Looks on Campus- Hilary

After over a week-long hiatus, I am back! Over my spring break, I spent the week in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on an alternative spring break trip where I didn’t have internet access, so I apologize for the lack of posts. In addition, upon my return, I was swamped with papers and exams, so I haven’t had time to post in a recently. However, I shouldn’t make excuses. So without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Hilary!

I met Hilary freshman year sometime after orientation, and we have been very close friends since then. Although some might consider her sense of style to be very traditional, I have always admired the feminine and preppy touches she adds to make her looks one of a kind. Here’s a  look at what she wore today.

The Basics

Name: Hilary

Major: English

Hometown: Bethesda, Maryland

Fashion Talk

Current favorite fashion trend?
“Hard to say! I really enjoy cycling through different styles — preppy classic, vintage-artsy, sporty…I will say that I really like thin billowy cardigans and tops. They are soft and romantic, and are finally a popular style that looks good on a tall person!”

Favorite places to shop?
“I absolutely love Old Navy! Their clothes are affordable, comfy, and simple, yet they always have really fun patterns if you are looking for something exciting to mix with a good basic.”

Inspiration for todays look?
“I was feeling sort of artsy — sometimes I’m content with a basic tee and skinny jeans, but I felt like an interesting pattern and some unique jewelry just fit my mood more that day. It sounds silly, but I often dress to fit my mood!”

Any fashion tips?
“Wear what makes you feel confident. Don’t try to squeeze into something that’s not you, or hide your body with loose clothes! A proper fit will have your body more comfortable and your mind feeling confident. Experiment until you find a style that makes YOU feel happy, and like a million bucks.”

If you could raid any celebrities closet, who would you choose?
“I love Blake Lively! She is a fellow tall girl, and has a very laid back, classic style, with a lot of simple basics and layering. However, she isn’t afraid to try bright prints and interesting cuts either. She’s very versatile, and I like that.”

Best deal you ever got?
“I got a gorgeous, teal colored silk blouse at the Gap which was originally $60 for $13. I was a very happy shopper!”

What is your favorite piece in your wardrobe?
“I love my sun dresses — all of them. The Old Navy ones I love especially, because I feel comfortable in them, and always feel confident and pretty without working too hard — I like to keep it simple, and those dresses say that.”

Looks On Campus- Melissa

I met Melissa my freshman year in French class, and always admired her relaxed and carefree style. Although with an internship this year, her style has become more business professional, she still always manages to look super cute and put together on any occasion. Here’s what she wore on our class field trip to D.C. If you are looking for more looks on college campuses across the country, check out College Fashion, where they feature the best dressed looking students.

The Basics

Name: Melissa

Major: Political Science and French

Hometown: Hanover, Pennsylvania

Fashion Talk

Current favorite fashion trend: “I am so glad tights aren’t totally out of style. I feel the same way about pearls.”

Favorite places to shop: “I would love to say that I shop at cute little expensive boutiques or something along the lines of the French Connection. However, being on a college budget, I am all about Target and Charlotte Russe.”

Inspiration for today: “Comfort. When you are going to be walking around all day, you need to be comfortable while still looking at least somewhat cute.”

Any fashion tips? “Always keep a few plain camis in basic colors (black, white, and tan). You never know when you might need to layer.”

If you could raid any celebrities closet, whose would you choose, and why? “Obviously, every girl wants to raid a Sex and the City character’s closet. For me, that would be Charlotte York. My second choice would easily be the costume closet of the Gilmore Girls. As for a real person, I love a classic Jackie Kennedy style. They all look completely fashionable and classy while still managing to stay professional when necessary.”

Wardrobe Essentials-Part 1

Do you ever feel like you have nothing to wear despite having an overflowing and cramped closet? Me too. However, it really shouldn’t be this way. So that’s why I’m doing a series on wardrobe essentials. Things that can be worn in multiple different ways, and can easily transition from season to season. While it is fun to by things that are trendy, they are usually a fad by the next season. So stayed tuned for this series on how to make your closet more versatile. Todays focus-jackets.

Essential #1- The Jean Jacket

Old Navy Jean Jacket

 

Credit: Old Navy

So the first thing I included in my jacket essentials was this jean jacket from Old Navy. Honestly, I wear my jean jacket with just about everything. It works well for every season, whether it is the only jacket I am wearing (like to an early spring baseball game,) or one of my many layers in the winter. When looking for a jean jacket, look for ones in a classic blue-jean wash, not too light or too dark. Also important? There shouldn’t be any rips or shredding on your jacket, you want it to work well for every season.

I love jean jackets with summer dresses, skirts, or plain t-shirts. The only thing I would not recommend is wearing denim on denim- you don’t want to look like Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears at the 2001 American Music Awards, right? If you are looking for more options, I would also recommend checking out the selection at Gap and Eddie Bauer.

Essential #2- Black Blazer

Loft Black Blazer

Credit: Loft

Some college may students may disagree, however, a black or gray blazer is most certainly a wardrobe staple. Although they are most commonly seen with dress pants or a skirt, they can work in so many other different ways. They look great over dresses, with jeans and a t-shirt, or silky camis. A blazer is something you’re definitely going to have to invest a little more money on, but they are completely worth it. After graduation, a blazer can help your wardrobe transition from that of a poor college student, to one of a successful employee. 

When you go to look for your blazer, pay close attention to the fit. Lift up your arms to make sure the sleeves are long enough, and that it covers your stomach. Button all of the buttons, and make sure it doesn’t pull across your chest. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, go one size up. Then, take it to a good tailor so it is made to fit you specially. If you are looking for more places to find a black blazer, I would recommend looking at the options available at Victoria’s Secret and Anne Klein.

Essential #3- Black Cardigan

  

Old Navy Black Cardigan

Credit: Old Navy

Although a cardigan isn’t exactly a jacket, I’m counting it as a top layer. Either way, neutral colored cardigans are a great wardrobe staple. Like the jean jacket I mentioned earlier, they work great every season as the top layer, or one of many layers. I love wearing mine with graphic t-shirts, camis, and colorful scarfs. Again, I chose my staple from Old Navy, because I love the diverse selection of sizes they offer (even tall and petite!) and how soft their cardigans always are. However, if you are looking for more options, I would recommend American Eagle and J. Crew.

 

Well, that finishes the first part of my series. What do you guys think-did I forget anything?