Fashionab-Lee

Fall fashions provide new opportunity
to play dress up around campus

Summer officially is over, and the brisk Harrisonburg weather is starting to set in. Your wardrobe needs some spicing up after months of flip-flops, shorts and tanks. When it comes to being autumn chic, there are several key trends that will keep the ladies looking fresh. This fall is all about texture. Tweed no longer is just for your professor. Pair a tweed blazer with jeans, or try a flattering knee-length tweed skirt with a simple cardigan.

If you want to take a walk on the wild side, something in an animal print is a necessity. A leopard-print sweater looks cute and casual when paired with a denim skirt and tights. Steer clear of pairing this look with any other sexy piece, such as knee-boots, to avoid looking too provocative.

Being a girl never has been better. Embrace your femininity with pretty embellishments that will leave you feeling like a princess. Adding a sparkly sweater, faux pearls, a flower broach or a bow dresses up your ensemble in the blink of a perfectly curled eyelash.

Bold patterns such as argyle and houndstooth (black-and-white checkered) are everywhere. Your grandpa would be so proud of you in a hot new version of his favorite socks. Try an argyle vest with a brightly colored collared shirt or a houndstooth coat. Express stores make an affordable version of both looks.

A glamorous and cozy addition to your wardrobe is faux fur. In a faux fur stole, you instantly can look like a million bucks. Sweaters or jackets with a fur collar also are a smart option.

For chilly days, throw on a knit poncho.

This look is great with pants, or cuffed jeans and boots. Seek out a solid color, or one with diagonal stripes if you are going for a slimming effect.

Don’t worry gentlemen — the fashion world isn’t letting you off too easily. For a casual but polished look, copy Usher’s preference of blazers, untucked collared shirts and jeans. For a more rugged — but handsome — look, follow Jude Law’s lead of white collared shirts, sweaters and jeans.

Think Mr. Rogers this fall — argyle sweaters, vests and cardigans are now actually hip for guys. However, nothing is more striking than a well-tailored suit. A pinstriped suit with a brightly colored tie in a bright blue or pink adds punch to the average suit and would look impressive in an interview.

My final tip goes for both guys and girls — give your outfit that extra something with a squirt or two of your favorite perfume or cologne before you head out the door. Great-looking clothes just don’t have the same effect without an enticing fragrance.

Now that that you are armed with the fall fashions checklist, you are fully capable of surviving the season in impeccable style.