Before we get to the outfits, I just want to remind you guys that, as always on CF, the outfits featured in this article are just suggestions. I am not in any way trying to tell you guys what you should be wearing – we all have different tastes, and the outfits featured are meant for inspiration – use them to spark your creativity and create looks that fit your personal style!

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, on to the clothes!

The Cardigan

Cardi

I love the color of this cardigan – because it’s a really bright, true red, it’s going to work on most skin tones. In addition, red is one of the hottest colors for Fall 2010, so buying a red cardigan is an easy way to get a trendy look while still investing in a basic.

I chose a cardigan with short sleeves, because after all, it is still August, but in a very short period of time it is going to turn colder. (I know, I really don’t want to think about snow right now either.) So if long-sleeve cardis are more your thing, all these looks would work with a normal cardigan as well.

Outfit #1 – Meeting:

Dress, Shoe, Bag, Ring, Necklace

For this outfit, I wanted to use red as a pop of color against an otherwise-neutral palette. Because it’s fairly conservative and classic, this outfit is great for office-wear, or for any meetings you might have at school, such as those with your academic advisor.

I love this dress – the pattern looks like polka dots from far away, but if you look carefully, you’ll see that they’re actually little white birds (very Miu Miu-esque!). For accessories, I used the ring to keep the bird pattern going. Next, I chose a neutral bag that’s big enough to carry a laptop or any books or files you might have to bring along. Chain strap bags are really popular right now, and this is a more functional take on that trend. The shoes I picked are flat, and really minimalistic, because I felt like the pattern in the dress and the other accessories were enough.

Finally, the necklace I chose ties the sweater into the outfit, being as it’s red, but I also chose it because it’s little quirky. You might not be able to tell from the picture, but it’s actually a heart-shaped Lego piece. This necklace would be a way to add your own personality into the rest of the outfit, as well as a way to keep things fun. Obviously, if you work in a more conservative office, you’d probably want to switch it out for something more classic.

Outfit #2 – Date Night:

Top, Skirt, Shoes, Necklace, Watch, Earrings, Bag

For this second outfit, I wanted to create something a little more casual, that would also be flirty and fun for date night. I figured if you were going on a casual date with your boyfriend, or out shopping with friends or something, this would be appropriate. It does lean toward being preppy, but the fun accessories make sure it doesn’t look too buttoned-up.

I started with a floral skirt, which seems like it would be really swingy and easy to wear. (It would also work for tons of different occasions, and since it’s a darker floral, you could easily wear it into winter with tights.) Next, I pulled the blue of the polo shirt from the floral in the skirt. The red cardigan would be worn over the blue polo. Despite the fact that red does not appear in the skirt pattern at all, it complements the light blue, and helps add some spice to the outfit.

Once again, I picked cute little accessories for this look: the floral earrings to echo the skirt’s pattern, the bicycle necklace simply because I thought it was adorable. The watch ties the red of the sweater into the outfit, just as the necklace from the last outfit did. The shoes I chose are, again, simple, but because they’re metallic, they’re not at all bland, and are very on-trend. Finally, the bag I chose is cute and would be big enough to hold all your necessities, while still keeping your hands free. The cross-body style is also hot at the moment, so, again, this look is in keeping with trends while still being functional and fun!

Outfit #3 – Class:

Necklace, Bag, Hair Ties, Top, Shoe, Earrings, Pants

Finally, the third outfit I chose would be a cute and casual look for class, or just a daytime look that’s a little beyond basic. I really wanted to use this plaid top in an outfit because I love how it looks against the red cardigan. For some contrast, I chose white skinny jeans, but obviously if you’re not comfortable with the stark white, you could wear dark denim skinnies instead.

I chose accessories in a nude tone, so they wouldn’t interfere with the bright colours of the rest of the outfit. I also, once again, chose a chain-strap bag, this one being a take-off on the classic Chanel flap. Depending on what books you’ll need for class, the bag might not be big enough to hold everything you’ll need, but that’s an easy switch-out. (You could always rock the chain strap bag from outfit 1 if you need more space!) Finally, I included a set of hair ties (by Marc Jacobs! How could I skip those??) because personally, I focus best when I don’t have my hair in my face.

This outfit could easily work into late fall and early winter as well. While here at CF we think the “no white after labor day” rule is outdated, if you are a follower of this fashion guideline, you can always change the white pants for dark denim ones. Also, once the temperature drops, you could swap the cute nude flats for boots and add your favorite neutral jacket on top.

Your thoughts?

So, what do you think of these outfits? Do you follow the “No White After Labour Day” guideline or not? What’s your favorite way to wear a cardigan? Let me know in the comments!

Also, if you have any items you’d like to see covered in a future post, be they specific or not, please let me know! I am going to try to get to as many of your comments as I possibly can!

I’m so excited about this week’s “Clothes for a Cause” – ever since my friend introduced me to this week’s featured jewelry company, I have been obsessed! But this week’s company does more than just create gorgeous jewelry – their products support a cause I think we can all get behind.

About Same Sky & Their Cause

Same Sky is an organization built on the idea of empowering women worldwide by providing them with jobs and skills so they can lead self-sufficient lives and maybe even chase their dreams.

Same Sky’s ingenious (and incredibly stylish) way of doing this is by teaching impoverished and disadvantaged women how to crochet and create beautiful jewelry, providing them not only with a job at Same Sky, but also with knowledge they can pass on to their children and a skill set for future employment.

While simply giving women jobs making jewelry may not seem significant, it is important to note exactly who these opportunities are being offered to. Same Sky is currently focusing its efforts on women in Kigali, Rwanda, employing women who are HIV positive and survivors of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Same Sky is essentially giving them the chance to rebuild their lives in a safe environment with other women who share their story.

Same Sky Bracelets

Same Sky is an amazing organization, but the fact that their bracelets are on-trend and adorable is icing on the cake! Same Sky offers two types of bracelets: one chunkier style, with glass beads crocheted together and one woven friendship bracelet style with a few glass beads scattered throughout.

All from Samesky.com

The glass beaded bracelet (top right, above) is definitely a splurge at $160, so I personally prefer the awesome friendship bracelets (middle and right, above), which cost just $30 – $40 each. While that’s still a bit expensive for a single bracelet, I think these bracelets make perfect gifts for close friends or even for yourself – they’ll add a summery pop of color to your fall wardrobe.

Sample Outfit Idea

Product Information: Tank dress: Madewell.com, Bracelet: Samesky.com, Sandals: Forever21.com, Cardigan: Jeanswest.au, Hair Product: Beauty-mart.com

In last week’s “What Do I Wear There,” I created a first day of classes look that some of you thought was a bit too dressy for some campuses. Therefore, I wanted to use the cool, relaxed-but-trendy vibe of the bracelet to create a more casual look for class, for those of you who requested it!

Above, I went with a simple tank dress, which is a great investment, as you can wear it alone, with a cardigan if it’s chilly (love the army green color of this one), or even with a blazer and tights once fall is in full swing. Throw on your favorite sandals from the summer that should be perfectly worn-in at this point (mine are gladiators and these nude ones go with everything) for a perfectly dressed-down class look.

For the finishing touches, add one of the Same Sky bracelets and spritz some texturizing spray into your hair for a controlled, natural style.

What do you think?

Have you heard of Same Sky before? What do you think about the organization and its goals? Which bracelet style do you prefer? What would you pair it with? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

Though I’m usually into spacious oversized bags, minimalist-inspired cross body bags have been on my radar for the past few months. Cross body bags are great for those times when you don’t need or want to carry a ton of stuff with you–think simple shopping trips, nights out, or house parties. And since you have to fit all of your things into that tiny space, you’ll make sure to pack only the essentials, right?

Why It’s a Favorite…

• Security. Not only can you swing a cross body bag over your shoulder and walk with confidence knowing it won’t get in your way, but when you wear one across your body, it makes it difficult for anyone to swipe your stuff. That’s a plus any way you look at it!
• Convenience. Let’s be honest: carrying around a cute clutch gets obnoxious sometimes! (Case in point? One of my good friends once brought a big silver clutch to a club and got so sick of carrying it that she threw it away!) And while we love wristlets, they can be annoying when you’re attempting to dance or grab a drink. With a cross body bag, though, you’re covered. Grab your things, slip it on, and forget about it until you need to touch up your lip gloss.
• Cost-effective. Small purse, (usually) small price tag! Need I say more?!
• Cute! I love the look of a cross body bag with just about any outfit. They’re a little bit sporty, totally chic, and work well whether you’re in an oversized sweater and leggings or a flirty bandage skirt. The hands-free style is catching on and some of our favorite celebrities seem to agree– so make sure to be on the lookout for cross body bags this season!

Tips for Purchasing a Bag of Your Own…

• Pick a length that’s right for you. As with any other bag, when choosing a cross body purse, you should consider the length of the strap. Finding a length you like and that flatters you is fairly easy (and intuitive–short girl, shorter strap, tall girl, longer strap!) and many of today’s bags feature a strap that’s adjustable. Bonus points if you want to carry your cross body on one shoulder like a traditional purse!
• Consider your shape. Cross body bags generally hit around the waist or hip. If you want to play down either of these areas, a larger bag in a solid color is a good bet. Want to show off your shape? Try a small, brightly-colored bag! The width of the strap of your bag will also highlight your shape, so choose accordingly.
• Show your style! Consider yourself a boho babe? Try a distressed leather4 or ethnic-inspired bag! Classic? Go for a vintage leather satchel! Preppy? Go for a swing pack. Edgy? Look for studs, fringe, or bright colors! No matter what look you rock, you’ll be able to find a cute cross body bag to accent your outfit.

Cross Body Bags at Any Price Point!

$25 and Under

Product Information: F & F Cross Body Bag, Tesco.  Australia Weave Panel Bag, Portmans. Braided Strap Cross Body Bag, Tilly’s. Cross Body Studded Bag, Jane Norman. Cooperative Mini Nylon Cross-Body, Urban Outfitters.

$50 and Under

Product Information: Geometric Gypset Bag, Monsoon. Kimichi Blue Mini Woven Cross-Body Bag, Urban Outfitters. freeBird by The Sak Mini Bucket Bag, Endless. Leather Woven Chain Cross Body, Topshop. Tianni Sandy Cross Body, Endless.

$100 and Up

Product Information: Rebecca Minkoff Three-Zip Rocker Cross-Body, Endless. West/Feren Berkshire Cross-Body, Endless. Modalu Heart Cross Body, Pret-A-Beaute. Poppy Sequins Disco Bag, Coach. Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal To The Metal Flap Pouchette, Zappos.

What do you think?

Are you into cross body bags? Do you own one? Plan to get one? Let us know with you’re thinking with a comment!

Flipping through the pages of a new notebook–that smell!–is like an aphrodisiac. And buying a brand new tote for hauling my massive textbooks across campus? Heaven.

So, since I know I’m not the only lady out there who loves stocking up on back-to-school accessories, I put together a list of green back to school accessories, from beauty products to bracelets, that won’t burn through the other kind of green (aka, your hard earned summer cash).

Wallets:

Product Information: Purse Wallet – fashion-conscience, Disco Clutch - denisetjarks.com, Tuxedo Clutch - denisetjarks.com

Shoes:

Product Information: Flats – Mod Cloth. Boots – Mod Cloth , Pumps – Mod Cloth

Bags:

Product Information: Satchel - Alternative Outfitters, Satchel – Swell, Bag – Mod Cloth

Eco-Extras:

Product Information: Journal – Amazon, Vegan Beanie - Alternative Outfitters, Umbrella - Celery Street, Artist Pen Set – Mod Cloth, Pulltab Bracelet - Ecoist, Bamboo Makeup Brushes -parispresents.com

Other Ways to Make Back-to-School More Eco-Friendly:

In Your Closet:

• Host or attend a clothing swap.
• Scour vintage shops before heading back to campus (& again when you get there!)
• Share closets with your friends! When you’re surrounded by all your old bffs (or potential new ones!), borrow a cute shirt before you commit to buying it! Just make sure to take good care of it so they’ll let you borrow again.

In the Dorm:

• Use fair trade kitchen utensils.
• Look for organic cotton to use as window treatments.
• Buy organic cotton sheets & pillows/pillowcases.
• Skip the disposable cups & glasses.
• Use your printer sparingly.

In the Classroom:

• Fill a reusable binder with loose leaf notebook paper instead of buying non-reusable notebooks.
• Buy used textbooks. (Or better yet, try renting them!)

What are your thoughts?

Is eco-friendly fashion important to you? What’s your favorite eco-chic accessory? Are there any other methods you’re using to make your back-to-school experience better for the environment? Any tips for other fashion addicts trying to be eco-friendly? Click below & leave me a comment with your opinion!

While I was drooling over the TCA red carpet looks, I realized that all the fabulous outfits were way out of the average college student’s budget. That’s why I scoured the internet to find similar pieces for a fraction of the price.

Here are three of my favorite looks from the 2010 Teen Choice Awards, along with outfits that recreate the looks for less:

Selena Gomez: Little White Dress

Photo Credit

Little White Dresses were big on the 2010 TCA red carpet, but my favorite take on this look was Selena Gomez’s. She always looks so effortlessly chic, and her TCA look was no exception – she rocked a gorgeous LWD with nude accessories, for an overall aesthetic that was fun and high-style at the same time.

Look Inspired by Selena

Recreate Selena’s look with a similar dress and be sure to keep the rest of the outfit neutral like Selena did with white and nude-colored accessories. Finally, add a pop of color with a pretty blue nail polish for a young and playful look.

Product Information: Dress, Clutch, Sandals, Ring, Nail Polish

Megan Fox: Mix and Match

Photo Credit

Megan Fox’s TCA look paired two unexpected pieces– a lamé skirt and printed top– to create a look that was at once flirty and bold. The outfit is a variation of the mixed print trend that was big last spring, but this time Megan played up different textures as well.

Look Inspired by Megan

To recreate Megan’s outfit, rock pieces in different patterns and textures, and be sure to add a waist-defining belt to unify and streamline the look. Since you want the bold pieces to take center stage, accessorize with delicate earrings and black peep-toe pumps. To mimic Megan’s glowing complexion, simply dust some shimmering powder in a rosy shade on your cheeks.

Product Information: Top, Skirt, Belt, Earrings, Pumps, Shimmering Powder

Hilary Duff: Heavy Metals

Photo Credit

Hilary Duff’s TCA red carpet look seemed like a total departure from her usual style, but in a good way! She paired a body-hugging bandage dress with some tough-looking chains for a look that was sexy yet fun. Hilary also wore a fun braided updo, which stayed perfectly coiffed all night with the help of some great products.

Look Inspired by Hilary

The bandage dress below costs much less than the Hervé Léger dress Hilary was wearing, but has the same basic structure and formfitting silhouette. For this look, pile on the chain necklaces– the more the better in this case. Since this outfit is heavy on the necklaces, the only other accessories needed are some neutral suede pumps that will make any girl’s legs look mile-long.

Product Information: Dress, Pumps, Gold Necklace, Black Necklace, Hair Pomade

What do you think?

Did you watch the Teen Choice Awards? Who was on your best dressed list? Which of these looks is your favorite? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!

This time, I took a cue from one of the comments you guys left me, and decided to have a look at another really versatile piece: the tube top! Tube tops come in a lot of different shapes, the most common being the curve-hugging variety, which I decided to use today. I opted to go with the curve-hugging style because I think it’s probably the most frequently mis-worn.

So, here it is:

The Top

A tube top is really revealing, being as there are no sleeves, so there are two ways you can make it work proportionally: you can either cover up the top part of you with a little sweater or jacket, and then wear shorts or a mini skirt, OR you can cover up a bit more on the bottom to balance out the top.

Look 1: Work

Product Info: Blazer, Pants, Bag, Bracelet, Shoes

The first look I put together is work (or interview)-appropriate. The tube top under the blazer doesn’t look quite as stuffy as an oxford shirt would, and if it’s really hot on your way to/from work, it’ll stop you from baking in your own clothes.

I love this blazer, because it’s so much fun! Florals are really popular right now, and this is a cute alternative to the floral skirt. It’s an interesting piece that doesn’t require much jewelry or other accessories, because it stands out on its own. I tried to match the bag I picked to the pink flowers on the blazer, but if you’re not sure, it’s always okay to go with a neutral colour (like black, white, or gray, in this case)!

Look 2: Daytime

Product Info: Jeans, Earrings, Necklace, Hat, Bag, Shoes

The second look that I picked out is a more relaxed and beach-ready look. It’s also my favorite!

I am kind of obsessed with moccasins right now, and because this look is meant to be both cute and comfortable, I couldn’t not include them! If moccasins aren’t your thing, feel free to substitute them for your favorite sandals! Because the top I picked is white, I tried to add fun and funky accessories, like the floral bag, and the tea cup necklace. For sitting in the sun, or even walking around at a festival, I love this big floppy hat! It’s chic in an “I’m not trying” way. The bag is also big enough that if you were heading to the beach, you could throw your towel, sunblock and a book in and head off!

Look 3: Night Out

Product Info: Sweater, Jeans, Clutch, Shoes, Earrings

The third look I picked is really cute for a night out, whether you’re on a date, or going to a party. Because you’re not at work, it’s totally okay to show off your shape in more fitted clothes!

Just a word of caution, though: make sure your jeans and your top really do fit. If both are too small, it can make for a really uncomfortable time, and a really unsightly muffin-top effect! If you’re not comfortable with the skinny jeans AND fitted top, you can always substitute trouser jeans or a straight-leg pair for these. They will create an equally sleek silhouette.

As for the accessories, I feel like I went a little Katy Perry on you here… I found the shoes and ran with them! They’re really fun, and I wanted the rest of the outfit to be fun too. I echoed the strawberries on the shoe in the earrings, which are just small studs, and pulled from the green trim to find the clutch.

So, what do you think?

What’s your favorite way to wear a tube top? Which outfit is your favorite? Do you have any tips for rocking a tube top without looking trashy? Let me know in the comments!

For this week’s “Clothes for a Cause,” I wanted to cover an issue — albeit, a pretty controversial one — that has been in the news a lot lately. Last week, California ruled Prop 8 unconstitutional, therefore lifting the state’s ban on gay marriage. Of course, this is a huge step forward for gay rights.

The organization I have chosen to highlight for this piece, the Human Rights Campaign, is one of the oldest organizations, founded in 1980, that solely focuses on promoting equal rights for LGBT individuals. The Campaign works to educate and inform the public, as well as lobby the government, in hopes of implementing changes to help the LGBT community reach their goal of equal rights.

Since the overturn of Prop 8 — whether you support it or not — is certainly going to make history, it’s definitely important to educate yourself on this monumental change. Checking out the HRC can help you learn about the history leading up to the moment, as well as the organization’s goals for the future.

The HRC’s Fashionable Friends

The HRC’s work has garnered the attention of fashion heavyweights such as American Apparel, Kenneth Cole, and Alex & Chloe. These labels have created special pieces for the HRC to help promote their cause. Below, I’ve included some of my favorite pieces, but you can shop the entire HRC store, which includes clothing, jewelry, and other items for both men and women, here.

All pieces from HRC.com

I love me some American Apparel basics, and this “Legalize Gay” tee shirt not only looks seriously comfy, but promotes the HRC’s mission as well. The navy color is also great since it is unisex!

As I noted in my first “Clothes for a Cause” article, Kenneth Cole is one of the most politically active designers out there today, so it is no surprise that he designed a shirt for this hot-button issue. His take on classic American propaganda has a cool, satiric sort of feel and like the American Apparel tee above, is definitely something that can be worn by men or women.

My absolute favorite item sold on the HRC site is definitely this Alex & Chloe necklace, which I think gives a great pop art twist to any outfit and will match with literally anything. The design is so interesting and while I love it in necklace form, it is also available printed on tees and hoodies.

What Do You Think?

What was your reaction to this historic court decision? Have you heard of the HRC before? Is this an organization you’d be interested in getting involved in? Which of the pieces are your favorites? Let us know!

It’s undeniable: the eco-friendly fashion movement is growing stronger every day. From Harry Potter’s resident fashionista Emma Watson designing her own collection of magical duds for British brand People Tree to Seattle’s hosting of the first ever Eco-Chic Expo in April, sustainable style is spreading like wildfire. (Oops–bad metaphor for an eco-friendly fashion post?)

Whether you’re new to eco-fashion or just want some tips on greening your wardrobe, never fear: I’ve boiled down the basic lingo & facts you need to know into a quick, easy-to-understand guide. Read this, and you’ll be ready to embark on your first green shopping trip in no time!

Green Fashion Terms to Know Before You Shop:

• Sustainable: A sustainable product has the ability to be produced (over & over & over again) without doing much harm to the environment.
• Renew-ability: Renewable resources are derived from something living (plant, animal, ecosystem) that can regenerate.
• Cruelty-free: Cruelty-free companies do not test on or use animals in their products.
• Carbon Footprint: A carbon footprint is a measurement of the impact human activities have on the environment. In terms of fashion, a clothing’s carbon or ecological footprint is the impact the piece of clothing has had on the environment from start to finish.

Eco-Friendly Fabrics to Try:

• Bamboo: Bamboo is one of nature’s most sustainable resources! Added bonus: It drapes super-nicely across the human bod.
• Organic Cotton: Organic cotton is harvested using what are called “organic farming methods” and doesn’t require pesticides or herbicides to grow.  (On the other hand, regular cotton is usually permeated with chemicals!)
• Hemp: Hemp doesn’t need pesticides, herbicides or fungicides to grow, so it’s a popular fabric used to make organic clothing. Plus, it’s very comfortable to wear.
• Other Eco-Chic Fabrics: Soy, Eco-Spun (fabric made from soda bottles/cans!), SeaCell (a mix of seaweed and wood pulp fiber), Wool (in place of other furs).

Where to Look for Inspiration:

• On Your Fave Eco-Conscious Celeb: Celebrities are at the forefront of the eco-fashion movement. Kristen Stewart, Erykah Badu, Courteney Cox, Sienna Miller, Angelina Jolie and even rehab-bound Lindsay Lohan have all spoken out about their love of eco-friendly fashion (although I definitely don’t advocate following in LiLo’s footsteps when it comes to anything but style!).
• Fashion Blogs: More & more blogs dedicated to eco-fashion are cropping up. Check out Eco Stilleto, Eco-Chick & Ecofabulous to start.
• Polyvore: I was super-impressed with Polyvore’s vegan and organic clothing selection. If you’re looking for some inspiration, try this: Go to Polyvore.com, search for an organic tee or dress and browse the creative sets others have built around the item you picked. Instant inspiration!

Other Tips for Your Eco-Friendly Shopping Trip:

• Save. An integral part of living the eco-conscious lifestyle is reducing the amount you consume. Save for vegan and eco-friendly products (which tend to run a little more expensive than other products), so you can splurge on high-quality goods that will last—curbing your need to buy more stuff.
• Buy Basics. Basics never go out of style. Use this to your advantage & build the core of your wardrobe with products made from organic cotton, hemp or recycled materials.  You’ll wear them often, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth (totally important while you’re penny-pinching in college!).
• Know What You Already Own. Another way to save: Work eco-friendly fashion into your wardrobe slowly. Pick green pieces that complement the items you already own. Vegan shoes (so many options!) or organic cotton tees are good items to start with.
• Check the Labels for Care Instructions. Some eco-friendly clothing requires special care (like hand-washing), so check the labels before you buy so you won’t be upset when you bring home a tee that requires washing in the dorm bathroom sink after every wear.

Sample Outfits for Inspiration:

Outfit 1 – Casual Vegan

All items are vegan or eco-friendly (minus skinny jeans).

Product Information: Shoes – Swell, Tee – Net-a-Porter.com, Skinny Jeans – AE, Bag – Mod Cloth, Bangle – REVOLVEclothing, Urban Decay Eyeshadow – Sephora, Faux Leather Jacket Good Goth

Outfit 2 – Eco-Chic Coed

All items are vegan or eco-friendly (minus cardigan).

Product Information: Cardigan – Dorothy Perkins, Organic Tank – General Pants Co., Jeans – yoox.com,
Vegan Ankle Boot – Fashion-Conscience, Vegan Bag – Fashion-Conscience, Necklace – Mod Cloth

What do you think?

Do you shop for green clothing? What types of clothing do you buy that are made from organic materials? Do you have a favorite place to shop for eco-friendly clothing? Share your eco-fashion stories in the comments!

Lollapalooza, the long-running annual music festival in Chicago, is this weekend, and while I’m not going this year (sadly), it got me thinking about what to wear to summer’s many outdoor music festivals and concerts. While we’ve covered music festival fashion before, today I wanted to focus solely on summer music festivals.

At music events, there’s always a mix of people and styles — some attendees go the costume route (a la Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball), some dress as if they’re heading to Woodstock (a la Coachella), some dress up as if they’re going to a rave, and others… are more normal. If you’re pressed for what to wear to an upcoming outdoor concert or to this weekend’s Lolla, here are some cheap and chic outfit options along with tips:

Tips for Staying Cool at an Outdoor Concert in Summer:

• Prepare to be hot! You will die of discomfort if you’re outside in the blazing sun for hours wearing jeans. So steer clear of heavy layers and fabrics, and stick to breathable fabrics like cotton.
• Pack plenty of water (or cash for water at the event), don’t forget sunscreen and bring a pocket fan or spray bottle (like Evian’s water spray) to cool yourself off in the heat.
• Use a cross-body bag or backpack to store your stuff. You’ll likely be outside for most of the day, crammed into a thick crowd, or dancing your heart out. The last thing you want is a bag that’s a burden (or worse, a lost bag).
• Try to lighten your load. Pack only the essentials (cash, ID, tickets/wristband, cell, camera) and keep it compact.
• Be prepared for bad weather! Usually at music festivals, the show must go regardless of the rain. Pack ponchos in case of stormy skies. Umbrellas are too cumbersome, likely to break and an annoyance to your fellow concertgoers.
• For footwear, comfort is key. Forget heels or wedges; flat sandals are the way to go. Flip-flops are OK, but sandals that strap on more securely (like gladiators) are ideal because they’re less likely to break than flip-flops. Sneakers or summer boots are solid choices, too (especially if you’re going to be packed into a dancing crowd), but they’re not as breathable, so you may be hot in them.
• You will probably get dirty, so don’t wear or bring anything you’d be upset to ruin. You can still look stylish without wearing your most expensive or sentimental clothes.

Outfit #1: Madras Mädchen

Product Info: Romper – Heritage 1981, Necklace – Urban Outfitters, Bag – Urban Outfitters, Sunglasses – Fred Flare, Sandals – Old Navy

When it comes to easy summer dressing, rompers are the way to go. Some ladies have yet to be won over by the playsuit phenomenon, but naysayers should consider the perks: Rompers pack the cute punch of a sundress with the convenience of shorts. The madras print of the above romper has a retro vibe that’s accentuated with a vintage-esque cross-body bag, tortoise wayfarers and a charming bird necklace.

I do have one caveat, however: as we discussed in our last post on music festival attire, rompers can be awkward when it comes to using the restroom. If you’re going to be spending all day at the festival and will be taking bathroom breaks often, a romper might not be the most practical choice. Your plans will dictate whether or not a romper will be right for you, but keep this issue in mind when deciding what to wear!

Outfit #2: Hippie Chick

Product Info: Tank – Forever 21, Vest – dELiAs, Shorts – American Eagle Outfitters, Headwrap – Forever 21, Sunglasses – Urban Outfitters, Sandals – Alloy

Play up your inner hippie with a tie-dye tank — tie-dye is actually very trendy at the moment — paired with boho accessories. I mentioned avoiding heavy layers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t layer at all; layering adds dimension and interest to an outfit. Just keep your layers light — like this sleeveless vest or a bandeau under a shirt — because it’s hot outside! Dare to wear a braided headwrap and Penny Lane-esque sunnies to finish off this hippie-chic ensemble.

Outfit #3: Pretty Prepster

Product Info: Shirt – Aerie, Shorts – J.Crew, Sandals – Target, Belt – Urban Outfitters, Sunglasses – Urban Outfitters

Preppies can’t go wrong with colorful chino shorts: They’re comfortable, clean-cut and boost any outfit with an unexpected spot of color. Add a nautical belt, Jack Rogers-style sandals and wire-rimmed wayfarers and the result is a laid-back albeit stylish look.

What do you think?

Have you been to any music festivals this summer, or are you planning to attend one? Did you spot any wacky outfits there? What would you wear to an outdoor concert? Remember to leave me a comment; I’d love to hear from you!

The first New York Fashion Week show I was lucky enough to attend also happens to be one of its most eclectic: The Heart Truth‘s Red Dress Collection. Unlike a typical fashion show, the Red Dress Collection was a charity fashion show promoting a single cause–heart health.

About The Heart Truth & the Red Dress Collection

The Heart Truth was founded to warn women about heart disease and educate them about its associated risks. The foundation’s major yearly promotion and fundraiser is their NY Fashion Week show, which features the company’s symbol–a red dress–in various forms, created by some of America’s hottest designers.

As for the models, The Heart Truth is able to attract a cast of celebrities to wear their red dresses. Past “models” have included everyone from First Ladies to TV favorites (such as Heidi Klum and Bethenny Frankel, as seen above) to musicians, and everyone in between!

My favorite part of the fashion show (besides the obvious celeb spotting and drool-worthy dresses) was how much fun it was–both for the “models” and the audience! Each celeb got her own special song to strut to, and when they all did the final walk at the end, the group had a great time dancing and talking at the end of the runway.

Overall, it was so wonderful seeing all of these women of different ages and sizes joining together to raise money and awareness for a cause so many women are clueless about.

How You Can Help

While I highly recommend you attend a Red Dress Collection show if you get the chance, there are plenty of other awesome ways to get involved with this fashion-forward charity:

• First and foremost, check out their website to educate yourself about heart disease so you can not only keep yourself healthy but inform others about the risks.
• If you want to take a more active approach, organize a “Wear Red” day or event. This will allow you and your friends to all dress up in your favorite red pieces while promoting such a worthwhile cause.
• Dress the part! For tips, see my outfit idea below!

The Heart Truth-Inspired Outfit

To help inspire you, I picked out a red look that I would love to wear for a day or night event!

Product Information: Dress: Modcloth.com, Earrings: Maxandchloe.com, Bracelets: Forever21.com, Heels: Missselfridge.com, Lip Gloss: Nordstrom.com, Mascara: Ulta.com

Red can be a tricky color to pull off, especially during the day. One of my favorite ways to wear it is by going for a slightly retro, bombshell look. This dress is perfect for that style and its shape is flattering on most body types. In addition, it would work for day or night (which I think makes it worth the extra money).

Since the dress is the focus, I matched it with simple nude pumps. I wanted to keep classic jewelry like the bracelets to continue the retro feel, but also couldn’t resist adding one more splash of red with these simple but fun earrings.

I got my beauty inspiration from the always radiant Eva Mendes, who happens to be sporting a red dress in this picture! I love her voluminous, full hair and think it complements the neckline of the dress and the retro aesthetic perfectly.

For makeup, big, dramatic lashes are a great accent to this look, and I am so, so obsessed with Maybelline’s The Falsies mascara for insanely awesome volume and length. Finish off the look with a plump, nude lip and you’ll be the star of your event!

What Do You Think?

Have you heard of The Heart Truth before? Are there any other heart health organizations you know of? Would you plan a “Wear Red” event or have you in the past? Share your knowledge and ideas below!