I’ve lived in New York for just under a month, but I can already tell that this city is shaping my personal style. No matter where I look, I find endless #OOTD inspiration—everyone in this city is ridiculously stylish. The best outfit inspo I’ve found so far, though, has been straight from my fellow College Fashionista Community Members. And luckily, through The CF Clubhouse, I’ve been able to get inspired by their looks nonstop since I arrived.
It doesn’t matter whether they’re NYC-natives or just here for a summer internship—I’m constantly in awe of how they nail their city-ready looks while still incorporating their own personal style into their outfits. From soft boho ensembles to major street style vibes, these ladies will be serving as my inspiration for the rest of my summer in New York. Trust me, you want to keep scrolling down to see these looks.
Match Your Lipstick to Your Shoes
For a look that’s equal parts casual and put together, try pairing a basic cami with a plaid skirt. To add a little pop to her otherwise neutral outfit, Maggie Lin, a student at Rutgers University, showed up to The CF Clubhouse wearing a shade of lipstick that perfectly matched her coral slides. Catch me color-coordinating my makeup and accessories all summer long.
Get the look: Who What Wear Collection Grace Satin Knotted Slide Sandals ($35), Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Créme in Je T’aime ($30)
Layer a Bandeau Under Overalls
I’m always looking for new ways to wear my overalls, and this Community Member is giving me all the inspo. To really make her pair stand out, Monica San Luis, a student at Boston University, layered a simple bandeau under her overalls and accessorized with rectangular sunglasses and metallic flatform sandals. This is a look I’d love to wear while checking items off my NYC bucket list with my crew.
Get the look: Topshop Cropped Denim Overall ($95), Forever 21 Slub Knit Bandeau ($12)
Marry Multiple Textures for a Boho Feel
Sometimes less is more when it comes to fashion—but let’s be real, dressing like a maximalist is way more fun. The various textures in the outfit, like delicate lace, stiff brocade, and smooth leather are fabrics that are completely unexpected together yet pair beautifully. Thanks to Christa Camp, a student at Fashion Institute of Technology, I’m feeling inspired to reach for more daring details when I get ready each morning.
Get the look: Urban Outfitters Embroidered Floral Mini Skirt ($60), H&M Lace Off-The-Shoulder Top ($30)
Borrow from the Boys to Channel Your Inner Tomboy
This borrowed-from-the-boys look has me all heart eye emoji. The combination of a polo, wide leg khakis and a bomber jacket is obviously sporty but the workwear-inspired separates make it simultaneously so sophisticated. I love this addition of a bandana that College of William and Mary student Emily Bacal used to tie her curls back for a chic summer hairstyle that beats the New York heat.
Get the look: Reformation Polo Sweater ($78), I.AM.GIA Harper Zip Cargo Pant ($160)
Make a Statement in Multiple Prints
From the blue gingham top to the subtle seersucker shorts and polka dot socks, Oberlin College student Sarah Gargano’s oh-so-subtly mixed prints have me swooning. The collection of patterns, coupled with her layered necklaces and vintage sunnies, leave this look feeling whimsical and fun. I’ll be replicating this mixed-print outfit for weekends spent exploring Central Park.
Get the look: Topshop Gingham Bardot Top ($35), Mango Striped Linen Shorts ($60)
Pair Workwear Separates with Classic Denim
I’m getting endless internship #OOTD inspo from James Madison University student Jackie Garcia’s ‘fit. The flowy vest layered over a simple tank and white denim culottes makes this look perfect for a day at the office or shopping around SoHo. TBH, this look is the definition of business casual, so I’ll be using it as inspiration for the outfits I need to take me from 9 to 5 and beyond.
Get the look: Express Sleeveless Drape Tie Jacket ($88), H&M Denim Culottes High Waist ($30)
Add Statement Sunglasses to an Otherwise Simple Look
Since I’ve been living in NYC, I’ve been focused on making sure my outfits were perfectly on point—which has lead to a lot of extra ensembles. While I’ve been all about bright colors and bold silhouettes this summer, I can’t stop thinking about this Community Member’s simple ‘fit. Thanks for showing me that sometimes all you need is a statement pair of sunglasses to make your basic pieces truly shine, University of Wisconsin student Geordon Wollner.
Get the look: Anthropologie Paperbag-Waisted Wide Legs ($88), BP 55mm Oval Sunglasses ($14)
Make Unique Denim Pieces the Star of the Show
Incorporating multiple washes of denim into an outfit can be tricky, but Avery Rizzotto, a student at University of South Florida, made it look easy with her laid-back look. She let her two-toned jeans and mustard yellow jacket be the star of the show by keeping the rest of her look on the simpler side. I’m suddenly thinking it’s time to invest in some colored denim to brighten up my NYC wardrobe.
Get the look: Madewell Wide Leg Cropped Jeans ($128), Topshop Fitted Denim Jacket ($75)
Color Coordinate Your Streetwear-Inspired ‘Fit
This street style-inspired outfit by Aanchal Bakshi, a student at New York University, is giving me cool girl vibes that I’m dying to replicate. I’m all for her fresh take on the dad sneaker trend by pairing them with colorful socks (that, ICYMI, match the highlights in her hair) and I love the color coordination of her bold yellow frames and the graphic on her tee.
Get the look: Nike Air Max 1 Sneaker ($110), Uniqulo Back to the 80’s Short-Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt ($10)
Create a Fresh Take on Florals with a Monochromatic Color Palette
Even though Miranda Priestly thinks it’s cliché, I love florals for the warmer months. I’m obsessed with how this Community Member’s blue floral patterned top matches the shade of her denim skirt perfectly. Her white shoes and belt add a bright addition to an already summery outfit. In a city known for all black outfits, this light floral look from Boston University student Hannah Stamer is a breath of fresh air.
Get the look: H&M V-Neck Drawstring Blouse ($20), Free People Denim A-Line Skirt ($60)
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