College is an intermediate stage, a time of transition and transformation, where at times it may seem uncertain where on the spectrum you fall between adolescence and adulthood. Sometimes, in the midst of your daily life, you may think back fondly to a time of your youth when the person you are today was but a distant dream. But reminiscing doesn’t have to be a sad experience; memories of our youth can excite and inspire us! Fashion always looks nostalgically upon it’s own past to rekindle sparks from trends gone by. So too can a Fashionista use the past to inspire her present wardrobe, and hopefully recall the same feelings and sentiments evoked by styles from long ago.
This Fashionista certainly seems liberated by her adorable dress and her outfit’s celebration of youth. Tartan is one of those trends that are constantly recycling through the fashion timeline; just look at Tommy Hilfiger or Thakoon‘s fall 2014 collections. It can be classic, charming and edgy and is befitting for any age. This Fashionista’s particular dress, with its simple shape and preppy plaid, is evocative of the prim and precious schoolgirl look; however, the dark palette and mod silhouette edge up the frock. The dress plays with creating tension between sweet and edgy: the conservative neckline is counterbalanced by the dress’s shortness, and the black and bourdeax gives the classic tartan a punch of punk. Like the Fashionista herself, the dress becomes the daring, vigorous, and “all grown up” version of the blithe schoolgirl style.
Acute attention to details, such as perfectly matching her nail polish to her tartan, are what balances out the raw nature of edgy fashion. The nerd-inspired glasses are an endearing look that can evoke the studiousness, as well as the offbeat vitality of a college Fashionista. They also complement the preppy essence of the dress. Additionally, the popular soft grunge look, wearing shear tights with knee-highs or crew socks, is a twist on the classic uniform. Her adidas Sambas are not only nostalgic footwear (for me, reminiscent of years of pint-sized soccer), but they are also a very raw and daring addition to the ensemble. Although we may not typically think of sneakers as fashionable footwear, they can be a bold and edgy style choice; some designers like Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, have elevated the tennis shoe to the realms of couture. Fashionistas should feel free to reanimate trends and borrow looks from the past as long as they can revamp or incorporate the styles of yester year in fresh and original ways. That is how Fashionistas like this one can take fashions out of school hallways and onto the college campus.
What’s your Style Advice of the Week? “Sometimes I actually do wear old clothes if I still fit in them. You can make them more current by mixing them with new pieces or adding funky jewelry. You could also reinvent them with some easy DIY projects.”
