Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Crossbody (aka the perfect crossbody bag). First of all, I love this watch because of its simplicity and timeless look. I find that I can wear it daily and that it matches most of my wardrobe. The Mini MAC has been one of my favorite bags for years now. Additionally, it is a perfect size and fits all of my on-the-go necessities such as wallet, sunglasses, and lip balm. This bag is perfect for everyday use.

The denim skirt has been one of my favorite comeback trends this season. Let me know how you style yours in the comments down below.

A CollegeFashionista Inspired Proposal

I never ever thought my internship with CollegeFashionista would help me trick one of my best friends into looking adorable for what she had no idea would be her wedding proposal. It’s a little difficult to get someone to dress the way they would want to for their engagement when they have no idea that it is about to happen. My friend knew I was always asking people to take pictures of them for my internship, so I realized that it would be the perfect opportunity.

Her fiancé approached me with a week’s notice that he was flying in to surprise her with a marriage proposal, and that he needed my help to make it all happen. I had to think of a way to pull it all together and get her to the restaurant without her having the slightest clue. My Fashionista-self needed to make sure my friend looked absolutely adorable for this. That’s when the idea hit me of telling her that I wanted to take pictures of her for my CollegeFashionista internship would be a fabulous way to get her to look her best without giving away the surprise. She really had no idea and was sending pictures of what she was thinking of wearing, which was exactly what I wanted. She decided on pairing a white lace-up skirt with a blush blouse and a pair of lace-up brown block heels. A very simple outfit, but great for an outdoor summertime brunch proposal.

Everything ran so smoothly, while she thought I was just taking pictures of her against a blank wall, he snuck up behind and I was able to capture the moment. She was in absolute shock when he came up and dropped a knee. It was so amazing to be a part of their special day, and I would not have been able to pull it off without the help of CollegeFashionista.

Did you like how I used CollegeFashionista to help my friend? Share in the comments below!

The Best Style Pieces Are the Ones You Don’t Expect

Bomber jackets and blue leather skirts—two key items of clothing which are new to my personal wardrobe. Recently, however, I have felt compelled to step out of my comfort zone and experiment with different trends. The blue, faux leather skirt is the perfect example, and a great story to share. I first found the piece at a Zara store in England, and since then I have been experimenting with different looks. Yet this one particular look I am sharing with you today was completely created by my sister. She is a sporty girl, but I now discovered she can create a truly killer outfit.

Leather, whether it be faux or real, is making its way back into the fashion scene and I could not be more excited. I have always been one to love finishing off a look with a leather jacket for both formal and informal functions. Now, with faux leather pants and skirts, there is so much more to experiment with.

What I love in particular about this leather skirt is the color. The baby blue is such a key color for summer, and the style of the skirt is very versatile. For a more sports-oriented girl like my sister, having the option to quickly pull on a leather skirt or pants for a more formal night out can help to decrease the stress of deciding what to wear. That’s a major plus in any girl’s life, don’t you agree?

Bomber jackets are a style which I have seen many guys rock, and have even been very popular among the female fashion crowd. A great alternative to a leather jacket, I have seen the bomber jacket come in all variations of styles from statement colors to the authentic military print. In this case, the tan colored bomber jacket pairs nicely with the crop top with the faux leather skirt. By finishing off the look with a small wedge sandal, the look is complete for a nice dinner out or even an all-day look if that is your style.

Bomber jackets and faux leather pieces make for great statement items! Let me know in the comments below or on social media your go-to look with similar pieces. Maybe you’ll help to inspire my next fashion look!

These 2 Trends Are Taking Over This Summer

Summer has finally arrived and everyone knows what a new season brings: new trends! I always look forward to every new season to see all of the fun new styles. Two trends that are shown in all the stores are off-the-shoulder pieces and denim. The off-the-shoulder top is a must-have this summer in any Fashionista’s wardrobe. Whether it is paired with shorts, boyfriend jeans, or a denim skirt, it pulls any look together. Denim is also everywhere! I can’t go into any store without seeing an outfit including denim, so I must say I am on the denim trend.

Off-the-shoulder tops and denim are the perfect summer essentials. They can be worn casual and both pieces are very easy to be dressed up. If you want to feel chic in any outfit, these two pieces are the way to go. I always feel that some tops aren’t for everyone, but this type of top is flattering on and works for anyone because it is so universal. If you don’t have a denim skirt or anything denim, make that a goal this summer. Denim, in my opinion, will never go out of style; these two trends have been around for a while. In the ’90s, Saved by the Bell was a popular TV show; Kelly Kapowski was so stylish and anything she wore she looked amazing. In so many episodes, she has denim paired with a cropped off-the-shoulder top. This Fashionista found her inner Kelly Kapowski with her outfit.

This trendy Fashionista paired her go-to denim skirt with her pink and white striped off-the-shoulder top. Her outfit is so simple yet so chic. To pull together the whole outfit, she slipped on her black and tan leather espadrilles. This Fashionista is practicing color blocking by pairing the pink and white top with the black and tan shoe. Espadrilles are another must-have for summer 2017; there are so many cute styles out there. Trust me, once you find an espadrille that works for you, there will be no regrets with that purchase. To finish off the look, she wore her staple tie up choker which goes with any outfit.

All of the trends talked about are very inexpensive and can be found almost anywhere. What do you Fashionistas think about these trends? Share your comments below! If you have any of these pieces and want to show us your outfit, post on your social media account! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

5 Must-Have Pieces to Slay Your Summer Internship

While not all of us will be interning in the fashion industry this summer (hats off to those of you who are), there is no denying that we will be bringing the latest trends into whatever summer internship we may have. These five must-have pieces are sure to be seen in every Fashionista’s office this summer.

1—A blazer. Even in the summer months, the office can get a little chilly. While sweaters and long sleeve blouses look nice, a blazer tops off the perfect outfit. This stylish jacket will not only cover your arms when the air conditioning is blasting but is one of the most professional pieces that a summer intern could wear. This black blazer complements the black stripes in the blouse underneath it, but any other color could be matched with a nice blouse underneath.

2—A pop of color. Even with a setting as professional as a summer internship, there are bound to be days where a little pop of color is acceptable. Though bright tones and wacky accent colors are not always the first looks we turn to, there is nothing wrong with adding a cheerful accessory to your summer wardrobe. Brands like Michael Kors tend to design the perfect colorful bag to refresh a professional look and show off your personal style.

3—Bold dress slacks. Though business professionals tend to stick to the basic colors when it comes to dress slacks, there’s nothing better than spicing up a boring work week. A pair of decorative pants adds flair to any work outfit. Because it can be easy to fall into a pattern of wearing the same clothes to work each week, Bar III has created a line of preppy yet professional dress slacks. They can easily be paired with a neutral blouse, allowing the slacks to be the star of the show.

4—A colorful skirt. Luckily, for us ladies, we have the option to strut a vibrant dress or skirt while on the job instead of sticking to slacks. This colorful but neutral skirt is an easy piece to match with any blouse in your closet. Though the electric yellow tends to stand out from the other colors in the skirt, the navy blue is timeless and the utmost professional. As long as you keep the rest of the look basic, a colorful skirt can be just what you need to revive your office attire.

5—Heels that mean business. Nothing says “I’m here to get noticed” like a rocking pair of shoes. While most dress codes will not require their interns to wear six-inch heels, these open-toed sandals are perfect for evening functions or important days on the job. Not only are these extremely trendy right now, but they also show the perfect amount of skin for a professional atmosphere.

How will you be slaying your internship this summer? Show us on social media and tag @CFashionista.