From the Catwalk to Campus

Am I the only one who gets a rush of excitement and a boost of inspiration when fashion mags come out with their hefty, fashion-centered issues towards the end of summer? Hm…highly unlikely!
 
Call me obsessive but no matter how many I buy, I simply can’t get enough of the glossy pages of fashion campaigns, style tips, blogs, and runway trend reports. I will admit, though, that at first glance, the couture displayed can sometimes appear impossible to wear in the real world, much less on campus.
 
But with an open mind, a dose of confidence and a little experimentation, it’s actually quite feasible to incorporate super-high fashion into your school ensembles. Here’s a rundown of some fierce fall trends and a few outfit ideas to help awaken your inner fashionista.
 
Texture

Wool, faux fur, leather/pleather, felt, velvet, and corduroy are all textures seen on the runway that can be brought onto campus. Keep warm with structured wool shorts and thick stockings or switch out traditional cotton leggings for velvet ones. Straw fedoras are perfect for summer but floppy felt hats and velour fedoras are ultra chic during the fall. Everyone is accustomed to leather purses and jackets but according to InStyle, leather pants, skirts, and accents are all the rage this season. Just beware of leather overkill. To feel as fabulous as your favorite celebs, don a fur vest or a jacket with fur trim.
 
Knitwear
 

Browse through any fashion magazine and you’ll find that this season’s sweaters and cardigans are bigger, bolder, and chunkier. Luckily, chunky sweaters can be found everywhere – from your local thrift store to your grandfather’s closet!  Snag a few and create tons of effortlessly cute outfits by pairing them with thick, cozy leggings and booties. Enhance your shape by cinching longer sweaters and cardigans with a vintage belt featuring a unique buckle. 
 
Chunky knitwear doesn’t stop at sweaters. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Ciara, and Katherine Heigl were featured in People StyleWatch’s October issue rocking stylishly thick ponchos and cloaks – a major trend this fall. Afraid of appearing too Harry Potter-esque? Pair your poncho or cloak with dark skinny jeans and sleek, tall riding boots. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how chic you look. 
 
Menswear/Androgyny
 

Since menswear-inspired outfits may fall outside the realm of what you are accustomed to wearing (jeans, hoodies, Converse chucks) they can be intimidating to try. But when you break the look down, it’s actually simpler to achieve than you think.
 
Start off with a sophisticated pair of tailored pants or trousers. Then tuck in a feminine blouse just like Rachel Bilson did in Glamour’s November issue. Top it off with loafers or oxfords and, if you’re feeling bold, a fedora. Easy, right?
 
You can rock this trend with sleek skinny jeans as well. Pair colored skinnies (InStyle’s October issue suggests ones in swaths of cherry or scarlet) with a white, un-tucked, fully buttoned collared shirt and a black blazer. Avoid looking too masculine by stepping into cute, wedge booties.
 
 
Southwestern

There are so many ways to incorporate this fun trend, consisting of feathers, fringe, and bright and colorful American-Indian-inspired patterns. Miley Cyrus and Nicky Hilton were both photographed in People StyleWatch pulling this look off perfectly.
 
Get in on the fun by pairing boots or moccasins with fringe to your black leggings or draping a loose sweater or slouchy cardigan in a bold Southwestern-inspired pattern over a white tank top. Dangly, clip-in feather extensions are sure to spice up loose hair and adding a handbag, backpack, or scarf in a bold Aztec print is a quick way to put you right on trend.