29 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(03/05/18 12:18am)
By Lexy Yulich
Columnist
As fashion trends come and go, it is important that you have a few staple pieces in your wardrobe to complement the edgy leather jacket or stylized denim you bought on a whim. I created my wardrobe by finding a few timeless pieces that can go with any outfit, and then built up from the basics to create my own signature style. Here are five wardrobe essentials that every college student needs.
1. Collection of neutral t-shirts. V-neck or crew neck t-shirts pair well with essentially any outfit, and they are very comfortable. I love pairing a soft black tee with ripped jeans and a cream cardigan.
2. Olive green jacket. These jackets come in an assortment of styles such as bomber, tailored and even leather or suede. I purchased mine from Nordstrom about four years ago, and I’ve been wearing it almost everyday. You can dress up the jacket or wear it casually. While I wear my olive green jacket with many outfits, my favorite pairs comfortable leggings, grey suede slip on sneakers and a t-shirt.
3. Form fitting jeans. As much as I love ripped or embroidered jeans, it is important to have at least one pair of regular denim jeans. I personally gravitate towards dark wash jeans over light wash because it is easier to dress up dark wash jeans. I try to find jeans that are comfortable and soft, but still fit my body type.
4. Little black dress. You truly never know when you are going to need a black dress. Little black dresses come in many styles, so you can find one that suits your preferences. For example, I am under five feet tall, so I need a more tailored look with a shorter hemline.
5. Versatile bag. Having a staple purse or tote bag is just as important as essential wardrobe pieces. I’ve never been one to own a lot of purses. Instead, I save up for one purse and use it for years. I love having a bag that is fit for any occasion. Currently, my favorite purse is a large black tote bag that I purchased from Nordstrom. It is big enough to hold my laptop, keys, wallet, notebook and planner, and any other random items that I carry around.
(02/26/18 8:07pm)
By Lexy Yulich
Columnist
If you’re anything like me, your wardrobe consists of an array of black, white and gray. I consider myself a minimalist when it comes to fashion, and I have always gravitated towards neutrals, but recently I realized that my wardrobe is in serious need of color. For the past few weeks, I have been incorporating color into my outfits. Besides having a more cheerful attitude, I noticed that I have felt more put together. While I still wear black, gray and white daily, these four tips have helped me expand my minimalist wardrobe.
1. Swap a neutral top for a colorful one. My go-to outfit is usually a lacey or solid black tank top with an oversized cardigan and ripped jeans. Instead of wearing all neutrals, I started to add colored tank tops. For example, I bought a maroon lace tank top from Urban Outfitters and paired that with my favorite cream cardigan from Anthropologie. The color from the maroon top adds depth to the outfit, but doesn’t make me feel like I am wearing anything too flashy or bright.
2. Change your nail polish. I’m guilty of only wearing dark shades of nail polish, but in an effort to bring more color into my life, I started painting my nails with bright colors. My favorite color right now is either lavender or a medium shade of yellow. Something as small as vibrant nail polish can cheer you up and brighten your day.
3. Wear bold pants with a neutral top. I used to think I could never pull off colored pants until I found a pair of red casual trousers from Madewell. These pants go with any neutral top, and they are not overly bright. I feel confident, stylish and happy when I wear colored pants.
4. Add color to your accessories. Sometimes, purchasing clothes with color can feel overwhelming if you’re used to only wearing neutrals. I noticed that it is sometimes easier to add color by accessorizing. If I’m feeling daring, I’ll wear a pair of turquoise tassel earrings or throw on my favorite light pink tennis shoes to add a twist to an otherwise bland outfit.
(02/19/18 9:30pm)
By Lexy Yulich
Columnist
Whether you are applying for an internship, interviewing for a job or working as a student teacher, professional attire is a key component of any college student’s wardrobe. Despite the common misconception that business clothes can’t be stylish, there are easy ways to look professional while still being trendy and feeling like yourself.
The first thing you will need is a comfortable and professional-looking suit or suit separates. I tend to favor dress pants over a suit skirt, but as the weather becomes warmer, a modest pencil skirt is useful.
Stores like J.Crew, Banana Republic, Kohls and most department stores will have a large selection that allows you to pick colors and materials that work best for you. A tailored black suit is a classic, but charcoal and navy-colored suits are becoming more popular as well.
After you have your basic suit, you can begin to explore dress shirts, blouses and sweaters. Generally, it is helpful to have shirts with different materials to accommodate the weather. For example, in the summer I prefer to have a lighter cotton blouse as opposed to silk or satin, but in the winter, wool sweaters and heavier dress shirts keep me warm. As for the color of the shirts, I begin with neutrals and then add a few colorful pieces, such as a pale pink or light blue dress shirt.
Once you have a few dependable outfit options, add accessories. A classy statement necklace, a dainty bracelet or your favorite watch can really elevate your outfit. Accessories are important because they allow you to add a personal style to any basic professional outfit.
Having a professional-looking tote or purse is also helpful. Try to find a bag that is both functional and stylish. TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack have a wide selection of purses and totes that can fit your wallet, laptop and other belongings, but are still affordable and cute.
The last step to creating your stylish professional outfit is shoes. Dress codes will vary between offices, schools and job interview settings, but for the most part, having a pair of classic black heels and a comfortable pair of flats will be more than enough. The great part about shoes is that they can also help you personalize a professional outfit.
If you like a particular print, you can purchase a printed heel or flat to complement a neutral outfit. Remember to purchase shoes that are comfortable, and if you choose a heeled pair of shoes, make sure that you are able to walk in them. It is important that you look stylish and put together, but the office isn’t a place to show off your runway-ready shoes.
(02/12/18 11:39pm)
By Lexy Yulich
Columnist
Jeans have taken the world by storm as one of the most popular trends in fashion right now. They have almost always been in style, but new trends that encourage people to wear jeans that fit their individual preferences are flourishing. Jeans with fringe bottoms, ripped jeans, jeans with embroidery and jeans paired with belts are some of the more popular styles. The best part about this trend is that you don’t have to splurge to find a cute pair that fits your style. Here are three easy ways to find trendy jeans that don’t break the bank.
1. Shop online. It’s no secret that I love stores like Free People and Anthropologie, but when you’re a college student, it’s hard to shell out $100 for a pair of jeans. Instead, I find inspiration from big brand stores and search for duplicates or similar styles from online stores such as ASOS, Misguided and Shein. If you do order jeans online, make sure you pick a store that has a fair return policy in case they don’t fit.
2. Go thrift shopping — you never know what you’re going to find there. Some of my favorite funky jeans have come from thrift shops. You will be more likely to find jeans in stores like Plato’s Closet, but I’ve seen nice jeans in Goodwill too. If you’re planning a trip to New York City or Philadelphia any time soon, there are tons of thrift stores that will alter jeans and resell them. Check out AuH20, Urban Jungle or Angel Street Thrift Shop.
3. Make your own. There are tons of tutorials on Youtube and Pinterest that show you how to create ripped jeans using a pair that you already own. Based on personal experience, making your own ripped jeans is the easiest out of these options. I like to purchase an inexpensive pair from Forever 21, or find a really old pair that I haven’t worn in a while, and reimagine them. There’s something so satisfying about recycling your old clothing items and turning them into something more stylish.
(02/05/18 10:43pm)
By Lexy Yulich
Columnist
Today, we are catching up with Olivia Grasing, a junior journalism and professional writing major. When she’s not writing, she’s reading fashion magazines and rocking her individual style.
LY: How old were you when you became really interested in fashion?
OG: At the age of 14, I got a Teen Vogue magazine and never looked back. I was hooked on fashion and I devoured any fashion magazine I could get my hands on.
LY: Who is your fashion icon?
OG: I have two, Gigi Hadid and Alexa Chung. They both bring different styles to the table, but whenever I want to wear something eccentric, I always look to them for inspiration.
LY: What is your favorite trend for this winter?
OG: I’m really loving big, fluffy wrap-around scarves. They add a lot of depth and style to an outfit, but are practical because they keep you warm.
LY: What is your favorite place to shop?
OG: Although people might say I’m addicted to online shopping, I constantly go back to American Eagle, Urban Outfitters and Zara. They often have sales, and I always find something that fits my style at those stores.
LY: How would you describe your style?
OG: On any given day I try to aim for comfort and color. I tend to lean towards more bohemian vibes.
LY: What is your staple piece in your wardrobe?
OG: I always gravitate toward my leather jackets. I have six to date, some with embroidery, and some are on the plainer side. Leather jackets add edge to any outfit, and they make me feel confident and put together.
LY: What is your favorite pair of shoes?
OG: I love my Michael Kors heels. They were a steal at Nordstrom Rack, and are comfortable, cute and go with everything.
LY: What piece of advice do you have for those who want to step outside their comfort zone?
OG: Don’t be afraid to try new things! My cardinal rule is that if you like something, wear it. Don’t worry about it not being trendy. If you wear something and it makes you feel confident and happy, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t wear it. Be yourself and wear what makes you feel good.
(01/29/18 11:39pm)
By Lexy Yulich
Columnist
Whether you have an early class and plan to hit the gym afterward, or you’re having a lazy day but still want to look decent, athleisure — a trend that is a cross between workout clothes and casual clothes — is the answer. I can’t tell you how many times I counted on athleisure to get me through the day, especially when I have a busy week ahead. It allows me to be comfortable and warm, but still look sophisticated. The best part about this new trend in fashion is you probably already have appropriate pieces in your closet. Here are a few cold-weather athleisure outfits to inspire you:
1. The all black outfit. I am a huge fan of wearing all black, especially with athleisure pieces. Typically, I wear my favorite pair of black leggings with a matching thermal top or sweatshirt from Free People and a black vest or jacket. To complete the look, I add a pair of black sneakers and I’m ready for the day.
2. Textured Leggings. I’m not one to stray too far out of my fashion comfort zone, but I find that a pair of moto leggings with mesh inserts or geometric cutouts add just the right amount of edge to a basic outfit. If I’m really feeling daring, I’ll wear a pair of marble printed leggings. The best part is that you don’t need to splurge on athleisure leggings. As much as I love my Lululemon pants, I have found many budget-friendly pairs from Zella, Gap Body and even Target.
3. Collegiate Wear. Show off your school spirit by pairing your favorite pair of leggings or yoga pants with a warm sweatshirt or baseball cap with the College’s logo on it. If I want to look like I’m not wearing workout clothes, I’ll put on a pair of slip-on shoes and a jean or bomber jacket.
4. Joggers. If you’re petite like me, sometimes my leggings bunch at the bottom and make me look even shorter. I find that cute joggers are a good alternative, especially if I’m wearing flat bottom sneakers, as opposed to Nikes that have a small platform. I like to pair my joggers with a fun sweatshirt and a warm vest or jacket.
(01/22/18 7:13pm)
By Lexy Yulich
Columnist
With a new year comes new possibilities, new resolutions and even new style options. The new year and a new semester is a perfect excuse to add new pieces to your wardrobe, change up your hair or try a new shade of lipstick. Here are five easy tips to start the semester with a refreshed style.
Instead of completely outsourcing your old wardrobe, focus on a few statement pieces that don’t break the bank! Stores like Forever 21, Asos, Urban Outfitters and T.J. Maxx feature trendy pieces for an affordable price. For example, I was lusting over a shearling teddy bear coat but did not want to pay tons of money for a coat that may only be in style for a season. I did my research and found an affordable but still cute coat from Forever 21.
Gather inspiration from social media. I’m a big Pinterest fan, so around the beginning of every new year I look at pictures of outfits that I like. Now that Instagram fashion bloggers are more popular and fashion retailers have their own Instagram pages to showcase their apparel, I like to gather inspiration from stores like Free People, Anthropologie, Nordstrom and Madewell. Once I find pieces I like, I try to plan new outfits around them. I never buy anything that will only match with one outfit.
Don’t forget about accessories. Sometimes all you need to refresh your wardrobe are some new accessories and shoes. If you love your clothes but feel like you’ve already worn every possible outfit combination, find some trendy necklaces, earrings, scarves or even belts. Shoes can change the look of an outfit too! For example, if you have a favorite all black outfit but want to change the look, you can add a fun belt to give the outfit depth.
Head to the salon. There is something so special and renewing about getting your hair done at the start of the new semester. If you’re anything like me, my hair is usually in a ponytail or in a messy bun when I go to class. I decided that I would start actually taking care of my hair this year, and as a reward I got my hair cut and colored at the beginning of this year. If you’re feeling like you’re in a style rut, sometimes all you need is a haircut. Add layers, take a few inches off or even add some highlights. You’ll leave the salon feeling like a whole new person!
Be yourself. Sometimes I’m guilty of changing my style to mimic someone else’s. This year, I vowed to stay true to myself and stay true to my style. If I wear clothes that make me happy, I feel happy and confident. If you’re not sure what your style is, simply go to the mall and look to see what you like. Find pieces that make you think “wow, I would look great in this” or “this is so me.” Once you have your signature style, you’ll feel ready to take on a new semester and a new year.
(12/05/17 3:44am)
By Lexy Yulich
Columnist
Today we are chatting with junior nursing major Leana Mercurio. When she isn’t sporting scrubs, she has a style that I envy. Leana is my housemate, and whenever I have style questions, she is my go-to girl!
LY: What are you wearing today?
LM: I did a little bit of Black Friday shopping, so I wanted to show off my new clothes. I’m wearing embroidered jeans from Macy’s, a grey peplum tee from Urban Outfitters and an oversized, black chenille jacket from Anthropologie. I topped it off with my favorite statement necklace.
LY: How would you describe your style?
LM: Definitely casual Bohemian. I like to mix my trends together, but I find myself always going back to Bohemian style pieces. Sometimes I go through phases where I like to wear all black, and other days I want color and flowy pieces. It all depends on my mood. One thing that I don’t change is comfort. I don’t think fashion and beauty have to be painful. Especially in college, I want to be comfortable but still look put together.
LY: Where do you find fashion inspiration?
LM: Mostly Instagram accounts. I follow LF Soho, which features street style pieces that I can incorporate into my wardrobe. I like Sophia Richie as well.
LY: Who is your style icon?
LM: Free People features everyday women that wear their clothes. I can’t say that I have one style icon, but I definitely look to Free People girls. Their styles are always similar to mine.
LY: What is your favorite fashion trend right now?
LM: I’m really into layering a fashion statement jacket with a neutral colored tee shirt. And of course, I like to wear fun jeans, like ones that have fringe at the bottom or have tasteful rips.
LY: Where do you like to shop at?
LM: I’ve been starting to purchase more expensive basic pieces and then supplement them with less expensive statement pieces. For my basics, I love Anthropologie, Free People and Madewell, but if it’s a piece that I don’t see myself wearing in a year, I look to Misguided, Marshalls, Forever 21 and American Eagle.
LY: What is your least favorite trend?
LM: I’m so over crushed velvet, and cocktail dresses that look like night gowns. I think they can work on the right person, but I feel out of character when I wear velvet.
(11/27/17 9:06pm)
By Lexy Yulich
Columnist
As the weather gets colder and winter approaches, finding a jacket that is both warm and stylish can be difficult. This winter season, there is a new trend taking over that provides both — fuzzy teddy jackets. Many models and celebrities are showing off their trendy new coats. Plus, they have been featured in stores like Urban Outfitters, Madewell and Forever 21.
Teddy jackets come in a variety of colors and styles such as puffer, trench coat and pea coat. With the holidays around the corner, I was determined to find the perfect jacket. Luckily, I found a light brown teddy jacket that was long enough to keep me warm, but still a fashion statement. The teddy coat may seem overwhelming at first, but there’s no need to fret because this super chic style is the perfect piece for any outfit. If you’re wondering what you should pair with a teddy jacket, here are three fashionable ways to rock your new coat:
Over-the-knee boots:
If you’re searching for an outfit to keep you warm while still sporting the latest trends, pair your fuzzy jacket with a cream pullover sweater, dark wash jeans and over-the-knee boots. The jacket layered over the sweater will keep you toasty and stylish.
Leggings and slip-on sneakers:
If you’re running late for class on a cold morning, pair your favorite leggings with a black sweater, teddy jacket and a trendy pair of slip-on sneakers. For more warmth, add any style winter hat you have. You’ll be cozy while walking to class and fashion forward even when you take off the coat.
Ripped jeans and a graphic T-shirt:
On the days you’re feeling more edgy, throw on a graphic T-shirt from Anthropology or Forever 21 with your favorite ripped skinny jeans, booties and a teddy coat. You’ll look like you just stepped off the runway. The best part is for any of these looks, you don’t have to sacrifice warmth for style.