We fashion-savvy collegiettes are all about keeping up with the latest runway looks, and as far as fall 2014 fashion is concerned, let’s just say this: we’re in love. But how are we supposed to rock some of these daring styles in the real world (because, let’s be serious—it’s hard for even the most fashionable collegiettes to pull off avant-garde runway looks)?
We consulted Heidi Mares, owner and author of style blog A Fashion Statement, and dELiA*s stylist Anna McDermott to discover the best ways to rock the runway looks on your college campus!
1. The Look: Plaid
Plaid is classic and can go with any sort of style from preppy to punk. Why wouldn’t we adore it? These plaids were fabulous on the Altuzarra, Chanel and Delpozo runways and will look great on your campus, too!
How to wear it
Plaid is on Mares’ it-list this fall in the form of a Burberry scarf (you can get a similar one that suits a collegiette budget from ASOS). We love adding an accent of the pattern by accessorizing with plaid scarves or headbands.
Plaid accessories aren’t the only way to get in on the trend, though. We all know the wonder that is the plaid flannel shirt, but why not try a plaid skirt or a pair of plaid-printed leggings? McDermott suggests pairing the bold look of plaid leggings with a simpler shirt to make this trend work for your campus. Wear them with a white top and the black shoes we picked out above. Add a pop of color with a great accessory.
Channel your inner Jenny Humphrey and have fun with this timeless print!
2. The Look: Mod Inspiration
Welcome to the ‘60s, collegiettes! One of our favorite decades made its comeback on the Gucci, Valentino and Louis Vuitton runways. We love these looks because they’re fun, they’re flirty and they can feature every color of the rainbow!
How to wear it
If you’re totally digging this ‘60s trend but are afraid of looking like you just walked out of an Austin Powers movie, we suggest taking it slow by experimenting with fun, bold colors (think brights, primary colors and maybe even neons—anything that makes a statement) or an awesome retro dress (try something with a Peter Pan collar or with an A-line). We love this one from Love 21 because it shows just enough leg, it features a flattering color, and is that plaid we see? We adore the mixing of trends going on here!
McDermott suggests letting the dress make the statement in your outfit. “Add simple jewelry and a staple shoe—preferably a flat that you can run around campus in!” she says. We love these earrings that accent the blues in the dress and these nude flats. This is a great outfit you can wear anywhere from the lecture hall to a dinner with your friends!
3. The Look: Bold Hats
These tall cowboy hats are totally new to us, and they’re taking the runway by storm this season. Even in the land of high fashion, hats can be hard to pull off. To make it work, let the focus of your look be the hat, and make sure the rest of your outfit is understated. Tibi and Cushnie Et Ochs style them with outfits that are totally chic and monochromatic (not cowboy).
A hat makes a perfect new statement piece, adding a bit of flair to a simple outfit and making you stand out (in the best way possible!). We totally want in on this trend.
How to wear it
4. The Look: Orange as the It Color
“The color last year was all about ‘orange is the new black,’ so this fall I predict a darker, burnt orange to compliment the previous season,” Mares says. Dolce & Gabbana, Laura Biagiotti and Alberta Ferretti had orange all over their runways, and maybe it’s because of our favorite Netflix show to binge watch, but we’re definitely on board with this trend.
How to wear it
Orange can be quite a controversial color; a lot of people insist the shade just doesn’t suit their skin tone. We’re here to tell you that that’s not true! There are shades of orange to match every skin tone.
You can add any shade of orange to your closet and still be fashion-forward this fall. “I’m trying to keep my oranges in patterns so I can avoid looking Halloween-y when I add black boots,” McDermott says. Try a flouncy orange skirt like this one and its matchy-matchy top, both from Lucca Couture. Add a pair of gold earrings from Forever 21 and some black combat boots, and you’ll be looking like you just stepped off of a runway—not out of a costume shop!
5. The Look: Oxfords
We’re used to models towering over everyone else in their tall, vampy heels, which is why we were so excited to see them wearing shoes we mere mortals can wear, too! “The runway normally makes a statement in high heels, but the casual flat… [is] really emerging,” Mares says.
Our favorite flat trend this fall is the men’s-inspired Oxford shoe that made an appearance on the runways of Steven Alan, Peter Som and Band of Outsiders. These shoes are classic, wearable and, most importantly, easy to walk in!
How to wear it
Oxford shoes are awesome because of their accessibility to the average college woman. A runway style we can run from class to class in? Yes, please!
“I’m loving the Oxfords because they’re kind of like the fall version of the little white sneaker,” McDermott says. “I feel like I can style them with anything.”
We’re into these cognac-colored shoes from dELiA*s. We love how classic and polished the Oxfords are, so we paired them with a navy-and-white striped shirt and a gorgeous midi skirt that Taylor Swift would adore. Add a classic pair of stud earrings, and you’re good to go!
6. The Look: Nordic Prints
Here at HC, we love sweater weather. These Nordic prints brought it to another level on the Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry and rag & bone runways. Fun and colorful, they bring a touch of excitement and individuality to what would otherwise be a plain sweater.
How to wear it
7. The Look: Nature-Inspired Details
While The Devil Wears Prada taught us florals for spring were nothing revolutionary, we’re super excited about these florals for fall. And who doesn’t love a cute little animal on her sweater? Models from Givenchy, Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana all rocked the look, and you can, too!
How to wear it
These looks are fantastically reminiscent of “What Does The Fox Say?” and we love it. Add animals to your wardrobe with pieces like this sweater from ModCloth. Wear it with a pair of black leggings for the comfiest of comfy days, and add a pair of black combat boots to complete the look!
Ring in the fall with fun florals like the ones found on the runways. “If I’m going to wear a floral, my first pick is with a dress,” McDermott says. “I’m going to let myself overload on femininity for the day.”
We suggest something like this dress paired with a chambray button-down for a relaxed look. Finish the look off with a pair of brown combat boots and some sweet and sparkly earrings, and you’ll have the fall floral trend down!
From the runway to your classrooms, these styles just need one more thing—you to rock the heck out of them! What are your favorite fall 2014 fashions? Sound off in the comments below!