As September reaches it’s medial weeks, photos from the fabulous fashion plethora New York Fashion Week (not to mention it’s incredible star-studded parties) slowly drain from our social media feeds. Our attention drifts from Moschino to math, and from Burberry to Biology as we return to academic reality. The extravagance of these displays has worn us out, and now we’re left to drift to our closets filled with pieces both well-loved and current—but not NYFW current—that seem impossibly boring by comparison. In these times of dire need (or, as the case may be, want), we forget that wearing ensembles that aren’t fantastically embroidered, studded or covered in tassels isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s usually better; outfits that are simply nice, multi-functional and well put together keep us (and our wallets) grounded. They remind us that it’s possible to turn heads on campus without wearing a 1000 dollar mixed print jacket and pricey, glitter platforms, which is exactly what this Fashionista has done.
This Fashionista’s outfit uses most of the essentials you should have as part of your transitional summer-to-fall wardrobe to make a cute, put together look (with enough details that it captures the eye but doesn’t overwhelm). She’s updated the “plain white T-shirt and blue jeans” look by wearing slightly ragged skinny dark-wash jeans that she’s cuffed at the hem, instead of letting them hang over her brown ankle boots (a fall staple for any Fashionista’s closet). The top has lace detail that makes it stand out from a plain white tank top or T-shirt, and shows enough skin to be modern without venturing into concert wear territory. Her tote bag is a slightly lighter shade than her boots, but brings a more casual, everyday aspect to the outfit as a whole; it’s also given detail through the tassel and faux fur keychain on the bag’s handle. The gold chandelier earrings add a bit of glam to the look without overpowering the rest of it, and match nicely with her watch (which has just the right amount of sparkle on it).
I love this outfit because it’s perfect for everyday campus life. It’s dressed down enough that it doesn’t seem like it took tons of effort to pull together, but adorably chic enough that it’s not automatically deemed “too casual.” It’s really versatile, too; it can be worn throughout a normal day of classes, to a nice lunch or a fun night out. Best of all, it makes use of simple, basic wardrobe staples that upgrade a potentially dull look into something head-turning and memorable.
