Stuck in a style rut? Looking from some extra-special, out-of-the-ordinary outfit inspo to take you to the next level? Whatever it is, you know exactly where to look for fashion-forward inspiration: celebs, of course!
Obviously, it would be easy to imitate drop-dead gorgeous celeb style if you had an unlimited budget – Dior and Alexander McQueen, here you come! Clearly, though, collegiette budgets are just a bittighter than those of Oscar-winning actresses – and that’s why we’ve compiled the most creative ‘looks for less’ mood boards based on our fave celebrity looks for every occasion – girls’ night out, brunch, study sessions, you name it. With Necessary Clothing, you can show off your A-lister style sense without breaking the bank!
Date Night Elegance - Alexa Chung
Coraline Collared Dress in Black, $24.99 at Necessary Clothing
Dolly I Beg Your Pardon Flats, $17.99 at Necessary Clothing
Cooly Collected Color Bag in Black, $34.99 at Necessary Clothing
Stack Em Ring, $12.99 at Necessary Clothing
NYX Cosmetics Baked Eye Shadow in Ghetto Gold, $5.99 at ULTA Beauty
Chanel No 5, $132.00 at Chanel
Ooh la la! Get all dolled up and dress to impress in this fun and flirty look inspired by Alexa Chung. We love how the white collar detail adds some character to her LBD – the short, straightforward style makes a statement all its own! Keep on turning heads and capturing your date’s attention by adding delicate details – a unique gold ring, adorable D’Orsay flats and a spritz of unforgettable Chanel No. 5.
Pretty & Perfect Internship – Lupita Nyong’o
The Necessary Basic Shirt in Mustard, $18.99 at Necessary Clothing
Annelise Trench Coat in Blush, $59.99 at Necessary Clothing
Liv It Bandage Skirt, $29.99 at Necessary Clothing
Glee Mule Heels in Nude, $24.99 at Necessary Clothing
Hitch Hikers Drawstring Bag in Beige, $44.99 at Necessary Clothing
Square Buckle Belt in Wine, $5.99 at Necessary Clothing
NARS Lipstick in Scarlett Empress, $26 at Violet Grey
Everyday Legal Notepad, $8.00 at Rifle Paper Co.
Marc by Marc Jacobs “Baker” Leather Strap Watch in Black/Gold, $175.00 at Nordstrom
Do What You Love Travel Mug, $12.00 at Indigo
Everyone always talks about showing your soft side or your serious side. We ask: Why not both? Put your best self forward in an internship-ready outfit that’s sure to wow in any professional setting – bold colors are key! We pulled inspiration from the queen of colorful clothing, Lupita Nyong’o, who knows how to rock a jewel tone better than anyone we know. Choose an office-appropriate midi skirt, a classic basic top, an eye-catching trench and, of course, a statement belt! Keep your pieces in the same color family, throw your essentials in a beautiful bucket bag and get ready to stand out!
Library Chic – Taylor Swift
The Necessary Basic Dress in Charcoal, $19.99 at Necessary Clothing
Annelise Jacket in Burgundy, $69.99 at Necessary Clothing
Riley Beanie in Black, $12.99 at Necessary Clothing
Tart Tights in Charcoal, $9.99 at Necessary Clothing
Sleek Body Bag in Beige, $39.99 at Necessary Clothing
Tulip Bootie, $24.99 at Necessary Clothing
bordeaux nail polish , $8.50 at essie
Raise your hand if Taylor Swift totally gets you! We love to see TSwift channeling our inner late-night-study-session self with this stylish (but comfortable!) ensemble, which was practically made for hunkering down in the library. This essential basic dress is soft and loose enough to be perfect for a study session, and it’s easy to add structure to it with a cool burgundy cardigan, sheer pewter tights and a pair of chunky, blister-proof booties. Grab your books, some snacks and, of course, a coffee!
Morning Class Couture – Kendall Jenner
Coat Up High Waist Skinny Jeans in Black, $32.99 at Necessary Clothing
Denim Chambray Buttondown, $34.99 at Necessary Clothing
Super Hero Suede Bootie in Tan, $27.99 at Necessary Clothing
Sleek Body Bag in Black, $39.99 at Necessary Clothing
Austin Aviators, $9.99 at Necessary Clothing
To the Left Necklace, $10.99 at Necessary Clothing
Stay Focused Pouch, $12.95 at Paper Source
2015 Desk Diary Coral French Goatskin Leather, $49.00 at Graphic Image
The morning after a late-night study sesh is always hard – as are, you know… mornings in general. Make your morning classes a bit more bearable by looking your best, even if you just rolled out of bed! We’re feeling inspired by Kendall Jenner’s effortlessly chic denim-on-leather look. Opt for a button-down in a soft denim and pair it with faux leather jeans or leggings (longer shirts can work with leggings, shorter ones cannot!). Add on some neutral suede booties and a pair of chic aviators, then pull your hair into a perfectly tousled ponytail. Voilà! Instant style!
Girls’ Night Out Necessities – Emma Watson
Beloved Jacket in Black, $39.99 at Necessary Clothing
Pleated Maxi Skirt in Black, $39.99 at Necessary Clothing
Laced Grace Crop Top, $27.99 at Necessary Clothing
Crossed Lovers Earrings, $7.99 at Necessary Clothing
Bridgets Pumps, $24.99 at Necessary Clothing
Bedazzled iPhone 6 Plus Crystal Case, $14.99 at Necessary Clothing
MAC Lipstick in Myth, $16 at MAC Cosmetics
Girls’ Night Out? Get ready to look and feel ***flawless! Don’t be afraid to take risks with your outfit – Emma Watson proves you can pull off a bold look while still looking refined! The key is to keep your proportions in check. To avoid an all-over goth look when going with all-black, balance out maxi skirts with cutouts on the leg and balance out heavy black jackets with some skin showing below your crop top. Opting for nude lipstick and a simple, sophisticated chignon saves you from looking like Morticia Addams. Bonus points for a glam, glittering phone case to tie together the ensemble!
Formal Statements – Jennifer Lawrence
Below the Line Midi Dress, $34.99 at Necessary Clothing
Mariah Mesh Dress in White, $29.99 at Necessary Clothing
Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb, $80.00 at Sephora
Joa Sparkle Statement Earrings, $30 at Necessary Clothing
Serena Clutch, $34.99 at Necessary Clothing
Bridget Pumps in Black, $24.99 at Necessary Clothing
Almost Have It Together Ring, $7.99 at Necessary Clothing
Dior 3 Couleurs Smokey Eyeshadow, $48 at Bloomingdale’s
J.Law can do no wrong in our eyes, and certainly not with this flawless Dior dress (you know – the one that launched a thousand imitations). Get inspired by her classic black-and-white look for formal! They key is to dress up an elegantly simple dress with dazzling accessories – think diamond earrings (or emerald, as J.Law chose) and a ring to match, strappy black heels, a subtle smoky eye and a splash of floral perfume. It’s your Cinderella moment!
Sunday Best – Gina Rodriguez
The Necessary Basic Shirt in Pink, $18.99 at Necessary Clothing
Empire Floral Neoprene Skirt, $27.99 at Necessary Clothing
Cooly Collected Color Bag in Cream, $34.99 at Necessary Clothing
Pearlfect Pearl Cuff Earring, $9.99 at Necessary Clothing
Disco Jelly Sandals in Clear, $14.99 at Necessary Clothing
Amazonian Butter Lipstick in Golden Pink, $16 at tarte Cosmetics
As Many Hours in a Day as Beyonce Mug, $13.12 at Etsy
Sundays are our favorite day. Why? Brunch, duh! We’re channeling some major tea party/garden party inspo for our dream Sunday brunch look, and that’s why we’re obsessed with Gina Rodriguez’s floral ensemble! Play up pretty pastels with large floral patterns, fun sheer inserts, an essential solid top and the obligatory clear jelly sandal. Don’t be afraid to toughen up the look with an eye-catching ear cuff – you’ll be raking in the compliments over morning mimosas!
Kick your style game up a notch this semester – these looks for less will have you camera-ready (and Pinspirational) in no time. Seriously, you just can’t go wrong when you take style cues from the likes of Emma Watson and Lupita Nyong’o – make yourself just as memorable with affordable, chic pieces from Necessary Clothing!
