Welcome back, fellow students! It’s that time of year again where your favorite stores start discounting their summer clothes to make way for fall’s trendiest fashions. Instead of using your hard-earned summer paycheck to stock up on warm weather essentials, invest on this season’s chicest pieces.
Fall 2012 is all about oversized sweaters, preppy silhouettes and military style clothing with an edge. No matter what your personal style may be, you can incorporate these new trends into your wardrobe with ease.
There’s nothing better than slipping into a sweater when the first signs of cold weather start moving in on campus and this season, the bigger the sweater, the better. It doesn’t matter whether the sweater’s knit is thin or thick, both styles are effortlessly chic. You can also pair your sweater with a number of styles from maxi skirts to skinny jeans.
Fortunately, a number of retailers have a variety of colors and styles available for every price range. Pick up American Eagle’s Open Knit Shimmer Sweater in blush for $44.95, or the Marled Yarn Pullover in hot cherry from Free People for $88.00.
Whether you’re on your way to class or a night out with friends, this look is sure to get you compliments along the way.
Another major trend this season has been popularized most recently by country star, Taylor Swift. Her highly publicized romance with a member of the infamous Kennedy clan has seen her in preppy chic attire yachting in Hyannis Port this summer, and as she steps onto dry land this fall, expect to see the starlet in nautical stripes, polka dots, and oxford shoes.
Dressing “preppy” in 2012 doesn’t mean wearing pantsuits and monogrammed signet rings like in years past. This season it’s about playing up classic silhouettes in bright colors and bold prints. One of the most notable items every preppy girl should have in her closet this fall is a denim shirt. Wear it with a pair of red skinny jeans, a neutral cross-body bag, and a printed scarf in your hair for a look that embodies the simplistic elegance of the trend.
Don’t be afraid to wear a denim shirt with a pair of regular denim jeans, as well. A good rule of thumb for doing double duty denim is to pick contrasting washes, so that it doesn’t appear too “matchy-matchy.” Both Zara and the Gap have great options available for $59.90 and $54.95, respectively. Other pieces to look out for when shopping this season are instant classics like oxford shirts, pea coats, and even doctor’s bags.
Attention! Step left, right, left to a store near you to pick up this season’s best military-inspired pieces. No longer are military pieces a solid shade of green, this fall many are camel colored or have leather detailing. Retailers are showing military jackets in a variety of silhouettes as well, so if you a prefer a more feminine look as opposed to a more masculine one, you will be able to find a jacket that fits your personal style.
If you’re looking for a jacket, try Urban Outfitters’ Staring at Stars Faux Leather Sleeve Surplus Jacket for $89.00 or the Oh-So-Cute Salute Top from ModCloth for around $45.
Whenever the weather this season starts cooling off, heat up your look with any of these pieces for a stylish new look. Fall 2012 is the time to step outside of your comfort zone and incorporate classic pieces into your wardrobe that will remain wearable for years to come. So, the next chance you get, take a break from your crazy schedule, and indulge in some retail therapy.
Happy hunting, fashionistas! Here’s to hoping that this is your most fashionable year yet.
