The start of the new school year is a great time to make positive changes to your personal style. A myriad of fabulous trends emerged from the fall runways this year. We chose our favorite designer looks for day and night and found collegiette-style look-alikes so you can rock these trends on campus!
Leather Statement Pieces
With runways showcasing statement leather in nearly every form imaginable, it’s clear that leather’s effortless edginess will be tough to evade this fall. “Leather is the highlight of all that’s trending right now for fall,” says stylist Betsie Kamm.
Casey Winston, a buyer for Saks Fifth Avenue, points out that “leather blurs the line between masculine and feminine.” So when working leather into a look, you can choose fitted shapes to play up femininity, or looser ones for more relaxed androgyny.
Daytime: Phillip Lim Look-alike
Sweater: Forever 21, $22.80
Pants: Zara, $59.90
Faux Leather Vest: Forever 21, $17.50
Boots: Urban Outfitters, $69
This faux leather vest adds a touch of danger to an otherwise demure look. Versatile enough for day or night, this particular piece is best paired with whites or colors, such as this chunky textured sweater, to lessen the intensity during the day. If you’re looking for more ideas for daytime leather, Kamm recommends finding quilted leather pieces, which “allow for a little more versatility because it can look more casual and a little less severe.”
Nighttime: Michael Kors Look-alike
Top: Forever 21, $19.80
Shoes: Zara, $49.90
Belt: Asos, $16.88
Skirt: Urban Outfitters, $39
Showing off a fitted shape and an all-black color palette, this is a seriously sultry look for a night out. For a fancier occasion, this peplum and midi skirt combo is stylish, and for a more subdued scene, this Forever 21 Top can be more casually paired with jeans or printed (non-leather!) pants.
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White on White
Neon already taught us to ditch the dated post-Labor Day moratorium on white, and the light and luxurious designer collections on the fall 2013 runways reaffirmed that we don’t need to be at a paint party to wear white on white. Though all-white looks can take on a few personalities, Winston says “it’s very chic to wear all white in a sporty fashion.” You can combine textures and materials in a monochrome color palette for additional interest, but, as Kamm says, “When mixing fabrics in separates, it’s best to match color as closely as possible.”
Daytime: Monique Lhuillier Look-alike
Pants: Zara, $59.90
Blouse: Urban Outfitters, $59
Belt: Forever 21, $8.80
Shoes: Go Jane, $24.95
In this look, the distinction between materials is key. The silky Urban Outfitters blouse paired with these textural, tight-fitting Zara pants create visual interest. With tiny pops of black to further distinguish the pieces and ease the intensity, this style is suited for daytime leisure or lectures.
Nighttime: Elie Saab Look-alike
Blazer: Forever 21, $32.80
Shoes: Go Jane, $24.95
Dress: Urban Outfitters, $59
Kamm says a good way to work white at night is finding “a cute winter white dress and pairing it with a white blazer close in color.” This slim-fitted style has a subdued sophistication that works perfectly for a more glamorous event, such as a formal or date party. The simplicity of this dress and jacket combo adds a touch of sportiness that makes this look a trendy transition from warm to cool weather.
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Bold Embellishment
The fall runways showed how a touch of glitter can create a whole lot of glamour. Beadwork, embroidery, sequins, and sparkles shone on the runways such as Herve Leger, Rebecca Taylor, Rodarte, and Tory Burch, adding opulence to the simplest of shapes. “We are used to seeing embellishment as an accent, but now embellishment is interpreted much more in form, and is much more deliberate,” says Kamm. The other great thing about embellished pieces is they barely require accessories. For hassle-free flair, embellishment is hard to resist!
Daytime: Rebecca Taylor Look-alike
Tunic Tee: Urban Outfitters, $49
Pants: Zara, $59.90
Turtleneck: H&M, $12.95
Flats: Go Jane, $23.30
The intricate beadwork on this embellished tunic dresses up this relaxed look with a subtle shimmer that maintains daytime propriety. Perfectly combining comfort with luxury, this cozy layered look is great for class, coffee, or hanging out on campus.
Nighttime: Herve Leger Look-alike
Dress: Motel, $120
Heels: Tobi, $48
Hat: Urban Outfitters, $19.99
Leggings: Forever 21, $19.80
This playful and polished Motel dress is a stylish option for the college party or bar scene. You can layer on leggings or toss on a trendy cap for a more casual, on-campus vibe. Another way to work embellishment more casually this season is to try studded pieces. “Studs are everywhere—on shoes, sandals, epaulettes, belts, jackets, dresses, and handbags,” says Kamm. If you want to try this trend but are nervous about going overboard, studded accessories are a great way to start.
Whichever trend you choose to try, with so many ways to rock each of them, it’s easy to apply them to your own personal style this season. If you need more back-to-school shopping inspiration, be sure to check out our article on five fall trends for your back-to-school wardrobe!