10. Obviously neutral colors will be back this spring. Just about everyone from Alexander Wang to Acne clothed at least one model in these basic colors. The added touch this season will be your whites and khakis with black sandals. Michael Kors and the designers behind Bass and Brooke were leaders in this modification of the neutral trend. If you’d like to incorporate more neutral shades into your closet, shop for well-made khaki shorts or sleek white pants to give your wardrobe an added touch of sophistication.

9. Sheer. Another trend that seems to make its way onto the runway every spring is back again. Whether found in tights, shirts, vests or dresses, anything sheer should be purchased and worn this spring. Don’t forget, though, that you’re in public. The appropriate undergarments should be purchased as well. Charlotte Ronson’s spring 2010 collection shows how sheer biker shorts can be worn without looking completely naked. For college students, this trend should be considered only in non-academic and non-business situations.

8. The tribal influence is back again. Sophie Theallet is not the first designer to embrace the trend, but she’s definitely my favorite. Whether the inspiration is from the Far East or Southwest, this trend is definitely a hot one to consider, especially if you didn’t try it last year. For those who are trend-averse, start small, with a pair of earrings or a global-inspired bangle.

7. The rock ‘n’ roll/ black leather trend from last season will hang around in the spring as well (yes!). If you’re not ready to don fru-fru dresses, lace and all things girly this spring, don’t worry. Ann Demeulemeester’s spring 2010 collection is very dark and edgy. With creations in only black, white or a combination of the two, this collection is perfect for the girl who doesn’t think she has to wear a bold color to make a statement. The adjustment of this trend for spring is the incorporation of more camel-colored leather pieces into outfits. The models at Acne are a perfect embodiment of the ’70s chic rock ‘n’ roll style for spring.

6. Personally, I believe spring has always been the time to try new, fun prints. This year designers are mixing them in a new way. Duro Olowu, a print maven, created a line complete with crazy mixed prints. This is a trend I am still warming up to but encourage you all to try.

5. Maybe watching Olivia Palermo of “The City” stomp around in platform heels first attracted me to this style of shoe. Either way, they’re going to be huge this season, as designers such as Unique and Versace have featured them on their spring 2010 runways. Remember, practice makes perfect, so test the shoes first and be sure that you can walk in them.

4. I read somewhere that the color for 2010 will be turquoise. This is certainly exciting, but I think coral might just have more of an impact this season. Sonia Rykiel and J. Mendel incorporated this color, as did many other designers, including Chado Ralph Rucci.

3. Hate blow-drying and straightening your hair? Textured/curly hair is going to be very popular this season. All of the models at the Luca Luca show sported curly styles. It definitely gave them a more romantic, playful look.

2. I believe the quote from “The September Issue” went like this: “Ruffles for spring! What a novel idea.” Girly clothing dominated this season’s runways again, however. Ruffles, feathers and sweetheart necklines will fill department stores soon. If you want to stand out from the masses, search for clothing with bias cutouts as well.

1. On that note, ladylike purses are also coming back into style. Gone are the days of baby-smuggling tote bags. I would recommend purchasing a structured bag, reminiscent of the 1940s.
-Stay Stylish, and Happy Shopping!

1. The light blazer
If you haven’t already made the investment, consider buying a light coat to wear when it’s a little warmer than 30 degrees. Choosing one in khaki, light heather grey or navy gives you many other styling options. Fashion designer Michael Bastian sent his male models down the runway in blazers coupled with blue jeans or twill pants. Cuff the sleeves to a point just below your elbow for a more casual, relaxed look. To complete the look, wear either a cotton shirt or a casual button-down.

2. Dual chromatic outfits
Color combinations such as black and white, tan and grey, or white and peach are completely appropriate for spring and were the main themes of Viktor and Rolf’s runway collection. Afraid of looking feminine or like you spent too much time in the mirror? Keep things simple. Black shoes and a black belt look great set across crisp white pants and a white shirt, and that’s only four items. If you would rather wear a warmer palate, take a note from Hermes, whose collection was based on the color brown. Instead of black, wear brown accessories and pair them with cream pants and a shirt of the same shade.

3. The sockless trend
Hopefully that didn’t evoke the image of hot, sweaty feet—that’s definitely not the look you should be going for. In fact, many guys walked the runway in boat shoes sans socks, and I think it’s a trend worth trying out. Emporio Armani and the designers at Shipley & Halmos clothed their models in ankle-revealing pants, a look that can be achieved by slightly cuffing the hems of your trousers. The great thing about this look is that it can be done regardless of the occasion. Reminiscent of the nautical trend that appears every year, shoes without socks can be worn with suits for a business casual affair, shorts and a light shirt, or jeans and a button-down.

4. The man-trench
Think Burberry, not the local weatherman. Trench coats are not just for ladies and have the power to completely alter your mood and presence. Fashion designer Gianfranco Ferré showcased a few masculine coats, while the rest were borderline feminine. The key is to look for masculine details, such as utility pockets or military-inspired shoulder flaps. This season Burberry Prorsum updated its classic trench by using unique materials like leather and nylon, and created a new collar shape—one that lacks lapels. But you can’t really go wrong with a classic khaki trench coat. They can be worn over everything from jeans to slacks.

Colored sneakers

Shoemakers Nike and Converse both sell footwear in a myriad of colors. If you’re a shoe-guy, try buying a new pair in a more creative shade, such as new turquoise hi-tops or Dunks or Jordans from Nike’s Web site, while keeping the rest of your outfit simple.

Patterned masculine scarves

Take a note from the pages of Burberry when it comes to purchasing a winter scarf. Keep in mind that brightening your wardrobe doesn’t automatically imply donning something in neon. If subtlety is more your style, look for scarves with small doses of color to brighten up your attire.

Cashmere sweaters

Right now, major department stores such as Macy’s and specialty retailers like J. Crew are offering sweaters at discounted prices, keeping you stylish without breaking the bank. This is certainly great news for college students. Also, wearing a sweater in a bold color and keeping everything else neutral allows you to stay warm while expressing your personality through color choice.

Colored leather bags

For us girls, adding color to our winter wardrobe is more about accessorizing. Colored leather bags are probably the boldest accessory to wear in the winter, especially if you cover yourself in a black or brown coat. Consider a bowler-shaped bag to look more polished, or a messenger bag for a more casual appearance. For bags under $200, look at the options created by Lucky Brand Jeans. If money is no issue, try Kate Spade’s fall handbag line or that of Be & D.

Bright jewelry

Jewelry should always complement one’s clothing. This month, try shifting the focus from your clothes to your jewels. Statement necklaces were very popular at the end of 2009, and that trend is still very present this year. Stock up on bold jewelry while the prices are low, but only feature one piece per outfit and remember to keep everything else simple.

Jewel-tone lipstick/gloss

Clothes aren’t the only thing to worry about in the winter; it is important to brighten up your look by starting with your face. Plum-, red-, fuchsia- and coral-colored lipsticks were popular on the runways and can be found at Sephora or at any makeup counter. Don’t forget to try before you buy; colors that look nice in the bottle may not necessarily be complementary to your skin tone.

-Stay Stylish!

Ugg boots such as these are frequently seen around campus. (MCT Campus)

It’s no surprise that many of us have had to wear uniforms at some point in our lives. If you wore them in elementary school or middle school, but not in high school, you probably celebrated your newfound freedom with a shopping spree. You finally had the opportunity to create an identity, a new image to express yourself.

Lucky you if you’ve never had to experience the torturous and stringent rules that come with uniforms. If you’ve worn a uniform for most or all of your life, this article is for you. Fast-forward a few years and you’re in college. Like everyone else, you’re still in the process of figuring out who you are and finding new avenues through which your personality and ideas can shine. Yet on my daily trek from my dorm to class, I see the same colors, the same book bags, the same boots and the same hairstyles; this monotony almost leads me to ask if Washington University has a secret uniform that I knew nothing about.

I am not saying that no one has a sense of style at Wash. U. Obviously, some students on campus really know how to dress well. Also, I am not claiming to be immune to the unoriginality that can sometimes be spotted on our campus. We all have our rushed days and this Midwestern weather does not always allow us to dress as well as we would like.

Thankfully, there is no explicit uniform here, but is there a hidden list of rules stating that every girl must own at least one Longchamp bag in either navy, black, brown or red? Or is it a requirement that all students, male and female, must don a black North Face fleece when the weather gets cold? Must we all wear Uggs around this time of the year? And really, when did leggings become pants? I’ll admit it, I myself own a pink Longchamp bag; I love it because it’s both sturdy and practical. But there are other functional and well-built bags out there.

As we shop, are we subconsciously influenced by peer pressure or the pressure to conform? What alternatives are there to this monotony? When it comes to Uggs, there are many different variations (and I’m not suggesting you buy fake ones): Michael Kors and Børn both offer “insulated” boots at similar price points. Instead of buying another North Face, consider purchasing a fur or faux fur coat, a wool coat or a down coat. Labels such as French Connection, Free People and even North Face have coats that can help you stand out. For a Longchamp bag replacement, take your time and look around—other well-made bags big enough to carry books and laptops do exist.

I encourage you all to think outside the box as you shop this holiday season. Find items that are unique and true to you. Don’t worry about what people will think. More importantly, have fun.

-Stay Stylish!

Are dress codes even necessary? Do they limit our creativity and self-expression as fashion-loving beings? As we all know, fashion can be used to express our passions, who we are, and where we’re from. The way we dress can say so much about ourselves—often if you look at a stranger in class, you are able to pick up on some aspects of his or her personality.

Ever been to Compton? Wearing red or blue shows both loyalty and association. If you’re caught wearing the wrong color, there could be serious consequences for you. Vacationing in the Hamptons? If you’re not wearing Lily Pulitzer, some kind of polo or Sperry TopSiders, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. If you ever travel abroad, you’ll find that many people wear items reflecting their ethnicity, religion or occupation.

History of dress codes

Where did the idea of dress codes originate? Native Americans robed themselves according to their social class, as did many other cultural groups around the globe. Nobles, slaves and commoners never dressed alike. Hair length and body art displayed both one’s status and accomplishments.

How do they affect us today?

School

In schools across the nation, dress code violations are subject to various punishments. On the collegiate level, Morehouse College has recently implemented an 11-item campus-wide dress code, which includes a ban on items like sunglasses and caps. Hampton University and Bennett College also have a dress code policy. Though such policies are not common on college campuses, there is a method to the administrators’ madness. In an article by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution published last month, Dr. William Bynum, vice president of the Office of Student Services at Morehouse, was quoted as saying, “We know that how a student dresses has nothing to do with what is in their head, but first impressions mean everything.” Thus, Morehouse College is using clothing to create or enhance an image. Even though we use fashion as a form of self-expression, we are also being judged before we speak.

Work

In the workplace, dress codes are highly stressed. Even in the fashion industry, companies such as Liz Claiborne have posted dress code policies on intern application sites to ensure that future employees do not take the culture too lightly. Want to be taken seriously by your colleagues? It is often recommended that you wear a suit. Suits in the ’80s weren’t called power suits for nothing.

How can you avoid the embarrassment of violating a dress code? Research a company, restaurant or university’s Web site, and use common sense. Some of the banned items from Liz Claiborne include sweatpants, tube tops and beachwear. At Morehouse, students are not allowed to wear do-rags indoors, and men are not allowed to wear women’s clothing at school-sponsored events. Dress codes were created to ensure that members of a group look uniform and united. They can be used to signify a variety of social classifiers like social status, socioeconomic background or tribe.

If you’re looking for ways to express your personality through the things you wear, consider colors or patterns of acceptable clothing that appeal to you. Since dress codes can be found in countless areas of daily life, it’s important to become aware of them and to determine what is appropriate for certain situations. Good luck if you’re a non-conformist.

-Stay Stylish!

Have you ever wanted to start your own business? Did you let your age, experience, knowledge or savings limit you from beginning your own venture? Like many students involved in the Student Entrepreneurial Program here at Washington University, freshman Sam Franklin has just launched a company, and he did it from his Seattle home. Greenvelope, LLC, an online wedding invitation site, has finally arrived. Curious and wanting to know more about him, I sat down to hear his story.

Student Life: Tell me about your background.

Sam Franklin:I’m from the Seattle Area and have always liked entrepreneurship. Though I graduated from high school with the class of 2008, I deferred a year from entering Wash U. During my year off I ran a pressure washing company during the day and delivered pizzas at night.  The remainder of my time was spent working on Greenvelope.

SL: What are you most passionate about?

SF: Since I’m from the Pacific Northwest, I’ve always been involved in outdoor activities, as well as lacrosse. Seattle’s all about being green, and I’m glad I get to take a part in that.

SL: What are you currently studying at Wash. U.?

SF: Possibly Entrepreneurship and Marketing. I’m also thinking about minoring in Communication Design.

SL: What do your parents do?

SF: My dad’s an orthopedic surgeon and entrepreneur. He owns a surgical center.

SL: So, how did you come up with such an idea?

SF: I was reading an article by USA Today about people who have done e-vites. It sounded like a cool idea.

SL: Why wedding invitations?

SF: I identified an issue: people want formal wedding invitations but also want to be environmentally friendly. With Greenvelope, they can get the quality they need and save the environment at the same time.

SL: How did you come up with the name Greenevelope?

Actually my Project Manager, Zak, came up with it and I’m very grateful.  Our vision has evolved

SL: Was it necessary for you to take a year off?

SF: Definitely. It’s a full time job. Luckily there are lots of resources here, and practicing what you learn makes classes more relevant.

SL: Who is your target demographic?

I feel that young couples who have grown up in this internet age are more likely to use the service.

SL: How did you fund the company?

SF: During my high school years, I ran a pressure washing company and saved a lot of the money I made. Also, while I was at home I had two jobs, one of which was selling pizzas.

SL: What was one of the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome when creating a company of your own?

SF: Working on Greenvelope was very time consuming. I worked with two developers and two designers. This project taught me about time management and how to make difficult decisions. I also took out some loans for my initial funding.

SL: What sets Greenvelope apart from other e-vite Web sites or companies?

SF: My Web site’s very interactive, and there are no annoying advertisements. Usually with other sites you find many ads and tacky and limited [template]options. Greenvelope offers a wide range of traditional wedding templates. Save time. Save trees. Save money.

SL: How many employees do you currently have?

SF: Just two; I’m working with a designer and a developer. Later when the company expands, I’ll probably add more people to the team.

SL: How has business been looking so far? Are you working on any other projects?

SF: It looks great. I’ve gotten very positive feedback from some family, friends and young couples. With my course load, I’m unable to take on any other projects, but I do have many ideas for the future.

SL: Where do you see your company going in the next five years?

SF: I want to expand into other types of invitations—bat and bar mitzvahs, business and corporate events, etc.

SL: What advice do you have for entrepreneurial-minded college students like yourself?

SF: There are so many good ideas out there. Usually people are scared their ideas will get stolen. However, they need to talk to people. Don’t be paranoid that people will take your ideas. Being young definitely helps, and it also doesn’t mean you’re incapable. Effective communication and surrounding yourself with like-minded passionate people will help you succeed.

With that being said, go out and talk to people. We’re fortunate enough to have a great support team and to go to school with many talented and gifted students.

If you are interested in learning more about Greenvelope, go to http://www.greenvelope.com.

SL: When did you first become interested in fashion?

JM: It’s always been in my family. My parents were hippies, and I found pictures of them when they were young. My sister and I are best friends, and we would shop for fun, read magazines and share clothes. I never thought I could do it as a career, especially here in St. Louis.

SL: What inspires you?

JM: The ’70s rocker look and rocker-grunge for sure. Some of my style icons are actually guys in rock: Jimi Hendrix, Axle, even Mary-Kate Olsen. I also look at other fashion bloggers [and] celebrities. [I] am fortunate to be surrounded by such a fabulous fashion crew. I can draw inspiration from any of them.

SL: Who is your favorite designer?

JM: I’m not very loyal, it changes from season to season. I really like Versace from the ’80s—the cutout and bandage dresses. Also, I’m really into Tom Ford and Rick Owens. Their clothes are super hot and edgy. I really like what Alexander Wang is doing now. Everything’s casual-meets-sexy. I’m all about sexy.

SL: If you could be one article of clothing, what would you be and why?

JM: I think I would be a pair of badass Gucci boots. I’m always in boots and black, so it would have to be black, with studs. I have a BeDazzler!

SL: You mentioned a BeDazzler; do you have any strange fashion-related hobbies or obsessions?

JM: Well nobody likes to shop with me! I like to go to Value Village, and I spend hours [she really means hours] in every department. Men’s, little girls, you name it. I’m all about digging and finding treasures, and not about spending a lot of money.

SL: What was your most unfashionable moment?

JM: I’m sure people have their own opinions daily. But in high school I went through this phase where I wore a lot of turtlenecks. I made a look with it. Actually, growing up, I did all of the quirky things.

SL: Where did you go to school? What did you study?

JM: I went to Webster University and double majored in psychology and management. I chose psych because I found it very interesting. My parents suggested I add management so I could have a job after graduation. My majors have nothing to do with my career. I wish I went to school for fashion design.

SL: What do you think are this season’s most wearable trends, especially for young college students?

JM: I would say the leather jacket. It’s definitely a great investment piece and can be worn in so many ways. For going out, I’m really into the over-the-knee boots. I’m also loving jumpsuits and shoulder pads. Lately, however, I’ve been seeing students combine athletic-inspired things with more structured pieces. I like this look as well.

SL: What do you like most about Alive Magazine?

JM: I like that people see it as a source for style advice and fashion tips. Actually, we have more fashion content than any other publication in the Midwest. Also, I like the fact that we have original editorials, local models and local photographers—it’s neat. One time, we ran a large fashion editorial and found a similar shoot in Vogue magazine the week after! This definitely positions us as a credible style source, since we’re on trend.

SL: Describe your typical day as a fashion editor.

JM: It’s crazy! Right now I’m manning three jobs as the fashion editor for Alive, fashion director of St. Louis Fashion Week, and executive director of Corridor40. Thankfully, I can get a lot of work done from home, but every day is very different.

SL: How can college students interested in a career like yours get started?

JM: Don’t be a diva or afraid to start from the bottom rung. Also, be sure to take on internships. Do what you can to get your foot in the door.

SL: Who is your favorite fashion editor from a national publication?

JM: I love Kate Lanphear from ELLE. She is fabulous, and I love her style. (She’s very edgy and wears studs!) I feel like we have this bond, even though I don’t know her personally.

SL: What do you like the most about the fashion industry?

JM: It’s ever-evolving. Jeigh Singleton, fashion design professor from Sam Fox [School of Design & Visual Arts], said, “We have more fun than anybody!” It’s true; I always feel so lucky to be in an industry where I constantly collaborate with other artists.

SL: What do you like the least?

JM: For a long time, fashion was very cliquey, and people were very snobby. Now you can shop anywhere, and it’s cool. Today, people are more open-minded and more accepting of different styles.

SL: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

JM: Honestly, I don’t really know. I want to perfect what I’m doing now. I just want to continue styling and working in fashion. Hopefully the magazine will expand, and I would like to see St. Louis Fashion Week attract more designers and become better respected.

SL: Do you have any advice, fashion- or life-related, for young fashionistas?

JM: As far as fashion goes, take chances. Don’t be too safe. If you know what you love, don’t think you have to move to New York or L.A. You can stay in St. Louis!

-Stay Stylish!

Have you ever walked into the mall, a boutique or a random street market and purchased something you didn’t have any desire for the day before? Ever experienced buyer’s remorse? If so, you’re not alone. The good thing is that you’ve just made a sales executive’s commission go up, increased revenues for a company and paid someone’s wages for producing the purchased item in the first place. Good for you! But now you’re stuck with something you don’t need—or, because you’ve spent money on this extra item, you have less to spend on other, perhaps more important, things.

So who’s to blame? It is the designer’s job to create something eye-catching, breathtaking and magnificent. It’s the marketing executive’s job to present said item in a way that intrigues shoppers, speaks to them and maybe even whispers something in their ears. And it is your job to shop. If people didn’t shop, unemployment would rise, since seamstresses and many other people in the retail world could lose their jobs. So what’s the solution? Let’s start by making a plan. Consider three things when preparing a shopping list: What’s in your closet? What do you think you need, and how much are you willing to pay for these items? Next, try to prioritize your list. Are there some items that you can buy on your next shopping trip? Obviously you don’t know exactly what you’ll find when you get to the mall, but equipped with a ranked shopping list and an idea of what you’re looking for, you should be in good shape and in the position to return home content with your purchases.

By planning ahead and thinking before you act, you’ll make wiser purchasing decisions and won’t get swayed or tricked into doing something you didn’t mean to do. If it helps, try on the piece and try to come up with five solid reasons you need that item. If you do end up buying something and discover that you don’t really like or need it, return it before the receipt expires. In this season of economic unrest, it’s time for shoppers to shop smartly. But every now and then, it’s OK to splurge!

-Stay Stylish!

Having received her undergraduate degree in Marketing from Baylor University, this St. Louis native took the initiative to take fashion courses on her own and eventually received her MBA from The Olin School of Business in 1999. Four years later, the Lori Coulter made-to-order swimwear dream, TrueMeasure, was finally realized. I had the opportunity to meet Coulter for a Student Life exclusive Q & A.

Student Life: What’s your personal style? What influences or inspires you?

Lori Coulter: My style is classic with retro-bohemian influences. I like a tailored look with a twist. As for my swimwear, I am always inspired by vintage prints, landscapes, textile design, evening wear, dresses or even people-watching when I vacation at resorts. During St. Louis Fashion Week, I have a great team that helps create a concept every year based on these things.

SL: Which designer do you most admire and why?

LC: Tory Burch both as an entrepreneur and a designer. My favorite swimwear designer is Norma Kamali, due to her iconic retro influences. I love creating something from nothing.

SL: Describe your most unfashionable moment.

LC: In the sixth grade back in the ’80s, I was really proud of my bright yellow jeans and red suspenders. I also had a red-and-yellow-plaid polo that I always wore with my favorite green dress.

SL: How or when were you aware that entering the fashion industry was best for you?

LC: I always knew I wanted to work in retail. After attending Baylor University, I worked in consulting for a few years with Macroeconomic Advisers, but fashion and retail have always been my passion.

SL: What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

LC: I really enjoy working one-on-one with women, as well as presenting my swimwear to CEOs or big Fortune 500 companies.

SL: Why swimwear?

LC: One day my mother was preparing for a trip and needed a swimsuit. She mentioned that if only someone could create swimsuits that always fit, that would be a gold mine. Swimsuits are generally a hard garment for women to shop for and buy. Also, women aren’t very brand loyal so it’s an easier market to enter.

SL: Who is your target demographic?

LC: My customers are usually women ranging from ages 25 to 55. They are affluent, travel regularly, own boats, etc. They also come to me for different reasons. Sometimes I get the fashion-oriented customer who likes the customization process, or I get the wardrobe-essential customer who needs a suit quickly for an upcoming trip.

SL: What makes your line unique?

LC: With our advanced technology and engineering, we’ve created the TrueTailor 3D body scanner. In less than 12 seconds, 140 measurements are taken of each new customer. Then customers are allowed to choose everything from the neckline to the lining—basically all the design details. If they’re looking to buy from our main line, we have about 45 swimsuit styles for women to choose from. If they aren’t satisfied with those options or have an idea in mind, our couture line allows for fresh sketches, all to meet the customer’s needs.

SL: What message do you try to send through your swimsuits?

LC: Women deserve to feel confident in buying and wearing a swimsuit. We also try to revolutionize the way women shop for clothes in general.

SL: How did your products land in a well-known store like Macy’s?

CL: I had to go through the same sales process as other brands and get my product in front of the decision makers. This involves not only a degree of dependability and trust, but I also have to be relatable and sell my line in a way that they would understand. Macy’s has been wonderful to work with.

SL: Where do you see yourself going in the next five years?

LC: Having a 3-year-old son and being an entrepreneur and CEO is very hard work. I would like to expand into more locations. I currently have two factories, both in the U.S. I would also like to diversify the products offered under the Lori Coulter brand. I’ve heard lingerie might be good. Or sportswear.

If you’re looking to start your own business, whether in fashion or not, Coulter advises, “When things go wrong, just know that they are temporary. It’s our job to fulfill our God-given potential.”

—Stay Stylish!

Formal

If you are faced with a formal dress code, try a monochromatic three-piece suit in the style of Calvin Klein or Lacoste. Ranging from gray and sleek black to teal and canary yellow, this look includes a matching silk tie and dress shirt. Not sure what tie options will be popular this fall? Designers at Bottega Veneta, DSquared, Burberry and Calvin Klein suggest that a quirky bowtie or a skinny tie, in either solid colors or prints, will suffice. What happens if the weather goes from mild to blizzard on the same day? Designer Paul Smith recommends tossing on a tartan, khaki or black-wool overcoat for warmth.

Semi-formal

For those fall days when you’re not required to dress up quite as much but still need to be looking sharp, here are some interesting trends to try. The first is the velvet blazer. Velvet is generally a popular fabric in the fall, and designers, including Paul Smith and Marc Jacobs, made sure to incorporate it in many of their runway collections. When styling your outfit around this fabric, wear dress pants in a solid color, and skip the tie. Not a fan of blazers? Consider layering a round-neck sweater over a crisp white top for a collegiate-chic look. If color is important to you, try pairing a bold primary-colored dress shirt and colored suede dress shoes with your suit for a look inspired by designer Paul Smith.

Casual

Let’s face it; this fall you’ll end up spending the majority of your time either going to classes or hanging out with friends. With that said, casual everyday clothes probably matter to you most. When it comes to casual fashion, stripes are always prevalent in the fall. But instead of the boring, thin, neutral striped sweaters you wear every year, try donning a thickly striped, bold-colored sweater, like the ones found on Marc Jacobs’ runway. If simplicity is your thing, perhaps you should try a chunky knit sweater with a flattering neckline (V-neck, turtleneck or round). Not a fan of sweaters? Not a problem. Plaid tops, which have been trendy in seasons past, can currently be found at a variety of mall stores. Need a coat? Military-style jackets in shades of army green, brown and black were seen in William Rast and DSquared’s collections. To complete your everyday look, try wearing slightly destroyed fitted jeans or colored, skinny corduroy pants like the ones seen at Trovata. As for footwear, high-tops or lace-up boots in black or brown will work with any outfit.

This fall many designers place an emphasis on mixing prints and patterns, as well as textures. This includes patterns such as argyle, stripes, paisley or plaid, and textures such as cotton, silk, tweed, wool, leather and velvet. Also, leather gloves, circle scarves and beanies appeared to be the accessories of choice for the cold weather runway looks. Designers took inspiration from the 1950s and ’80s when it came to creating men’s sweaters and introduced color via shoes and shirts. The military trend made an appearance again this fall in dark jackets and combat boots. Hopefully you’ll find at least one trend to suit you this fall.