Fall's newest fashion trends are all about dressing for your body type, and by using wardrobe basics and flattering autumn colors, students can look like runway models without paying designer prices.
Belts, dark colors and baby-dolls are making their debut this September. Cranberry, grey and mustard yellow are the latest looks to pair with every skirt, top and pant.
Balleria flats are one of this fall's number-one necessities. Basic colors such as blacks and browns can be mixed with any pant, whereas patterned flats offer a unique look to compliment any outfit.
Timeless pieces can also serve as staple-items that can be used year after year. For instance, ribbed tank tops can serve a more casual look, but when layered, can also be a great piece to flatter a skirt on a Saturday night.
New trends this fall include the skinny jean paired with heels. As a rule of thumb, the skinnier the pant leg, the thinner the heel should be. This style of pant should be coupled with baby-doll shirts or other loose fitting tops rather than skintight tanks or tees.
"Skinny jeans are really hot right now," said Kathryn Przybyla, a freshman exercise-science major. "Also, I love parachute jackets. Those are my favorite pieces for fall."
Skinny jeans aren't just for size-twos, either. This look can work for any shape and size if the right type of jean can be picked.
The skinny jean is something that has taken the fashion world and the real world by storm. While most think that the skinny jean is only for size-zero girls, it can really work for any shape or size.
Ranging from just smaller than a boot-cut jean to cutting off the circulation of your ankle, there is a skinny jean for every person. Curvier women should stick to a leg that has a little more room in it. It's best to start at a cut that is just below boot-cut and then get smaller in accordance to preference.
From size four to size 14, skinny jeans can be more flattering if buyers pick a pair that is a size larger than they would usually purchase, to avoid a "muffin top" look around the waist.
The most important part of putting together any outfit is to be comfortable with your style. Women tend to find themselves trapped in a fashion rut; buying clothes at one store all of the time. By expanding your selection and shopping preferences, wardrobes will gain depth.
In order to get a great outfit, it's important to shop at a great store that will provide cheap but still fashionable trends.
"Charlette Rouse is one of my favorite stores, along with Forever 21," said Lindsay Janik, a freshman pharmacy-major. "I love these stores because they have so many different styles, you can find anything you're looking for - from a leopard-print tube top to a trapeze dress."
Along with Charlette Rouse and Forever 21, Old Navy also offers the straight leg jean in a variety of colors and styles for very affordable prices. However, the best picks for skinny jeans are black, grey and dark denim.
"When I shop at stores, I look for good deals. But my favorite stores right now are Urban Outfitters, H&M and Bloomingdales," said Kara LaForgia, a freshman finance-major. "I love these stores because they all have a large selection of baby-dolls in so many colors, styles and patterns."
Baby dolls have been a growing trend since late spring, and are great for fashionistas looking to hide a problem pooch, or just aren't looking to bare all on the way to class.
The cardinal rule for wearing baby-dolls is knowing what to wear with them. Paired with an equally flowing skirt, pant or anything considered wide-leg is not flattering, as it makes the body look rounder than it actually is. Baby-dolls should be worn with tighter fitting pants like the skinny jean or tight skirts.
To avoid a pregnant look, a great solution for baby-dolls is to belt the waist to curtail excess material. Wearing a large belt across the middle under the bust or lower around the hips is a great way to tame down the flow of any baby-doll and make it more fitted.
Above all, never forget to accessorize. Jewelry, belts or other additions to any outfit can make or break any ensemble. Ballet flats are comfortable and they look great with anything - mini-skirts, dresses, jeans, pants - you name it, they look good with it.
Long necklaces are also great to wear with baby-dolls or to dress up a plain T-shirt. If you're looking for a little more sophistication, try layering a short necklace with a longer one of the same color. Great places to get necklaces for cheap are Forever 21, H&M and Charlette Rouse.
"There are so many new trends this fall, but mainly I love skinny jeans - especially in grey and black. They go with everything and are really hot right now," said Kaci Hake, a freshmen business-management major. "I really love light fall vests in any color. They're great to layer with and can be useful when it gets cold."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
