Even though school has started for most of us, the newly added stresses can be washed away with some simple retail therapy! Instead of stressing about the classes, homework, and cheesy introductions that you’ll inevitably have to face, why not focus on what’s really important? Fashion, duh! Heather of Headbandit gave you some shopping tips for school a couple weeks ago and now, we’ve gathered the most important specific wardrobe essentials to get you that A+ in style.
TREND TRYOUTS
Fall 2011 is an amazing fashion season with trends that translate from runway to campus seamlessly! From vintage Versace-esque leather pleats to modern minimalism like Phoebe Philo’s Celine collections, impress everyone with in depth understanding of the latest on the fashion scene.
1. The Pleated Skirt Inspired by Junya Watanabe & Givenchy
→ Evocative of both the prim school girl and rebellious youth, the leather pleated skirt proves to be the perfect way to provide contrast and style to a back to school outfit. Try out pleats in different fabrics to better fit your style.
2. The Modern Sweater Inspired by Celine
→ Chic, simple and fresh are words that we all probably strive for in our everyday look and a graphic-ly patterned sweater in stylish neutrals fits the bill perfectly. Thin enough for those warmer September days, the minimalist sweater is the trend to try this Fall.
3. The 60s Earring Inspired by Fall 2011’s 1960s Trend
→ For an opulent touch to a relaxed school outfit, show off some colorful Edie Sedgwick-inspired earrings. Wear with simple shift dresses for an authentic look or heather gray pullover sweaters for a modern-streetstyle take on fashion.
4. The Playful Hat Inspired by Chanel’s Fall Campaign
→ Carine Roitfeld dressed up Freja in a flower brooch knitted cap for Chanel’s Lagerfeld-captured campaign for Fall 2011. Take a cue from Carine and Karl with a fun Fall hat to let the teachers know you’re all ears.
5. The Man Shoe Inspired by Lanvin, Jil Sander and Prada
→ Feminine and put together outfits can sometimes be a bit much for a school setting, but pairing them with a shoe inspired by menswear creates a balanced and effortless look. Like a good lab partner, success can be achieved through fashion-teamwork!
6. The Minimal Cuff Inspired by Celine and Michael Kors
→ If you’re going to buy one accessory this season, make it the minimalist metal cuff (necklace cuffs work too!). The epitome of chic for Fall 2011 are these superhero-esque accessories. Combat the forces of bad grades with good style!
HONOR SOCIETY
Schooling is the foundation of knowledge for many-a-bright-pupils, and that is something Chictopians know is true for their closets as well. Making sure we all have the basic necessities that fit us great and can be the beginnings of outfits are as essential for school as textbooks and pens.
1. Button-up Shirt Look for neutral colors and stiff collars
→ The button up shirt is the A+ student in school, working for both professional and casual outfits and always in style. Wear for presentations or job interviews with a blazer and skirt or trousers or dress up a pair of shorts for everyday.
2. Black Trousers Find the shape that fits you best
→ High quality trousers in a modern fit will work amazingly for both every day and any professional events like interviews, awards ceremonies, or, for a modern take on evening, a tuxedo inspired look for more casual dances.
3. Dark Wash Blue Jeans Use your tried & true pair, or purchase a flattering fit
→ Veering on the more crisp and clean darker denims is always a safe bet because they will work for all occasions, go with basically everything, and work for any casual school day. We like this higher waisted pair in a deep blue color.
4. Ballet Flats Choose the color and style that works for you
→ Simple and classic flats will work for skirts, shorts, jeans, and trousers for any occasion whether formal or casual (just be sure to keep them on the cleaner side for dressier events). We suggest the simple ballet style in a bold color to add to your school wardrobe.
5. Gray Sweater Comfort comes first
→ While many of the fashion-obsessed may have doubted the ability of this sweater to add chic to a wardrobe, it has proven itself to be able to be dressed up. Wear this school-friendly sweater with a skirt and statement jewels for a fashion forward look.
6. A-Line Shorts Modest shapes for shorter hems
→ These shorts are shaped away from the body in a thicker and more professional fabric which makes shorts appropriate for school. While denim cut-offs are a definite staple in the campus-goer’s wardrobe, dress up the short in this modern shape.
STYLE SUPPLIES
The archetypes of the schoolyard are hopefully not causing segregation problems for you Chictopians, but the styles of these “cliques” are still definitely applicable to fashion. Whatever genre of style you fit into, there’s always room for improvement and reinvention! Take these tips to add new styles to your much loved faves.
1. Sweetheart For the soft and romantic styled schoolgirls
→ You’ve already got the perfect lace dress in a soft and pretty fabric in your closet. For most, this dress would be too light and girly but it’s your favorite wardrobe staple. Play off the feminine vibes of the old favorite with a Fall 2011 trend, the 1960s inspired collared coat.
-- Why? The macintosh coat adds warmth and structure to the lace dress.
2. The Artist For the chic, but daring artsy students
→ You’ve already got a smock dress that is simple and easy, yet evocative of your artistic nature. Not quite the dramatic black of the theater, but in a modern navy blue. Play up the 60s trend with a turtleneck, and mix in a bit of 70s rust colored fun.
-- Why? The turtleneck makes your favorite dress Fall-friendly
3. Bad Girl For the nonchalant and casual rebel
→ You’ve already got your favorite tough black jeans, they never fail you even when you fail a test. Play with the contrast sleeve trend and emphasize your arms with a new leather jacket. Breaking the rules is no new feat, so mixing black and brown should be a piece of cake.
-- Why? Modernize your look with neutral color combos
4. Team Captain For the athletic girl with a penchant for glam
→ You’ve already got your varsity jacket that lets the world know that you’re in charge on and off the field. Throw on a t-shirt underneath with sequined sleeves to give a surprise when lunchtime heat rolls around. Retain your athletic and comfy side but add a bit of sparkle
-- _Why? Embellishment adds depth and style to a casual look _
CLASS COUNCIL
Chictopians know how to dress in a way like no other. Tasteful enough for school yet stylish enough for Fashion Week! Use them as your cheat sheets for how to understand trends in an everyday way for the chicest school outfit possible.
Tip 1. Classy Yet Sassy
→ Galaxy prints and pleated skirts are both on trend! Wear them in classic and soft pieces to keep the outfit balanced. See Districtofchic.
Tip 2. Effortless Bold
→ Bright color blocking and flatforms are a must for Fall 2011! Keep them relaxed with disheveled waves. See Madamederosa.
Tip 3. Pop of Collar
→ Keep your collars in check and emphasize a high neckline! Modest in graphic black and white keep it chic for school, add a pop of color in your lips or nails to add interest. See Sweetthing.
Tip 4. Black To School
→ Monochrome outfits are easy to throw on in a morning rush! Keep the pieces comfortable and simple with a bit of edgy embellishment. See AnnaBu
Tip 5. Teacher Approved Hems
→ Go for below the knee hemlines for a modestly modern look! Contrast softer looks with dark shoes and a playful headpiece. See AshleyOh.
Tip 6. Accessorize With These:
→ Shopper totes are great for a stylish book bag!
→ Senisible sneakers (we like Converse Chuck Taylors) are a must for those casual and lazy days!
→ Quirky hair accessories add style to a look without much effort!
CHICTOPIA BACK TO SCHOOL
Now that you know all the tips and tricks on how to create the perfect school look, snap a photo and post them up on Chictopia! Show us your “Best-Dressed” styles and share your favorite school-chic tips in the comments.
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Thanks for reading!
Everybody Is Ugly by Iris & Daniel
Don’t forget to follow EIU on twitter! @everybodyisugly
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Photo Credit
Cover Giselle by Emma Summerton for i-D Pre-Fall 2011
All clothing photos from the following:
Topshop
Forever 21
Net-A-Porter
Zappos
