At a small school like Elon, it’s impossible to leave your house without running into at least three people you know – so why not look good while doing it?
These 5 fashion trends follow at least three rules: one, they are functional – no use being uncomfortable while walking all over campus; two, they can be found in any price range; and three, they are all currently approved by the fashion-minded among us.
Combat Boots
Move on over, cowboy boots. Unlike their predecessor which highlighted Fall 2012, combat boots are not only much more affordable, but they go with pretty much anything. They come in different colors, styles, and heights, so you can easily find the perfect pair.
Are you into florals rather than studs? Create an edgier look with a girly dress by adding a short pair of floral boots to spice up your wardrobe. Want to keep your look a little softer? There’s a pair for you – try these floral-printed boots from American Eagle Outfitters.
Obsessed with this summer’s high-waisted shorts? Add a pair of tights (patterns only make them better) and wear a higher pair of combat boots.
Sticking with jeans or leggings? Go for a more decorative pair of combats, like this pair from Nasty Gal.
Green
Fresh off the runway, green is very in style because of just how relaxed and easy the look is. While you don’t always have to go big, you can at least incorporate some subtle green elements into your wardrobe.
A piece that’s always good to own is an army jacket, or a lighter jacket for those North Carolina fall evenings. For the edgier among us, go for a decorative jacket like this Ralph Lauren field jacket. Green isn’t only good for layering, though – make your pants a staple by trying an awesome pair of jeggings or a pair with zippers.
Faux Leather
No matter where you sit on the real vs. faux leather debate, we all have to admit that faux-leather is more often than not a lot cheaper than leather, and it tends to come in more readily fashion-forward pieces.
Try out a nice faux-leather jacket, a pair of knit leather pants, or even trendy leatherette leggings. Available anywhere from Forever 21 to Nasty Gal, faux-leather is hitting the fashion-forward list once again for fall 2013.
Oversized Sweaters
As hipsters sweep the nation, it’s hard to stay away from this trend. Whether you pull your dad’s old sweater out of the back of his closet, tug a sweet one from Goodwill, or take the expensive route and hit up Free People, you can find a pattern and a style that works for you without too much effort.
What makes it so great that this trend is getting more and more popular is that it’s so comfortable. A pair of leggings, an oversized sweater, and a nice pair of boots is all it takes to look in style (and oh-so-comfy) for your 8am.
Menswear
When I think of fall, I think dark colors and smooth fabrics. Something that pairs really well with both of those things is menswear and other oversized pieces.
An easy way to balance this look is to pair a menswear piece with something more feminine, or to stick with unisex options. Try to wear an oversized white button down with a sleek pair of black skinnies or leggings and a nice pair of shoes.
Another cool look is to pair a large blazer with a long, loose white V-neck and tight dark jeans – the fun thing about androgynous looks is that they often allow you to mix and match without much thought as far as if you’re looking too “girly” or “tomboyish.” V-necks (available basically everywhere) add a lot to this style, and can go as low (or high) as you’d like. This is a look that is all about balance, so play around!
All in all, every season is a time to experiment with fashions. These tips are just starting points – go explore your closet (or your roommate’s!) and see what looks you can pull together this fall.