It’s hard to keep up with fashion trends when you’re a busy and broke college student. Often I find myself looking at websites that are showcasing the hottest trends, but then I’m scared off by the price tag. While I could pay five hundred dollars for the new Yeezy boots and effortlessly be trending, I’d rather be able to pay my rent and eat. My tip to avoid being evicted yet still trendy, is to start with classic fashion staples. AKA the “the basics” and add in the trends with accessories. “The basics” are primarily solid colored pieces of clothing that can be dressed up or down. Some of my closet staples are black jeans, solid colored sweaters, and monochromatic coats. All these items are so basic you can wear them for years, and each season they look fabulous by adding in new trends. So, here are some of the biggest trends coming to fashion in the winter of 2016:
The Color of the Season
Taupe, burgundy, camel, wine, blush and oatmeal. Which color will be the hottest in the cool months? The answer is mauve. What color is mauve, you ask? Mauve is described as a dusty pink or light purple and has been popping up on shelves everywhere. Mauve is one of those colors that can be incorporated into basically any outfit you have since it is such a light color. I can see this color staying in trend all the way until the summer. It can also could be treated as a neutral.
Bag: https://www.ae.com/women-aeo-bucket-bag-pink/web/s-prod/0427_9590_615?cm=sUS-cUSD&catId=cat90052
Scarf: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc&ProductID=1000192362&VariantID=021
The Fabric of the Season
They say trends cycle in every ten years so I was not surprised to see velvet last season. The last time I wore that was in elementary school. Velvet is a great way to incorporate some texture into your outfit plus it’s a material that can be used for any article of clothing. So far I have seen velvet boots, bodysuits, pants, and dresses. But if you just want a bit of velvet for your outfit, here are some examples:
Headband: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=ACC&productid=1000230395
Earrings: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=ACC&productid=1000208899
The Jewelry Item of the Season
Another trend that has carried over from last season (or past three seasons) is the choker. The trend has slightly evolved from small simple choker to statement jewelry. Oddly, chokers can work with a multitude of outfits, from jeans and a t-shirt to a nice dress.
Rhinestone Choker: http://www.hm.com/us/product/60811?article=60811-B&cm_vc=SEARCH
Choker with pink velvet: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?br=F21&category=ACC&productid=1000191461
The Most Appropriate Accessory of the Season
If you want to be trendy and protected from the cold, just go buy a stocking hat. The trend of crazy knitted winter hats has been all over the runway, but for everyday wear, we can scale this back and just find a comfortable beanie. There are plenty of colorful hats that are practical for the Indiana winter.
Pom-Pom Hat: https://www.ae.com/women-aeo-chunky-ribbed-beanie-red/web/s-prod/1426_8058_600?cm=sUS-cUSD&catId=cat5400020
Fox Stocking hat: https://www.ae.com/women-aeo-festive-beanie-multi/web/s-prod/0577_8092_900?cm=sUS-cUSD&catId=cat6470537
The best stores to buy affordable accessories are H&M, American Eagle Outfitters, and Forever21. They are constantly updating their websites and adding new products.
Stay fashionable, Boilermakers.