Autumnal Threads
Samantha Webne
As college students, it’s not always easy to find affordable options when it comes to unique wardrobe. With these staples in your closet, it’ll be easy to put together outfits that compliment the season’s trends (and won’t break the bank).
Some students take inspiration from the latest trends modeled by top brands, walking around campus on any given day or seeing how others are styling specific clothing pieces. There’s a time and a place for every type of outfit; whether it’s a busy day of classes or a night out with friends uptown.
This season’s trends include patterned and textured pieces. Materials like silk and satin have been all the rage since summer, and surely their popularity will carry well throughout the colder months. Although high fashion can be pricey, paying attention to the versatility of a piece will give college students with a tight budget more bang for their buck. Here are Backdrop’s top fall fashion staples.
BODYSUITS
The basis of a good outfit is the top. Bodysuits are a simple and versatile way to add a personal touch to a monotone outfit. From tank tops and short-sleeves to mock-necks and turtlenecks, bodysuits come in a range of styles, patterns and colors and are usually relatively inexpensive.
A bodysuit with a bold pattern or bright color will add a bit of flair to a pair of basic light-washed jeans. It can be dressed up with a pair of heels or worn casually with some comfortable sneakers.
’Fit tip: For a bold look, opt for a bodysuit with a velvet texture, lace accents or stylish cut-outs.
FASHION DENIM
Although the basis of a fashionable outfit is the top, no outfit is complete without a trendy bottom piece, and denim jeans can take an outfit to the next level when the temperatures start to drop. The appeal of denim is that it is offered in so many different styles, such as bell-bottom, boyfriend fit and high-waisted.
Recently, fashion icons have been taking a lot of inspiration from the 1970s, when jeans had it all: big flares, high-waistlines and a fit that complimented curvy body types. Flare jeans are a wardrobe must-have.
’Fit tip: One of the most important things to remember when buying denim as a staple piece is that no one pair of jeans fits everyone’s body types; embrace the curvy, petite, tall and short styles offered!
BELTS
Once you’ve decided on your staple jeans, pair them with a unique belt. This year has seen both the comeback of grommet belts and the utilization of scarves woven through belt loops.
Belts are generally inexpensive and have a long lifespan. Some pops of color or patterns can tie an outfit together and make it stand out.
’Fit tip: This season has seen the rising trend of cinched suiting. For a fashionable twist on a business suit or a tan trench coat, add a chunky belt. A solid band can accentuate the waistline or polish off a loud-patterned suit.
JACKETS
Outerwear is crucial in the fall. Jackets can be styled in various ways to spice up a plain t-shirt or turtleneck.
A jean jacket (black or denim wash) and a black leather jacket are two of the easiest types of jackets to style. Both of those pieces work well with an array of articles, like light-washed or black jeans and heels or sneakers, and they are ideal for a night out or a casual day around town. For example, a jean jacket spices up an everyday look like a band t-shirt with leggings and sneakers.
Leather jackets are great for a girls night out. Draping a leather jacket over a bodysuit that’s tucked into a cute pair of jeans creates a solid, stylish outfit.
If you want to take your outerwear game to the next level, capes and longhemmed coats have become popular outerwear trends this year and will add a bit of “high fashion” to your everyday street or business wear.
’Fit tip: Though these items are a bit pricier than the others listed, their longevity outlasts the other pieces. Don’t be afraid to spend more money on staples such as a well-made leather jacket. Fashion is an investment.
SNEAKERS AND ACCESSORIES
An outfit is not complete without a good pair of shoes. Over the years, the simple streetwear sneaker has shed the perception of being a “gym” shoe. Low-top Nike AirForce 1’s, Converse and Vans Off The Wall retail from $60 to about $100, but having a pair of white or black sneakers to match any outfit is priceless.
Additionally, everyone needs a going-out bag. Tiny bags are all the rage on runways this fall (though they have been the punchline on Twitter as well). Finishing off an outfit with a small, structured bag will add a subtle form of accessorization, but will make all the difference in taking your outfit from fall faux pas to fall fashionista. Exploring new trends can be intimidating, but there’s always the option to start small (literally).
’Fit tip: Add a bit of an edge to your outfit by choosing a pair of platform sneakers over basic styles. That little bit of rubber will elevate your outfit—and your height. Expand your closet with staples that keep your outfits looking new and fresh every day. Having a variety of basics in your closet will also relieve the inevitable stress of dressing each morning. Although fashion trends are ever-changing, those pieces can be reworked into a variety of outfits to create timeless and enviable looks.