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Madison Paloski
Style

I’m a College Fashion Stylist & These Are the Insider Tricks I’m Only Going to Tell You

Now a junior in college, I’ve learned a lot of the ins and outs in fashion communications. One that has stood out to be (other than my love for writing, of course) is styling. It’s honestly so magical — I love the feeling of being able to work on photo shoots and create art out of the clothes.

Working on these for so long, you start to pull a few tips and tricks out of your sleeve on how to conjure up a never before seen look. I’ve learned to take these skills to my own wardrobe and reinvent my (then boring) looks into something new that I get excited about and love to wear. Here are the top tips I’ve picked up to elevate your new look into an editorial-worthy ‘fit.

Study your trends

I absolutely swear by studying the runway as soon as the shows happen. The spring shows air around September/October, giving you ample time to get the head start and shocking everyone with your trend forecasting. Not only does it make you look super on top of your fashion game, but it also gives you a one up on everyone else still wearing last season’s looks.

Use your resources! Whether we like it or not, the Internet and social media have consumed our lives and they have tons of information at your fingertips. If you have access to it (many fashion schools do for free), WGSN is a godsend and has trend predictions for the next 5+ years. If you don’t have access to this source, fashion magazines and blogs are your next go-to bibles of information.

Layer up

Not sure how to elevate a boring tank top and jeans? Add layers! Layers are the number one way to make an otherwise boring look super fun. Add a long sleeve under a tank top and a cardigan over that to add depth to your look. It makes you seem like you put a ton of thought into what you are wearing and makes you look way more put together.  

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

spring uniform ? @cfashionista #pdx

A post shared by Madison Ivy (@mads_woods) on

When in doubt, accessorize

Accessories can literally save any look. I make sure I never leave the house without some kind of earring and a bunch of necklaces layered. Play around with hair barrettes, doubling up on belts, pocket chains, and whatever else you can find.

Like with the layers, the right amount of accessories will make you look more put together and it’ll impress people with how much effort you put into your style.

Have fun with it 

Don’t be afraid to be daring with your look — seriously. Get those creative juices flowing and put two things together that you would normally find daunting, you’ll be surprised by how much you might like the outcome. Fashion is supposed to be fun, so have fun with it by being out of the box. 

Will you be following these tips and elevating your look to the next level? Share it with us by tagging us on Instagram @HerCampusStyle!

Madison Paloski is a senior at Lasell University studying fashion communication and promotion and graphic design.  She is currently the Editor in Chief of her school's chapter of Her Campus, an editorial stylist for POLISHED Magazine and Founder and Creative Director of the Fashion Styling and Photography Club on her campus.  She can most likely be found with an old film camera in hand, eating Chipotle, or at any local Saver's.  Her Instagram can be found at @maddiiiooyx and other work can be found at madisonpaloski.wixsite.com/portfolio.