10.18.2009

Style Secrets: College Class

“You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So, stay out late. Go out on a Tuesday with your friends when you have a paper due Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does...”
Tom Petty

I am a college student myself, kittens; therefore I understand the urges you must be feeling – the ones that say it’s okay to drag yourself off to class in the same pair of ratty sweats that you fell asleep in last night during a cram session. Do not succumb to such immoral thoughts; like the devil himself, they are leading you in the wrong direction – one that will leave you feeling unfashionable and downright icky for your entire college career.

One of the most important things about college is finally having the ability to define yourself, and let your true personality shine through; therefore, abandoning all semblance of your individuality by adhering to the unofficial college dress code of bulky boots, velour tracksuits with vulgar words splashed across the…ahem, bum, and oversized sweatshirts embellished with the name of your alma mater is something that you must refrain from making. I am well-aware of your scant budget, your lack of sleep, and your party hardy ways; but all that aside, you can still be chic in college, it just takes a bit of extra effort to achieve true college class.


Style Staples

Bombs Away One of the most amazing items you will ever add to your closet, I kid you not, is a bomber jacket; a heavenly slice of leather or faux-leather that is an essential for the crisp fall weather. Not only does it keep you warm, but it is ideal for both layering, and ensuring that you look effortlessly put-together at all times. While black is a color I instantly turn to when investing in tees and dresses, in the case of bombers, I find that a piece in a rich toffee/caramel color is much more wearable, for it can be paired with any shade in your wardrobe, and doesn’t give off the rough and tumble biker babe look that an ebony-hued bit instantly creates. Target’s Xhilaration Bomber Jacket in Toffee is an amazing piece if you’re searching for something imposing yet inexpensive – I bought one myself two years ago, and wear it all the time; it’s gorgeous with skinny jeans and riding boots. Other options that are equally as appealing, but slightly more pricey, include Candela’s Leather Aviator Jacket; B by Bernardo’s Faux-Leather Bomber Jacket in Cognac; and Steve Madden’s Faux Leather Bomber Jacket in Brown. One thing to remember is not to allow the fact that bomber jackets hit at the hip scare you off; allow your long tees and cardigans to peek out from the hem, it only makes your look a bit more carefree and bohemian, and really, who doesn’t adore that!

Flat and Fabulous College campuses are like a small village; and your academic advisor? Let’s just say it is his or her mission to ensure that each one of your classes is far enough away from one another that you spend at least half – if not more – of your time trotting from one end of the quad to the other. The moral of this story? Wear flats. Do not cave to the insecurities of your petite stature for you will only regret such a move come the end of the day when your feet are riddled with blisters and you can hardly hobble from your dorm room to the cafeteria, all thanks to your desire to teeter above your fellow undergrads. Save your stilettos for nights out with the girls, or special occasions; when on school grounds be flat and fabulous! Two types of flats will get you through the school year – ballerina flats and flat boots. Think of them as your new best friend, as they will see you through frenemies and flirting, successes and failures, and a handful of other milestones over the next four years. As such, choose wisely. I recommend staying in the neutral category when it comes to boots – cognacs, grays, dark browns, and blacks will match virtually everything in your closet and add an air of polish to your person. A few of my favorites are Chinese Laundry’s Trust Me in Cognac, Steve Madden’s Clarisse in Black Leather, Stuart Weitzman’s Droop in Walnut Vecchio Nappa, and for practicality purposes Hunter’s Original Hunter Wellington Rain Boot in Black which is both posh and pragmatic. With ballerina flats, I say go wild! When not wearing boots, you’ll most frequently find me in leopard print ballerinas like the Charles by Charles David Dame Flat, or the Lauren Ralph Lauren Kristi Ballet Flat. Ballerinas give you the chance to have fun with color, so be ravishing in red Repetto’s; be glamorous in gold Delman Metallic Ballerinas; sparkle in Giuseppe Zanotti Sequined Ballerina Flats; or channel your inner Audrey in Ruby & Bloom’s Grace Ballerina Flat in Black Nappa. Just this once allow your shoes do both the walking, and the talking, darlings!

Darling in Denim The desire to purchase any pair of jeans that looks good on you, regardless of the towering pile of denim stacked up in the corner of your dorm room may be almost too great to bear, but for both the sake of your wallet and your roommate’s sanity, please don't. As long as you own at least three pairs of well-constructed jeans, then you’re in good shape. I recommend having a trio of differentiating denim at all times – one dark wash, one medium wash, and one light wash – all in the cut you favor. It may seem impossible, but you can easily survive on three good pairs of jeans – as long as there’s nothing noticeable about them, like studding or another type of embellishment. Remember, you’re going to be rotating these through your wardrobe a lot, so choose styles and washes that are unobtrusive and easily worn multiple times per week. I tend to favor designs by True Religion, Rich & Skinny, and Rock & Republic simply because they are extremely long-lasting; but you can also pick up more affordable pieces from places like Target – I still wear a few pairs of Xhilaration Skinnies that I bought years ago, and they look great. If you’re going to add a fourth pair of denim to your closet, let it be a pair of black ones. You have no idea how many times you’ll be expected to dress up unexpectedly, and won’t feel like donning a dress or a pair of slacks. Black jeans, like Joe’s Jeans’ Chelsea Skinny Leg Jean, look more polished and classy, and instantly make you appear as if you put a bit more effort into your look du jour. On that note, when you find a great pair of black jeans; scoop them up immediately – take it from a voice of experience, it’s nearly impossible to find ebony-hued denim that you truly adore nowadays!


“I learned three important things in college – to use a library, to memorize quickly and visually, to drop asleep at anytime given a horizontal surface and fifteen minutes.”
Agnes DeMille

Collar Couture While statement necklaces are a true love of mine, unless you’re on your way to a party, college campuses are not necessarily a choice location to don them; especially when it’s 8:00 a.m., and your sparkly bauble is blinding your still half-asleep classmates. Forgoing a necklace, however, does not mean that you must sacrifice all traces of making a statement. A very versatile way to dress up a simple t-shirt, or add a splash of kitschy color to the day’s outfit can easily, and effortlessly, be accomplished with the assistance of a scarf. Twirl a YARNZ Russian Doll Scarf around your throat for a dash of volume; toss a Deepa Gurnani Tie Dye Fringe Scarf around your neck for a pinch of playfulness; slip a Love Quotes Hand Knotted Fringe Scarf around your shoulders to add a kick of color to a plain white tee. Scarves are ideal in the sense that they add a smattering of sophistication and mysteriousness to your style while remaining completely unfussy. Even better, you don’t have to know the secret to tying one; simply loop it into a European knot or allow it to dangle carelessly in the breeze – either way looks divine.

Cardy Crush It’s true, you may have literally rolled out of bed five minutes ago, tossed on a cardigan, and teetered off to class; but no one has to know that for sure. Quite frankly, one of the biggest draws of the cardigan is that it provides a very European type of effortless beauty so eloquently put forth by the likes of Brigitte Bardot, which makes you come off as extremely blasé and been there done that courtesy of the rumpled yet refined savoir faire it instantly lends to any look you happen to be rocking – from skinnies to minis and everything in between. Like the scarf, a cardigan holds the power to transform your look in mere moments, and will ultimately become a constant clothing companion year-round. Plus, they’re fairly inexpensive so you can indulge in a handful of them with little to no guilt. Last year I spent a total of $6 for two cardigans which I peruse on an almost daily basis. To this day, this satisfying samba with savings is the crowning moment of my personal shopping career. It is also proof that you don’t have to subsist solely on Ramen to look radiant. Choose whatever color catches your eye when cardigan shopping – the only two hues I advise you to ensure you’re never without are gray and black. You would be surprised at how much use you will get out of a gray cardigan, like American Apparel’s Unisex Shag Fleece Rib Cardigan or the BDG T-Shirt Terry Boyfriend Cardigan from Urban Outfitters. Gray works with every color of the rainbow on so many levels, yet is both muted and magnificent, so you always look ravishing. Remember though, whether you’re wearing a cardigan that hits at the hip or droops to your knees, always size up – the cardigan serves as a lightweight jacket of sorts, so you want to make sure it can comfortably fit over whatever top you happen to be wearing.

A Coat of Many Colors Whether you’re attending school in a tropical climate or the forests of Alaska, a winter coat should always be lurking in the depths of your closet; perhaps behind all those cast-aside Homecoming dresses. Even if you never use it, such a garment is essential as it will give you peace of mind. Suppose a last minute opportunity to study abroad in London were to present itself? Why kittens, you’d already be prepared with a coat that would see you through the overcast semester! Unlike an ordinary jacket, when it comes to finding the coat of your dreams, look for something crafted of wool, as it holds up well in any type of weather, and manages to keep you warm from the top of your head to the very tip of your toes. I prefer to stay in the neutral toned family when coat shopping, opting for pieces like Juicy Couture’s Goth Couture Double Breasted Coat or the Marc by Marc Jacobs Charla Jacket. If you’d like to play Blair Waldorf and be bold with your color choice, however, Alloy’s Classic Long Peacoat in Pumpkin Spice or the Nikki Belted Coat with Thinsulate in Cranberry from Delia’s are extremely eye-catching, and bound to leave an impression. And if you’re the girl who can’t quite decide, you can never go wrong with a pleasing plaid like Sunner’s Mini Ranger Coat or the Plaid Coat with Fold Over Collar from Porter Grey. Keep in mind that a coat is a definite investment piece – choose wisely now so there are no regrets later!

Tee Time Obviously a wardrobe is incomplete without a few t-shirts to choose from. I prefer sticking to the basics, such as simple v-necks and crewnecks like those available from Target. They’re under $10 dollars apiece, and if bought in a variety of colors they can easily see you through the entire year. They also look amazing for nights off campus if tucked into tulip or bandage skirts, and are extremely easy to accessorize, so you can make the look your own. Vintage tees are also fun – like the ones available from Chaser LA and Public Library. When paired with skinny jeans and boots they manage to take on an air of chic sophistication, despite the fact that they have an element of grunge to the design. If you truly feel the need to incorporate a few more tops into your college wardrobe, though you certainly don’t have to, those with a drapey style, like Alloy’s Double-V Dolman are an amazing choice as they appear slightly more dressy than the typical tee, and are just as comfortable as they are trendy.

The Sack As children, going to the store each fall to select the backpack that would see us through countless milestones throughout the year was one of the highlights of our lives. We’d hem and haw over My Little Pony or Care Bears; haggle over colors; and even compare the benefits, or lack thereof, of owning a JanSport or a High Sierra. There’s no need to change tradition now that you’re in college; simply switch it up a bit. Ditch the backpack for a classier carryall; something that makes you feel elegant yet has the ability to hold all of life’s little necessities. I myself immediately turn to Deena & Ozzy. Their Quilted Tote has the traits of a Chanel 2.55 on a larger scale, and is a sophisticated way to schlep your school supplies around campus; their Chain Tote is easy on the eyes and is, in a sense, a two-fer, as it can easily work as a handsome handbag come weekends; and their Metallic Satchel is a functional yet flashy way to fashionably keep your life in order. Always look for something that is large enough for lugging your laptop to the library for late night study sessions, but comfortable enough to carry for countless hours each day.

The Mad Hatter I have faced the embarrassment of bad hair. I have fallen asleep at my desk while studying; my face nestled in the spine of my oversized textbook in the most unflattering of ways, only to awaken three hours later with five minutes to get to class, and my bangs the victim of the worst possible crease in history. This is bound to happen to you at least once (though probably dozens of times) during your college career. Do not spend those five minutes attempting to tame your mane…it won’t work. Right now, a hat is your only savior. Typically I am not the biggest advocate of any headwear aside from headbands. In college, however, hats take on the role of best friend. They have the ability to make you look presentable even when you’re sporting the worst possible ‘do underneath; plus they add an adorable touch to your look – as long as you wear the right ones. Leave all forms of baseball caps to boys – on them they can look cute; on females, they can often look sloppy, and don’t usually pair well with our outfits. I recommend two types of head accoutrement: newsboy caps and slouchy knit berets. Newsboy caps like New York & Company’s City Style Belted Newsboy Hat or Juicy Couture’s Buffalo Check Newsboy Cap, have a very old-fashioned ambiance to them which is extremely elegant – it doesn’t hurt that they have a slight brim, as well; perfect for covering those sleepy eyes on days when you simply can’t bring yourself to swipe on a few coats of mascara. Though my favorite in terms of headgear is the slouchy knit beret, like David & Young’s Chunky Knit Beret and Urban Outfitters’ Chainlink Slouchy Beanie, for the sheer fact that they can be worn year-round, and are, quite possibly, the simplest way to add a pop of color to your look du jour. As a warning, remove hats of all kinds with caution. I suffer from hat hair myself; thus, when I put a hat on, I wear it all day – as in I don’t take it off until I’m in the privacy of my own home. If you have the same problem, search for a cute hat that you won’t mind wearing for long periods of time; that way you won’t have to worry about frightening anyone – namely a cute boy – with your atrocious hat hair.

For Your Listening Pleasure In-between catching up on sleep during boring classes led by professors who drone on and on in a monotone voice, and chatting with cute boys in the cafeteria (where you’ll undoubtedly be avoiding the twice-weekly tuna surprise like the plague, I presume), you’ll need a little something to fill those moments of silence. Voila! Un petit playlist that captures all the things we love about school, and many of our favorite after-school activities. Enjoy!

Campus - Vampire Weekend
Back to the 101 - Albert Hammond, Jr.
Nighttiming - Coconut Records
This Is Not a Test - She & Him
Girl on the Wing - The Shins
Just Dance - Lady Gaga
When Did Your Heart Go Missing? - Rooney
We Rule the School - Belle and Sebastian
Saturday Looks Bad to Me - Oppenheimer
Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk - Rufus Wainwright


“A college education should equip one to entertain three things: a friend, an idea, and oneself.”
Thomas Ehrlich

Congratulations kittens; you've passed the college couture quiz. What does that mean? Sillies, you're ready to walk the campus in style. Have loads of fashionable fun over the next four years, darlings!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to tvgasm, Sweet Fuzz, Couture Like Me, PopSugar, Shopbop, Zimbio, T-Shirt Watch, FabSugar, St. Petersburg Times, and Everything Trendy for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter The Inconvenienced Fashionista Giveaway for your chance to win a trendy, eco-friendly, reusable tote bag from The Inconvenient Bag.
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48 comments

meraldia said...

I miss college so much..

FASHION SNAG said...

I loved this post! I am guilty of going to class in abercrombie sweats a lot. haha, especially on a test day for organic chemistry! I have to be comfortable though =)

www.FashionSnag.com

Couture Carrie said...

This post is so gorgeous and well-researched, darling ~ love it! I need a bomber jacket I think!

xoxox,
CC

P.S. Adore The Shins and Vampire Weekend ~ fab playlist!

Leila said...

I love that berry coat from Delias!

Celia said...

That quote at the top is SO true. You remember the good fun times, not the classes. I did physics for 4 years (am now a law student) and whilst I don't remember much physics, I do remember a lot of parties and hanging out. These are delightful!! I certainly continued to find my fashion way at uni.

Leah said...

Oh, how I miss college. This post is like traveling down memory lane. Jeans will forever remain a staple.

Guruizzm said...

I love college!

Denisa L said...

I just started college,only 2 weeks...
so this post came in the right time:)

Caramell said...

sweet, ya know, that even my mum loves your blog? recently I've showed it to her and now she helps me with some vocabulary :D
have a nice week!
xoxoxox ;)

Emily said...

Great post, as always. You have the best tips and advice for every fashionista situation..in this case college :)

. said...

boooo I miss college!! I love your picks.

Charlotte said...

I'm still in highschool. So I don't need comfortable clothes, I keep wearing my haute-couture and high heels ;p.

www.janetteria.com said...

LUV LUV LUV!

I love college style so much...I wouldn't like to outgrow it...Haha! ;-)

Hope U had a great weekend!
XoXo

Meg said...

Great post. It kind of makes me miss university.

Elizabeth Marie said...

You are so fabulous. I hope you're at a fashion school??! :)

I miss college...this post is a good reminder to keep it together when running errands, etc, too.

All Women Stalker said...

If I looked this fashionable in college, the other kids would have looked at me all day. Haha. Do you wear these?

-meream

Mimi said...

i absolutely love all your "lists" posts. this one is no exception! great items to keep in mind when shopping for school clothes. i really can't wait until i start college!!

un petit lapin said...

This was such a great post! I always made an effort when I went to class. Not sure if that was a vanity thing or what.

Winnie said...

I love uni. When I first started I found that it was just the best place to dress whatever you please! It's definitely easy to fall into the uni uniform...the uggs and sweaters but I stay well away!

Damsels said...

you are so right college is no excuse to be sloppy ... your appearance says alot to people ...

Anonymous said...

Great ideas! I def think I need a bomber jacket.

Marta from With Love... said...

I adore this post...Being a university student for the last 4 years has been phenomenal, it really is the best time :)

Dina's Days said...

One of my favorite posts. Excellent tips and that picture of Lauren is the ideal college look! You have listed the essesntials and nailed the ultimate realstic college look.

Unknown said...

all i remember is when i went to college (about 10 years ago) i never wore jeans...i barely owned a pair. i think i was the dressiest person in the school!! ;-D
xox

Amelia said...

Great tips! I have class at 8:30 every morning, so it can be rough...

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

Love the Petty quote- sigh I miss college!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks so much! I start college next fall, and I'll be sure to get everything on the list!

edef said...

love gossip girl and this whole post itself. I'm not in college yet, but I'm striving to get into my dream one.

M said...

I loved reading this! It reminds me of how I, at the beginning of each fall semester, always vowed that this would be the fall when I would dress like this or that - whatever look I was obsessed with at the time. Then I ended up wearing the same boring Diesels with a cardi, or (as some of us know now) dancewear to class, since I was taking ballet afterwards and was too lazy to bring a change. Mon Dieu....

Nicole said...

Ugh LOVEDDD this post!!! Made me glad I'm still in college <3

. said...

Cute hats! I don't think I look great with a hat but I would love too. Thanks for sharing with us.
:D

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Epic post! If only I looked as cute as R Bil in a hat. Sigh.

Sherin said...

Great post! Its so true: while at uni, it was tempting to go to class in sweats, but thankfully, I never did. I did see other people walk ito class in sweats, with uggs and hoodies, and all I could do was shake my head: tsk tsk

michelle_ said...

great post ! this was helpful. i'm studying at a fashion college, so clearly my wardrobe must-haves go beyond this list..haha..

thx for the input on the bang haircut.. will consider it much :)

i agree that lazy college days are make for skinny jeans and band tshirts.. some great bag and killer shoes, and we're good to go!
glistersandblisters.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I need a bomber plane, stat!

the NEO-traditionalist said...

Wish I had you back when I was in college! Such great fashion advice. Wish I could turn back time : )
XX Kate

Hope Adela Pasztor said...

thanks for the tips! i'm heading off to college next year and its great to get some fashion advice on that! =)

http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/

daisychain said...

this is such a fantastic post, wish I'd seen it last year!

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Fantastic post! All of these items are great to have throughout college. I'm always buying new cardigans and I love the ones you featured!

Loving Ashley, Vanessa, and Lauren! Three of my favorite style inspirations!

Keith said...

Great post. I never was in college that much. I was too busy skipping class to hang out with buddies.

KP said...

Love this one-college really is the best, and I can at least know that I didn't want it to end while I was there. Except I really had zero money for a decent wardrobe outside of vintage and F21-but real fashion girls make it work! xx

Haute World said...

Great advice! When I was in college, I lived off H&M and vintage stuff. It's amazingly easy to get great items at a lower price point if you make the effort, but for me, comfort and easygoing chic was the main priority. I would proceed with caution when it comes to hats though. Some professors (especially older ones), might consider it rude if you don't remove yours once indoors.

Closet Cravings said...

College would have been more fun if I could have used my text book money on clothes. Loved this post. Makes me want to be a college student again (one with money). =)

Xin @ Invincible Summer said...

I started wearing flats in college :]. Ahhh I graduate this year!

Paula Lobos said...

Ah...the cardigans look absoloutely gorgeos and SO comfortable... Perfect for the Swedish autunm weather...haha...

T.A.E said...

I love this post. I'm always trying to find a way to look nice but not too dressy on my college campus. :D

Clarissa said...

these are such helpful tips!! college goes by so fast, so you def. shouldn't waste it by looking frumpy all day!! :)

monica said...

im in college and desperately sad that i only have 1.5 years left.......

...i will admit that i live in boots, flats, my longchamp tote, leggings and jeans

...attempted to wear heels to class a few times but they're really not meant to be rushing to class with 15pounds of stuff on ur shoulder

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