With many collegiettes facing a rough winter and yearning for warmer weather, there’s no better way to get out of a mid-winter funk than by getting your spring wardrobe ready! While the high-fashion element of the New York Fashion Week runway shows may seem intimidating and over the top for everyday outfits, HC is here to show you how to take the most popular spring 2014 runway trends and make them wearable for class.
1. Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits were all over the runways of New York Fashion Week last fall, including Diane von Furstenberg’s show, and will be a must-have item come spring. “I live for a jumpsuit,” says Barbet Smith, a personal shopper and stylist on the Lifetime TV show Million Dollar Shoppers.
To pull a jumpsuit off, “you have to be a little daring,” Smith says. Some collegiettes fall prey to the notion that only tall girls can pull off a jumpsuit, but that’s not the case! Picking a jumpsuit with a plunging neckline or more fitted legs can elongate your body. If you’re still self conscious about your height, pair the outfit with a slightly wedged sandal that adds some height but is still easy to walk to class in. Be confident, find a jumpsuit that fits your body type and take a risk! A hot jumpsuit is worth it.
Strappy Sweetheart Jumpsuit, Tobi, $68
Camille Sandal, LAUREN Ralph Lauren, $54.99
Quilted Vegan Leather Jacket, American Eagle, $99.95
Jumpsuits are great for class because they require little coordination. You can roll out of bed 10 minutes before your 8 a.m. and throw one on and it’ll look like you put more effort into getting ready than you actually did. Add a statement necklace to dress it up or pair it with a leather jacket to stay warm on crisp spring mornings.
2. Fringe
Fringed clothing graced the spring 2014 collections of countless designers last September, including Altuzarra, Emilio Pucci and Tibi. This Gatsby-esque trend can be found on almost any type of clothing, such as shirts, leggings and dresses. Because of its versatility, it’s an easy option for collegiettes this spring. Those who only want to use the trend as an accessory can add a fringed scarf to their outfit, while those who can’t get enough of this trend can rock a fringed dress.
My Fringe Mini Skirt, Tobi, $48
This skirt is a great option to incorporate some fringe for class. Pair it with flats and add some statement jewelry to complete the look.
3. Moto Jackets
Motorcycle jackets, which were seen on runways such as Saint Laurent’s, are no longer reserved for rebels on the back of Harleys. Moto jackets can be paired with basically any type of pant, along with your favorite flats or edgy boots, depending on your style.
“I think every girl on campus should have a motorcycle jacket,” Smith says. “What you’re seeing [this spring] is a short leather jacket with some sort of hardware. It’s a classic!”
Cool Girl Perforated Jacket, Forever 21, $37.80
These jackets are an easy way to revamp your traditional look while still looking put-together. “Take a classic look and dress it up with a moto jacket,” Smith suggests. To do so, pair this jacket with a white button-down shirt and dark jeans or black pants for a polished look. A moto jacket can also complete a going-out look. Putting one over a bodycon dress or a romper is a great party look.
4. Pastels Paired With a Bright Color
Say goodbye to the gloomy grays of winter and hello to the pretty pastels of spring, which were a favorite at runway shows such as Matthew Williamson. Sunny days and warm weather can be reflected in peachy pinks, placid blues and lavenders in your wardrobe. When you go shopping for your favorite spring clothing, try picking pastels and pairing them with a more prominent pop of color like in a necklace, bangles or shoes. The contrast between the soft pastel and the bright color is visually interesting and will draw the attention of your classmates. Meredith Dyer, a PR and communications assistant for Oscar de la Renta, says bright colors are “easy to take to the classroom, whether it’s with a bright school bag or tons of bracelets. Or, for the more bold, colored pants!”
If you want to stay on the safe side, stick with pastels and brights in the same color family. Try a light blue pant with bright blue jewelry, such as a statement necklace or a set of bangles (or vice versa). Or, if you’re feeling bolder, take the same ice-blue pant and pair it with coral accessories. Another brave color combo is a pastel green with a pop of neon yellow or bright pink. The key is to find a balance between the pastel and bright color; one should be the more dominant color so the different colors don’t overwhelm the outfit.
Calypso Romper, Tobi, $58
Bejeweled Bib Necklace, Forever 21, $10.80
Color Cascade Lacquered Bangle Set, Forever 21, $6.80
This peachy romper is a great pastel for the spring. The bright coral jewelry serves as the color pop because one color is more dominant than the other. It’s the perfect balance of pastel and bright color!
5. Crop Tops
You’ve spent all winter slaving away in the gym; it’s about time you show off those abs! Crop tops were all the rage in collections like DKNY, Diane von Furstenberg and Thakoon and will be a must-have item again this spring. Crop tops are no longer exclusive for concerts and parties; they compliment everyday outfits if worn right. Wearing one with a maxi skirt, harem pants, wide-legged pants or a circle skirt balances out the tight top. Contrasting it with a looser bottom makes crop tops more appropriate for class so you’re not revealing too much.
Let It Be Crop Sweater, Nasty Gal, $68
This crop top is great for class because it’s made out of sweater material and is a little looser around the body. It shows a little skin but still stays classy when paired with a circle skirt.
6. Luxe Sweatshirts
We’ve all had those mornings after a late night of studying (or partying) when we roll out of bed and all we want to do is throw on a pair of sweats and slum it to class. With the newest trend of luxe sweatshirts, as seen on runways such as Peter Som, collegiettes can still be comfortable while staying stylish. Luxe sweatshirts are made of a similar material to normal sweatshirts, yet they’re often embellished, be it with lace, zippers, beading or what have you.
Eliza Embossed Brocade Sweater, Tobi, $62
These sweatshirts are “super easy for class,” Dyer says. Pair one like this with a soft, well-worn pair of jeans and flats and you’ll be just as comfortable as if you’d gone to class in a sweat suit—but a lot more fashionable!
These spring trends are great on their own but are also super easy to mix and match! A moto jacket is the perfect complement to a jumpsuit, a fringed luxe sweatshirt is a great look with jeans and any of above the trends look amazing in a pastel or pop of color. No matter which trends you decide to try, you’re guaranteed to look stylish and fashion-forward for class. Let us know which trends you decide to rock this spring!