Style Advice – CollegeFashionista

How to Master Power Dressing According to a Stylist

Just like how standing with your arms on your waist in a Superman pose for two minutes can boost your confidence, dressing in the right blazers, shirts, and pantsuits—aka power dressing—can do the same. Many S/S 17 designer collections including Prada, Céline, and Louis Vuitton reintroduced us to officewear that is no longer boring and conventional, but modern, bold, and statement-making. We’ll continue to see more power pieces for next season. At Tom Ford’s S/S 18 show, blazers with shoulder pads in hot pink, white, and black were slung coolly over models’ shoulders.

Even if power dressing may seem like a passing trend, it is in fact here to stay and highly political. Power dressing surfaced in the ’70s as a means to let women establish authority in the workplace which was dominated by men. Today, more women are in leading positions, and younger graduates and millennial women are eager to take on similar roles. There’s never been a better time to show your ambition through your clothing. To help you channel your inner power goddess, I asked New York City fashion stylist and producer Jessica Wu on tips to master power dressing and how you can dress the part now before you land your dream job.

PHOTO: Harleen Sidhu

1—Accessories are key

When it comes to power dressing, accessories can make or break an outfit. Wu says casual and dramatic accessories can be paired with power pieces to complete the look: “If I were to wear a pantsuit, I’d wear it with some chunky athletic sneakers or add a flashy or brightly colored bag.”

PHOTO: Harleen Sidhu

2—The blazer is your best friend

Don’t underestimate the power of the blazer. This versatile piece can be styled in a number of ways for a number of occasions and is a great power piece for college students. Wu says a longer blazer can be worn as a mini dress, oversize blazers can be layered with knits and blouses, and more fitted blazers can be dressed up with complementary bottoms or dressed down with boyfriend jeans.

PHOTO: Harleen Sidhu

3—Less is more

A good blazer is important, but what’s underneath can be just as powerful. Modern power dressing has seen a mix of traditional masculine styles and more wispy, baring feminine styles. Under your blazer, Wu suggests to “keep it bare so you don’t look too covered up—wear a silk camisole, crop top, or bralette.”

PHOTO: Harleen Sidhu

How do you style power pieces? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista.

The Tailgate Outfits Every Fashionable College Girl Needs in Her Closet

Tailgate season has officially kicked off, which means it’s time to bring your A game in school spirit! Football tailgate season has become known not just for the football but for the unique and cute outfits that girls wear to these events. It has almost become a competition to see how creative and stylish you can get. Tailgate outfits may be specific to certain colleges, but it has become a nationwide trend. Whether it’s wearing an oversize football jersey or your own DIY college T-shirt, the possibilities for these styled outfits are endless. Multiple game days call for multiple outfits, so here are a few key elements that you’ll want in your closet to keep you game-day ready.

First Outfit

Basic pieces can go a long way and be mixed and matched with different shirts and bottoms. Pairing frayed jean shorts and a DIY college T-shirt crop top is a super easy and cute way to show your school spirit and personal flair. There are so many different ways a college T-shirt can be personalized and fitted to your style. Cutting shirts like these are super simple. For a crop top like this, all that needs to be done is to cut it to the desired length and roll the sleeves to show off your arms—this creates a more stylish look that is less boxy.

PHOTO: Sydney Zavadil

Tailgate Styling Tips

Pair this look with some white Converse and fun mid-calf socks that support your school colors. Don’t forget to add jewelry. Bracelets you have laying around that match your school colors will give your look a little extra oomph! Bring in trends from your everyday outfits as well; silver hoops and a simple black choker help tie the look together.

Second Outfit:

Another super simple and cute outfit to wear to tailgating events is your school’s jersey. The trend is to wear an oversize jersey so you have the option to wear it as a dress. Of course, you’ll want to throw on some shorts and a cute bralette underneath since it is short and slightly see through. Overall, the look is a cool spin on a classic game day outfit.

PHOTO: Sydney Zavadil

Tailgate Styling Tips

Add a double wrapped beaded necklace to match your school colors. If you can’t find a necklace like this that matches your school colors, it’s super easy to make with supplies from your local craft store. Depending on your school’s geographical location, your shoe choice may lean towards sneakers. But if you’re in the South, you could throw on some cowboy boots for a little Southern charm. To finish the look, throw your hair up into a high pony—it not only keeps your hair out of your face, but it also amps up the athletic look while keeping you looking sleek all night!

What’s your favorite tailgating outfit? Let me know in the comments below or share on social media. Don’t forget to tag @CFashionista in your post!

Can’t Figure Out Your Personal Style? We’ve Got You Covered

Every person you interact with, follow, or are friends with has one thing in common: deciding what to wear every morning. Whether we know it or not, we all make fashion choices, and those choices solely depend on how we view ourselves and what we want to show the world. However, deciding what to wear and figuring out what our personal style is isn’t always an easy task.

There are so many possibilities that it can be overwhelming sometimes, and, with all the existential crises we have on a daily basis, I can’t blame you for wondering who you are on any given day. I plead guilty to asking myself that question way too much. But hey, luckily for us, fashion doesn’t have to be a uniformed and mandatory thing. There are, however, ways to help discover your personal style; here are three I live by.

1—Experiment

There’s so much you can discover about yourself if you are willing to try all kinds of pieces and style. If you don’t allow yourself to experiment, you are robbing yourself of a fun and possibly life-changing experience. The beautiful thing about experimenting is that you can figure out what you like and don’t like. It’s also a fun way to get creative and really play around with pieces.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

2—Say yes

It is really easy to remain in our comfort zones, but it it’s an awful thing to not know. If you like something you normally wouldn’t wear and are a little on the fence about it, just say yes to trying it on! There is literally no harm in doing so. You may be surprised at how many times you think you wouldn’t like or be into something until you actually try it and see for yourself. Your imagination can only take you so far. And if you don’t like it, that’s totally okay; you no longer have to wonder and imagine what it would’ve looked like on.

PHOTO: Lex Kelly

3—Trust your gut

This is the most important one in my opinion. Newsflash: no one knows you better than you. If you try something on and you really like it, then this is a perfect way to learn something about your personal style. Sometimes I’ll look at a piece and automatically know that it’s me because I can feel it in my gut and I’m able to see myself wearing it. If there’s a piece of clothing that calls out to you and grabs your attention, trust your gut. Most likely it’ll be something you’ll love and wear multiple ways.

PHOTO: Anna Coke

Discovering your personal style doesn’t have to be tedious or a hassle. It can be fun, as long as you’re willing to give it a try. What will be the new trend you’ll say yes to? Let us know in the comments below!

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!

5 Secrets to Becoming a Savvy Shopper

Affordable fashion is one of my absolute favorite topics to write about. Seriously guys, don’t you feel so good when you’re strutting down the street like it’s a runway in a $30 coat? I know I do. However, sometimes it can be difficult to find clothes you love for prices that also rock.

As the proud owner of an affordable fashion blog and also a super saver, I will tell you, it can be done. In this article, I am going to give you my top five savvy shopping secrets so you can look sleek and slay all day but not break the bank

1—Go to the sale section first. Trust me, it is very tempting to browse around the store and stare in wonder at the beautifully dressed mannequins… but don’t do it. We’re in college and have to save our money for that emergency midnight coffee sesh! So when I’m shopping I always go straight to the sale section. You would be surprised what you can find in there.

I bought these jeans at Topshop for $16 while trolling through the sale section. I did rip them a little extra for personal flare.

2—Make a list of things you need. Then, don’t diverge from your list! If you are looking for a new pair of sunglasses, go and do just that. Don’t get tempted by the sea of BOGOs you’re going to have to swim through. Always keep your end goal in mind so you can save for a shopping spree later!

I bought theses sunnies at Urban Outfitters for $17.

3—Sign up for store emails. Yes, I totally get that an email a day from every retailer under the sun gets super annoying. However, every once in a while, getting word of a super sale that is coming up is so worth the full email box. I save a lot of my pretty pennies checking for that email, it just takes time.

4—Shop around the holidays. Labor Day sales are real! I definitely carve out a way to shop during that prime holiday deals weekend. Yes, the store may be crowded, but I promise you, if you bring a snack and a water, you can sit through any checkout line!

5—Do some DIY. So I bought my favorite pair of black jeans on sale for $25 at Gap. I ripped holes in the knee myself because every other pre-ripped pair I found was too expensive. Sure, you should practice a bit to get confident with scissors but as long as you take your time, DIYing is easier than it looks. P.S. I am the clumsiest person I know so if I can cut rips in my jeans, you can too.

These are the Gap jeans I was talking about.

How do you save when shopping? Let us know in the comments below!

Here Are My 3 Go-To Looks for Working at an Internship

So you landed the internship. You’re so excited for what challenges lie ahead, but one of the most difficult struggles is often overlooked: what to wear! How can you show your style and personality while still being professional?

One of the most convenient outfits for a day at the office is a jumpsuit. These can easily be styled with any kind of heel, and are a great option for days when you hit the snooze one too many times. Jumpsuits come in so many colors and styles, making it an essential staple in your professional closet. My shoes are Steve Madden and my jumpsuit is from Forever 21.

Another amazing staple in your professional closet is colored dress pants. I’ve purchased so many colored pairs of pants like these from Forever 21 so I can mix and match them with anything in my closet. While my striped pants have a thicker fabric, and may not be great for a hot summer day, there are many cuts of dress pants like these that are more breathable and practical for summer weather. I styled this look with a basic black purse and black heels. My shoes are Steve Madden and my top is another great staple piece in my wardrobe from Charlotte Russe.

The black skirt and dress shirt combo is a classic for a professional wardrobe. You can give the look a little bit of flare with a fun button-down shirt and purse. In my case, I don’t have a purse that gives the look the pop of color, but I highly recommend purchasing a red or pink bag to wear with this sometimes bland combo. All pieces in this look are from Forever 21!

As for makeup, a bold lip goes a long way. I love wearing a berry red lip with minimal eye makeup. This look is another great time-saver in the morning. I strongly believe in the “less is more” concept, but your makeup routine is completely dependent upon your personality, so don’t be afraid to experiment and wear looks that make you feel confident on the job!

Ultimately, your confidence and hustle will be the best accessories to your professional internship style. Hopefully these looks inspire you to dig deeper into your wardrobe and experiment with new professional looks!

How do you dress for success? Let us know in the comments!

Why You Should Wear White After Labor Day

The color white is complete and innocent. White clothing has, for hundreds of years, represented purity, sophistication, and cleanliness; helping to provide a cooling comfort in warm weather and a staple image for weddings and religious events since the beginning of human history. So, why is it we’ve been told we should pack away most of our white clothing every fall succeeding Labor Day? Where did this rule of “no wearing white” after Labor Day come from? And why are we limiting our closets by hiding our white clothes until the start of each summer?

Well, I have got some news for you! I call nonsense on the whole “no white” after Labor Day rule. After doing my research I have found that there is no real reasoning for or pinpointed orientation of said fashion rule. Some have the theory that late 1800’s socialites created the rule of “no white after Labor Day” simply to make their social groups more exclusive with a set of unreasoned fashion laws. Others theorize that this fashion rule took to society plainly because of the drop in temperature that typically comes after Labor Day.

Nonetheless, following the guideline to no longer wear white after Labor Day frankly seems outdated and unnecessary. Several fashion icons, such as Coco Chanel, have already made their statements by donning white clothing, or suits in Chanel’s case, all year-round. It is time for the rest of the fashion world to follow suit and embrace the color white during all seasons!

Don’t give up your favorite white sweater, hide away your trendy white tote, or box up your all-white sneakers every year when the leaves start to change colors. Especially those living in the south, who don’t really experience the same “cold months” that the north does; don’t sacrifice your white T-shirts in fear of breaking some unwritten fashion law. All-white outfits never fail to make a bold, yet innocent presentation and, not to mention, white looks flattering on almost everyone. Don’t hold back, be bold; its time we make brand new fashion rules of our own!

Coco Chanel has been setting the perfect example for wearing white all months of the year, for many years now. With her undying passion for great clothes and smart designs, Coco Chanel’s classic all-white suits have served as inspiration in my denouncing the rule of “no white” after Labor Day. With her timeless designs in mind, I have created a mini mood board to set the stage and encourage you all to make like Coco Channel and rock white all year-round.

How will you sport the color white this coming fall and winter? Comment down below!

3 Outfits to Pack for Your Next Road Trip

With a few more weeks left of summer vacation, the opportunity to jump in your car with friends, or even by yourself, and hit the road for a few days is still open. When mentioning a road trip, comfort is key. However, it’s easy to fall into the “pajama-looking” outfits trap. Think about all the Instagram photo shoot opportunities you’ll miss because of your comfy legging/sweats outfits. Use fashion to your advantage and combine comfort with style. Take a look at my three go-to travel outfits for inspiration when you’re packing for your next road trip.

One-piece, One Outfit.

One-piece outfits are definitely a must. They take less space when you pack and are easy to style. They are literally one piece of clothing that you have to put on. A fun pattern or stylish shoes can transform the whole outfit. My favorite one-piece outfit is a casual shirt-dress wide enough for comfort but fitted enough to look stylish with a pair of gladiator sandals. If you are not into shirt dresses, you can always trade them in for rompers or long dresses.

One Pair of Shorts Equals Endless Possibilities.

Jean shorts with a T-shirt is another easy, go-to outfit. This has been a long time win-win for girls. The secret here is to choose the right pair of shorts that won’t be too short or too tight. This way, they will be comfortable to wear but they will also have that unique, fashionable detail that will make them stand out from your everyday shorts. My favorite stylish shorts are these cute shorts with flamingos sewn on the pockets. They look nice with a half tucked in T-shirt and a pair of slide sandals.

Mom Jeans Are Not Only for Moms.

You will be sitting for long periods of time, so you need a stretchy pair of jeans. “Mom jeans” are the perfect trendy option to put together a comfortable, yet stylish road trip outfit. They are loose fitting and give you a trendy, ’90s style vibe stolen right from an episode of Friends. I love to style my mom jeans with a tight top to balance the looseness of the bottom. I also tuck my shirt into the jeans and add a belt to show off my figure. Paired with a pair of sneakers, this outfit will be perfection.

What are your favorite outfits to wear for a summer road trip? Let us know by commenting down below or tagging @Cfashionista in your outfit pictures.

How to Turn Effortless Outfits Into Exciting Style

As the spring breeze develops into summer heat and we trade our time at school for long days by the beach, the last thing a Fashionista/o may want to think about is putting together a complex outfit. Luckily, this summer, simplicity is key. However, looking effortless does not mean you have to risk making your outfit exciting, trendy, and fun!

Get the Look

The perfect effortless summer outfit for me means sticking to basic items that I can rely on. For this outfit, I decided to reach for my favorite boyfriend jeans from Madewell. These jeans are great for the summer because they match almost everything in my wardrobe. They also have tons of stylish distressing which will help you keep cool. While I opted for a super basic pair of jeans on the bottom, I decided to wear a twist on the basic white top for a shirt. I revamped this classic style by reaching for one with a fun graphic print from Zara to add some interest to my simple outfit.

I stuck to simple Birkenstock sandals for shoes (because comfort is key in the summer, right?). However, I decided to add a little more of my personal style through the accessories. I completed my look with a choker necklace from Madewell and a pair of thrifted vintage shades.

Dressing for the summer should by no means be complicated. It’s time to stop shopping for elaborate items which might go out of style by the fall. Instead, hang onto timeless pieces which will last you a lifetime and will save you some time when putting an outfit together. Dress the outfit up and add some character through accessories and details which showcase your personal style. You’ll be summer-ready in no time!

Styled your own effortless but fun summer outfit? Show us on social media, and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

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Why You Need a Signature Look

A signature look is the epitome of personal style. It is the right direction toward creating a refined, organized wardrobe, but it’s also just the beginning for any Fashionista. Regardless of who you are, this post is all about how to find your own signature look that is true to you!

Your signature look is the essence of your style. It is the outfit people picture when they think of you. A defining look that truly has no limits.

It is something that truly showcases your personality and ideal aesthetic. It is also something that all fashion icons have in common, think Bridgette Bardot and Iris Apfel. The fun with fashion is that no matter what you wear, it’s never wrong.

So you may be asking, why do I need a personal look? Well to begin, style is a concept. A concept is an idea or a plan, like a theme to a party, or a character in a movie. You wouldn’t want to experience something that seems a bit half-done, but rather something that showed you put thought into it.

When you have a signature look it says a lot about you. It says you know who you are, what you like, and what you look good in. This self-knowledge comes hand-in-hand with confidence or rather knowing you, enhancing whatever look you might be going for.

Be unapologetically you! The only way to truly create your own signature look is knowing and accepting yourself. Everyone is wonderful in their own unique way, and with fashion it allows us to truly show who we are! Don’t be afraid to express yourself for the fear of being judged, rather than be influenced by others perceptions, be the influencer!

What is your favorite way to express yourself? Let us know in the comments below!