| are two looks - Retro Glam and Collegiate Charm - | | | | for your next fall shopping spree: |
| that seem to be the benchmark of Fall trends from | | | | 1. Start off with an interesting blouse. It can be longer, |
| year to year. Slight variations like plaid, bubble skirts, | | | | like a tunic, or a bit shorter. Ruffles are preferred, but |
| short boots, high boots, colored tights, black tights and | | | | not required. A print is good also, but a solid color is |
| the like only enhance those basic looks. | | | | easier to coordinate the accessories with. |
| Here's what to look for when you shop for a retro | | | | 2. Every collegiate girl worth her salt knows that some |
| glam or collegiate charm look: | | | | plastic-framed reading glasses add a bit of quirky |
| To dress retro glam, don't be afraid to wear vintage | | | | charm. |
| cuts in new and unexpected ways. If a print is a little | | | | 3. A few bright-colored items in a coordinating color |
| too old-fashioned for you, have the dress, skirt or | | | | family add some conversation pieces to the entire |
| blouse altered into a more modern shape. On the other | | | | outfit. See how well the colored pants, bracelet and |
| hand, if the cut of the item is very vintage, pair it with | | | | blue cardigan look together? The yellow on this |
| modern accessories to avoid a costumed appearance. | | | | bracelet is a bright color, yes, but is also surprisingly |
| Jewelry is key to a retro glam look. A little goes a long | | | | neutral. |
| way, and try mix up what you wear so as not to | | | | 4. A long, grandpa-style cardigan worn over the blouse |
| appear straight out of Grease, for example. Pearls | | | | helps keep you warm, but that's not the real reason I |
| would be too much with this outfit, so I paired the | | | | included it. |
| retro-fitting dress with a long, rock-and-roll chain | | | | 5.Skinny jeans are tricky to proportion: if your top is too |
| necklace. | | | | short, you end up looking very "hippy," or |
| When it comes to retro glam, the bigger the | | | | bottom-heavy, without balance on your upper-half. Use |
| sunglasses, the better. | | | | a longer cardigan to correct that and balance out your |
| Here's what to look for in shoes: a chunkier heel (no | | | | collegiate charm look. |
| stilettos), buckles, round-toes, vintage (gold, red, etc.) or | | | | 6. A big, leather tote bag serves two purposes: one, it |
| muted colors, mary-jane styles or classic peep-toe | | | | has that collegiate - and somewhat scholarly - look we |
| pumps. | | | | are aiming towards without seeming like a briefcase. |
| A scarf completes the retro glam outfit. Tie it loosely, | | | | And the second reason is that the bag adds a good |
| or with a more retro-flair by flipping one end over your | | | | neutral base for the entire outfit. |
| shoulder. | | | | 7. Interesting, comfortable shoes with a slight heel to |
| For a bit of authentic ladylike coordination, use a clutch | | | | accentuate the skinny pants: these are exactly what |
| instead of your huge, leather tote. | | | | I'm talking about. |
| A 50's/60's style jacket finishes off the outfit. A bit of | | | | 8. An outfit with a bit of quirk would not be complete |
| boxiness is a must. Look for large buttons or a peter | | | | without a standout piece of jewelry, like this snake |
| pan collar. With longer dresses/skirts, try a cropped | | | | bracelet. |
| jacket. If you're wearing something shorter on the | | | | 9.Skinny pants with color, instead of the classic denim |
| bottom, then make sure your coat falls slightly above | | | | washes, are fun and easier to wear than you might |
| your hemline, but not too far. | | | | think. |
| Like what you are reading? Then, here are some tips | | | | |