Welcome back to school, collegiettes! The air’s getting a little cooler, and now that you’re reacquainted with your college friends, extracurriculars and (ugh) classes; it’s time to start embracing Fall 2011 trends. Here’s how some of your fellow collegiettes turned their favorite runway trends into classroom-ready ensembles.
On the Runway: Bright Pants
(Left: Yigal Azrouel, Right: DKNY. Source: glamour.com)
In the Hallway: Bright Shorts
(Shorts: Express. Photo: Michelle Lewis)
When I ran into Charnelle Wilson, a junior majoring in public relations, it was in the upper eighties outside—not exactly skinny jeans weather. But, just because the weather is still hot doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get started on wearing your favorite fall trends, right? Charnelle’s bright shorts are a great way to ease into the bright pants trend pictured above, and they look great with her crisp white shirt and leather sandals. She makes the vibrant shorts work by keeping it simple with her accessories and letting the shorts be the main focus of her outfit. It’s bold enough to make a statement, but still acceptable for the classroom. Also, I’m obsessed with geek chic, and her thick glasses and tucked-in button down complement each other perfectly. Cute and collegiate.
On the Runway: Winter Whites
(From left: Isabel Marant, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen. Source: fabsugar.com)
In the Hallway: Sweet as Sugar
(Dress: Macy’s. Photo: Michelle Lewis)
Don’t be afraid to pull that white dress out of your closet for a Sunday brunch or a day of shopping at Southpoint. White will continue to be a force in fashion this season, even after Labor Day. In fact, senior communications major McKenna Franchik was rocking her white dress on (gasp) September 15th. This breezy dress keeps it simple with its minimal eyelet detail around the hem, making the look angelic and light—precisely what makes white so appealing in the first place. Her relaxed blonde updo adds to the airy nature of the outfit. And while I love the gladiator sandals, let’s hope you all don’t have to accessorize with a sprained toe like this poor collegiette!
On the Runway: Light Lace
(Left: Jason Wu, Right: Prabal Gurung. Source: glamour.com)
In the Hallway: Dainty Details
(Top, skirt: Urban Outfitters. Photo: Michelle Lewis)
I am thrilled that lace has made a comeback this season; there’s nothing quite as sweet, ladylike and sexy at the same time as a touch of lace. As far as lace in the classroom goes, you can still get its sophisticated effect without literally using the trend. First-year Anna Ormond’s top has a silky roping detail bordered by mesh turning a simple shirt into a more interesting one; this is exactly what lace can do for almost any outfit. Ormond keeps this detail the focus of her ensemble with her simple, slouchy cream skirt and an elegant chignon. Small details seem to be Anna’s favorite style; she says she likes, “clothes that look like they’re from the ‘60s, but not too elaborate.” As a girl who can fall in love with almost any little mod dress, I would have to agree.
On the Runway: Polka Dots
(Left: Marc Jacobs, Right: Diane von Furstenberg. Source: glamour.com)
In the Hallway: Faux-ka Dots
(Top: Old Navy. Photo: Michelle Lewis)
Designers were positively dotty for polka dots on the fall runways; the girly print was spotted in collections from designers such as Stella McCartney, Lanvin and Marc Jacobs. However, dots on dots on dots can be a little overpowering for the classroom. If you want to hop on this trend but keep it simple, take a leaf from Rachel Holtzman’s book. This sophomore health policy and management major still gets the cute effect of polka dots in her top, but with a deceptive print.
It’s still dotty and still adorable, but easier to rock in the hallways than the runway polka dot looks. I also like how her skinny leather belt blocks off the print from her solid-colored shorts. Rachel gets bonus points for the shorts, too; she bought them for $3 at a PTA used clothing sale. Now that’s showing how to shop on a collegiette’s budget!
On the Runway: Maxed Out Dresses and Skirts
In the Hallway: Maxi Length, Sleek Silhouette
(Dress: vintage. Photo: Michelle Lewis)
For those of you who loved the ease and comfort of maxi dresses this summer, you’re in luck. Maxi dresses and skirts will still be around for the fall, making it a little easier for you to make it to your 8 a.m. class and still feel fashionable; no more going to class in your pajamas. For us collegiettes, though, staying comfortable and showing off your figure are both important in an outfit. Junior art history and English double major, Amanda Sparger, does a great job of giving shape to this billowy dress by pairing it with a knotted leather belt. She says a friend gave her this dress, which was originally from the ‘70s. Lucky for her, the ‘70s have made a comeback this season. Looks such as the three pictured below have graced the fall runways, bringing a relaxed bohemian vibe to fashion.
(From left: Isabel Marant, Chloe, Christian Dior. Source: fabsugar.com)
How are you incorporating your favorite Fall 2011 trends into your classroom outfits? Let us know below in the comments section!