If you’re looking to add a new coat to your winter wardrobe this season, look no further than this season’s trendy collarless coats. As the name suggests, these cozy coats come sans collar, which creates a clean and simple silhouette with a vintage-inspired vibe.

Sound like your kind of coat? Scroll on down to check out our picks for stylish collarless coats as well as some outfits for inspiration:

Hot Picks

Here are just a few of the fabulous collarless coats that are available right now. Whether you like bright colors, neutrals or  pretty patterns, there’s bound to be a collarless coat that matches your fashion aesthetic!

Top Row: Ruby Pink Collarless Coat- Old Navy,  Red Collarless Coat- ASOS Curve, Radley Coat- BB Dakota, Turquoise Collarless Coat- Dorothy Perkins | Middle Row: Collarless Belted Trench- ASOS, Athe Coat- FarFetch, Flared Perfect Coat- J. Crew, Asymmetrical Collarless Coat- House of Fraser | Bottom Row: Dogtooth Throw On Coat- Topshop, Zig Zag Coat- ASOS, Black Check Coat- Debenhams, Houndstooth Collarless Coat- ASOS

Get the Look

Need a little outfit inspiration before you get your own collarless coat? Here are two different outfit ideas, using the same coat.

From day…

Coat, Shirt, Bag, Rings, Jeans, Flats, Earrings

Dress down this adorable collarless coat for daytime by pairing it with a cozy plaid shirt and some trendy white denim. Add some comfy ballet flats, which pick up on the pink found on the shirt and belt, then accessorize with some classic pearl studs and a set of stackable rings. Finally, add a roomy tote for a look that’s perfect for class.

…to night.

Coat, Dress, Earrings, Tights, Belt, Clutch, Booties

Transform this coat for nighttime by wearing it with a gorgeous frock like the one above. The dress’ high neckline works well with the coat since there’s no collar. Swap out the coat’s pink belt for a skinny leopard print one, then add your favorite pair of black tights. Dress up the look even more by adding some wedge booties, statement earrings, and a velvet clutch. This outfit would be perfect for a cocktail party or even a winter wedding.

Your thoughts?

Would you ever wear a collarless coat? What do you think of this trend? Which coat is your fave? Would you wear either of the outfits? Remember to leave a comment below and let me know what you think!

There are some holiday traditions that will always remain. Cookie baking with your grandma. Watching old movies with your family on a winter’s night. Caroling with friends from your residence hall. The list goes on, but there is one more recent, “trendy” tradition that holds a special, yet silly, place in my heart. I’m talking about the Ugly Sweater Party.

This event gives us college kids just one more reason to be goofy around finals, head off to Goodwill or Value World, and pick up the gaudiest, shiniest, most awesome sweater we can get. My sweater from last year was sky blue and covered in penguins having a snowball fight – priceless!

Planning for this year’s soiree got me thinking, “How did this all start?” Did someone just decide one day that two reindeer frolicking through the snow on an oversized sweater would be the ultimate fashion statement? I didn’t know, but was ready to find out. Read on to learn more about the history of the holiday sweater.

History of Holiday Sweaters

Holiday sweaters make quite the impression when you own the look like these ladies | Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3

• It’s difficult to say where the holiday sweater, and the parties associated with it, began. As one columnist for Chicago Tribune notes, “It’s not like you can open any number of scholarly dissertations on fashion and find an entry for ‘people who deliberately want to look like absurd members of the Family Kringle’ or footnotes for ‘women who knit too much.’” Though believe me, I tried. What I found instead were little facts hidden beneath people’s odes and rants to the holiday sweater, which I have compiled for your enjoyment.
• Writer Nikki Lackowski adds, “Few garments have been exposed to as much scorn, yet remained such a popular tradition.” As to the sweater’s origin, she states that there are “knitting patterns of snowy pines dating back to the 1950s,” and that fact, coupled with the continued commercialization of Christmas at that time, makes it a safe bet that the sweaters have been around since then.
• As sweaters became more bedecked, bedazzled, and blinding, some decided to celebrate the tackiness. The first reported ugly sweater party is said to have taken place in Vancouver in the early 2000s, thrown by Chris Boyd and Jordan Birch. The party that started it all is now an annual event that continues to attract huge crowds. The creators are thrilled, and note that they consider themselves the official trendsetters. ”We have always claimed to be the first, and even trademarked ‘ugly Christmas sweater’ and ‘ugly Christmas sweater party’ here in Canada,” Boyd said in an interview.
• Another group of gentleman inspired by the holiday sweater launched a website in 2007 entitled uglychristmassweaterparty.com. Founders Brian Miller, Adam Paulson and Kevin Wool have been gathering sweaters since the trend really took off and have been selling them online. In November of this year, they even published a book on the subject, which tells readers everything they need to know about throwing their own sweater party. The book also includes plenty of photos of some of the worst sweaters they’ve seen.
• Others have watched the holiday sweater trend grow more popular each season and have decided to cash in. ABC News interviewed Nancy Schloetel of Mountlake Terrace, Wash., who started her ugly sweater business, Notyouraveragesweater.com, last winter. The article said she had purchased about 360 sweaters this season and had sold half so far. Her sweaters can go for up to $40, particularly if she makes “design enhancements,” such as battery-powered lights.
• Inspired? This website allows you to design your own holiday sweater and share it with Facebook friends and Twitter followers!

Why We Still Love This Trend

True sweater aficionados don’t mess around | Photo Credit

This trend may come but once a year, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give it its proper due. Here are three reasons to love your holiday sweater and all the festivities surrounding it:

• The thrill of the hunt. There’s a certain exhilaration that comes with the purchase of a holiday sweater. Sure, there’s the obvious fashion element, but before you reach that point, there’s the mad dash to the store, a quick survey of available items, and the lightning-fast grab of the perfect garment. Bonus points if you can get the cheapest sweater with the most bling. Also, remember to look through the entire stock, as there are always hidden gems that make the search (and eventual victory) even better!
• The conversation kick starter. Here’s an easy way to make new friends: Wearing your holiday sweater out and about on a regular day gives you a multitude of benefits. Not only are you festively dressed and toasty warm, but you’ll have a quick conversation piece for anyone you happen to meet!
• Instant holiday cheer. Feeling blue? Despite popular belief, this is not always the happiest time of year. While there are plenty of ways to get you out of your funk, I find that dressing up a little always makes me feel better. To that end, get together with some friends and watch some of your favorite movies in your holiday sweaters. You’ll be laughing in no time!

Thoughts?

Have you worn a holiday sweater? What do you think of this trend? What’s the most horrendous/cute/sparkly/hilarious sweater you’ve ever seen? Got any great stories featuring a holiday sweater? Leave a comment and let’s chat!

Welcome to the latest edition of Ask CF! Every two weeks, we select a reader fashion question and answer it here on the site. Do you have a specific fashion question for us? Scroll to the bottom of this post to learn how to send it our way!

Ask CF Question

Dear CF,

I’ve recently seen a lot of people wearing faux fur — everything from faux fur vests to faux fur backpacks. I really like the trend but I’m not sure what to wear with it. Would you happen to have any ideas? If you do, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

Sincerely,

Friend Loves Faux

Tights. Pantyhose. Leggings. Thigh-highs. If you’re a girl that can’t bear to part with her dresses and skirts in the cooler months, (and why would you?) you’re in luck! For the last few seasons, the fashion industry has given us numerous ways to cover up (and show off) our legs that are as practical as they are fashionable.

To honor all the pairs of tights, socks, and leggings that keep our wardrobes interesting and fresh all year long, I’d like to dedicate this fashion history lesson to the history of hosiery. Keep reading to discover how this trend has evolved over time and see why we continue to make it work!

History of Hosiery

Shorts become multi-seasonal with black tights | Photo Credit

• In modern usage, “hosiery” is a generic term meant to encompass a variety of legwear, including tights, socks, leggings, stockings, thigh-highs, and pantyhose.
• Every time I think I’ve found the oddest piece of information in my fashion history education, I learn something new. For this post, the surprise came at the discovery of the Hosiery Technology Center, which works in “assisting the hosiery industry to compete in a global environment through training, R & D, hosiery testing, E-commerce and new product development.” That’s impressive enough, but I also found Legsource, a free service provided by the center to give information about hosiery products, including an extensive slideshow concerning hosiery history.
• According to HTC, one of the earliest sightings of hosiery was around 400-500 A.D. when a pair of red, knitted socks was discovered in a tomb in Egypt.
• Some of the most unique hose produced during the Renaissance were inspired by military victory. In 1477, for example, the Swiss gained a very important victory over the Duke of Burgundy. After battle, “the soldiers mended their ragged uniforms with strips of tents and banners.” Thus inspired, the Swiss-German people produced leggings and hose, along with other pieces of clothing, that were purposely slashed to reveal contrasting fabrics underneath. This style was copied throughout Europe into the 1500s.
• Entering the 20th century, the fibers used to produce hosiery shifted from wool and mixed wool to cotton.
• According to Glamor Daze, a vintage fashion blog, nylon stockings appeared in New York stores on May 15, 1940. Amazingly, over 780,000 pairs were sold in the first day alone!
• Due to their massive popularity, “nylons” became the generic name for all hosiery manufactured during the ’40s. Interestingly, when nylon production shifted to the WWII effort, women would paint seams on their legs to make it look like they were wearing nylons. There’s a skill I bet you’d never think you’d need to learn!
• Postwar, women were upset with the quality of their stockings, claiming they ripped more than they used to. Good Housekeeping investigated their accusations, and they discovered that women were expecting their 15-denier (den-yer) nylons to hold up like their 30-40 denier prewar nylons. Denier is a measure of the density of fibers in the stockings, so the higher the number, the thicker they are. Good Housekeeping’s advice was as follows: “Have a stocking ‘wardrobe.’ It’s smart, it pays, and it’s a subtle mark of good taste. Hosiery that complements the clothes and shoes you’re wearing—in weight, in color, in detail such as heel design—shows you to be a woman with fashion know–how.”
• Today, we see hosiery for business, for play, and even for royalty, but one thing holds true: no matter how many trendy makeovers it receives, hosiery is here to stay.

Why We Still Love This Trend

Versatile thigh-highs from Urban Outfitters, J. Crew, and Free People

What’s not to love about garments designed to keep your legs feeling warm and looking sharp? Here are three more reasons to champion legwear in all its incarnations:

• It adds that certain something to a look. Whether the “something” you’re searching for is sophistication, whimsy, color, mystery, or fun, a growing array of styles can help you achieve your perfect look.
• It extends the wearability of your clothes. As I mentioned earlier, the inclusion of hosiery into your closet will open you up to more outfits for more occasions. With a few well-chosen pairs of leggings, warm tights, and cozy socks, you’ll expand your wardrobe without blowing a bunch of cash!
• It keeps you put-together. Even on your most hectic mornings, a trusty pair of leggings with a long sweater and your favorite sneakers or moccasins will always look more like an outfit than a pair of sweatpants. Ditto for a simple day dress paired with tights in a striking pattern instead of bare legs.

What do you think?

How do you feel about hosiery? What’s your favorite way to wear legwear? Any styles or types out there that you think should be retired for good? Any other trends you’d like to learn about? Leave a comment!

How’s the weather where you are? Indianapolis is still going through some warm days and cooler days, but every morning when I wake up I’m wishing for a solid forecast of fall breezes and clear skies.

This time of year is made for apple cider, popcorn, goofy nights in with your girls, and the coziest of all clothing: flannel shirts. A little rustic, a little soft in the sleeves, and packed with easy-to-throw-on comfort, flannels are the epitome of casual yet cute fall attire. Want to know more about these comfy shirts? Keep reading!

Below, I’ve compiled a history of flannel as a fabric for apparel, with a focus on flannel shirts in particular, where appropriate.

History of Flannel Shirts

Flannel fashion courtesy of Urban Outfitters | Photo Credits: 1, 2

• According to this fashion dictionary, flannel fabric was originally made from either carded wool or worsted yarn. Carding is a process that breaks up the wool fibers so they lay more or less parallel to one another. Modern day flannels are usually made with cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers.
• Flannel can be traced back to 17th century Wales, where farmers wore flannel shirts to protect themselves from the elements. This tradition would continue for other blue collar workers as the prevalence of flannel grew. The word “flannel” most likely comes from the Welsh word gwlanen, meaning “woolen article.”
• One man who is often credited for popularizing the flannel shirt in the United States is Hamilton Carhartt. He founded his namesake company in 1889. Wanting his clothes to be specially made for the working class, he visited railroad workers all over the country to determine the best tactics for creating top-notch utility products, including flannel shirts. He sought to set a standard of excellence, which he believed was reflected in every article he produced.
• A few of you may be wondering, what’s the difference between flannel and plaid shirts? At its most basic, plaid is a pattern which is believed to have originated in Scotland, whereas flannel is a fabric, as we’ve learned. So why the confusion? As tartan plaid looks so at home on flannel, the the print and fabric were often used together and quickly became synonymous in discussion. The perfect example of this is the stereotype of the lumberjack, who in 20th century popular culture was always depicted with a pair of boots and the ubiquitous plaid flannel shirt.
• Some associate flannel with the grunge look of the 1990s, but this article from T Magazine, the style mag of the New York Times, disagrees. It argues that by the time flannel was introduced as “grunge,” the look was a watered-down version of its original self.
• Flannel shirts today are often linked to hipster culture. Of hipsters, TIME notes, “Everything about them is exactingly constructed to give off the vibe that they just don’t care.” While hipsters may pretend not to care, I know that if they’re rocking flannel, they understand the true significance of comfort and style, something we can all appreciate!

Why We Still Love This Trend

Photo Credit

Now that you’ve read the history behind flannel and plaid flannel shirts, here are a few reasons to keep them in your wardrobe rotation this season:

• They’re warm. Seems simple, but this trait is one of the best things that flannel shirts have going for them. We’ve seen how difficult it is to dress well for unpredictable weather, and the flannel shirt could be your fall fashion lifesaver. A rugged alternative to a classic cardigan, throw it on over your everyday outfit to stay toasty and stylish.
• They’re easy to wear. If your schedule is anything like mine, you’re always running to something! Whether you’re heading to class, meetings, or study sessions at Starbucks, you’re going to be happy in a flannel shirt. This trusty item will be just as functional for your busy days as it is on your relaxed days, and you’ll always look cute!
• They come in lots of colors! Looking for a flannel in your favorite hues? Old Navy, Urban Outfitters, H&M, and American Eagle all have a variety of flannels out right now, one of which is bound to speak to your style!

Your Turn!

Do you love flannel shirts? How do you like to style them? What’s your number one reason for wearing them? Any other trends you’d like to see featured? Leave a comment and let’s chat! 

Feathers are everywhere in the fashion world lately. From the ubiquitous feather hair extensions, to jewelry, to prints and textiles evoking these stylish fowl, feathers are no longer just for costumes or haute couture. Feathers have gone mainstream, and with their rise to fame, my curiosity has reached new heights.

Were feathers always fashionable? What are the roots of feathers as clothing decorations? To find out, read on for info on the history of feathers in fashion.

History of Feathers in Fashion

A sassy feather dress (worn as a skirt) elevates this look to new heights | Photo Credit

• While completing research for this post, I was surprised to find an article on fashionable feathers among, get this, Neanderthals. While investigating a cave near Verona, Italy, paleoanthropologist Marco Peresani and colleagues found 660 bird bones. “Cut, peeling and scrape marks are observed exclusively on wings, indicating the intentional removal of large feathers,” he stated. Peresani believes the bird feathers were used for ornamentation and not another, more practical purpose. Of the 22 bird species found de-feathered, most were not known to be good food sources, and during investigation, it was evident that only certain feathers were plucked. “[They] removed the remiges, which are the longest and more beautiful feathers,” Peresani said. Makes you wonder what else Neanderthals were rocking…
• Native American headdresses are another early example of feathers being used for ornamentation. While most TV and movie depictions of historical Native Americans feature the feathered war bonnet (also known as a “war bonnet”), bonnets “were actually only worn by a dozen or so Indian tribes in the Great Plains region, such as the Sioux, Crow, Blackfeet, Cheyenne, and Plains Cree,” according to Native Languages of the Americas, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Native American languages.
• Another interesting fact about war bonnets that pop culture often gets wrong: Historically, they weren’t worn every day – instead, they were reserved for special occasions only… and women did not wear them! According to the Wiki page, they “were worn by honored Plains Indian men, sometimes into battle, but most often for ceremonial occasions, and were seen as items of great spiritual and magical importance.”
• In addition to war bonnets, other traditional Native American headdresses utilize feathers, including the roach bonnet, made of stiff animal hair with feathers incorporated into it, and feather headbands, made with eagle, crane, and/or egret feathers, to name a few. To see a history of headdresses as provided by the Native Languages of the Americas organization, click here.
• Like I mentioned in my last post on the history of masquerade masks, feathers were also used as decoration for masks in 16th-century Europe. Traditionally reserved for aristocrats only, these accessories gradually became more accessible to the lower classes.
• In the 20th century, feathers made a splash in fashion during the flapper era, as dresses were festooned with feathers to create more movement. Entertainers, too, used feather boas to enhance their performances.
• We’re still inspired by the feather in our fashion today. While it may not be practical to wear head-to-toe feathers on an everyday basis, it’s always fun to play with the feathers-as-fashion trend. If you’d like some inspiration, check out our post on fashion from Black Swan to get some ideas!

Why We Still Love This Trend

Feathers are guaranteed to attract attention | Photo Credit

Earlier in this series, we played a game of fill in the blank. Ready to play again? If you could choose three words to describe the feathers and their position in fashion, what would you say? While I wait to read your responses, here are mine:

• Colorful. Feathers are vibrant and eye-catching, perfect for dressing up your fall neutrals. Try a blouse with an all-over feather print under a sweater for class, a feathered skirt or dress for an evening out, or a chic hair accessory for a unique touch to any ensemble.
• Breezy. For those with a more carefree, relaxed style (think Doub Hanshaw for Free People), feathers are for you! Because of their diffusion into more casual fashion, gone are the stereotypes that feathers are uptight, stuffy, or just for special occasions. Be inspired by the birds and add some feather accents to your wardrobe for some nonchalant ease.
• Whimsical. There’s something inherently fun and unconventional about feathers in fashion, and for someone who has a self-proclaimed classic sense of style, I love the unexpected touch they add to an ensemble.

Thoughts?

How would you fill in the phrase “Feathers are ____”?  Are you a fan of feathers in fashion? Would you ever wear clothing composed of feathers, or will you stick to accessories? What do you think of the feather hair extensions craze? Any other trends you’d like to see covered next in this series? Leave a comment!

Halloween is almost here – do you know what your costume is yet? I’ve decided to go as a chessboard, complete with a leather skirt, chessboard tights, and a hat with a chess piece on top. If you’re stuck for a costume idea, there’s still time to come up with a great Halloween costume that showcases your personality.

If you favor disguises, for example, take inspiration from the centuries-old tradition of masquerades. Opulent costumes, decorated masks, and intriguing party guests keep everyone guessing until the very end. Popular for centuries, these parties and the props that go with them are always evolving. (Not to mention, they fit well with our post on fashion from Phantom of the Opera.)

Wondering what’s behind these puzzling pieces of fashion? Indulge in your secretive side and learn the history behind the masks.

History of Masquerade Masks

Embellished masks add flair | Photo Credits: 1, 2

• Before masquerade balls were even in vogue, they had their own place in daily life. Italy Mask, a Venetian mask retailer that specializes in these kinds of accoutrement, says, “[15th century] Venice was an aristocratic republic with its unique style of democracy effective only within the upper classes.” Because of their power, the aristocrats could impose their lifestyle as a model for the entire society.
• This presented a problem for the average merchant, however. What if they didn’t want to live like those above them? Where was the freedom? To combat socially accepted behavior, masks were utilized by non-aristocratic citizens to cover up suspicious activity. Masks allowed people to do or say what they pleased without fear of retribution.
• During the 16th century Italian renaissance, Masquerade balls became public affairs with dancing and socializing, most often used to celebrate the Venetian Carnevale. Masks were made from various materials, including clay and velvet. Adornments for the masks ranged from feathers to colored beads, so choosing a personality was as simple as selecting a unique mask.
• When dressing for these balls, guests had more than one mask shape to choose from. The bauta, for example, was worn by both men and women and was a full face mask. The moreta was another kind of mask made of black velvet, popular among women because it was said to showcase their features.
• John James Heidegger, a Swiss count, is credited for bringing the first semi-public masquerade ball to England in the early 18th century. This ball was held at the Haymarket Opera House in London, and from there, more balls were held for their mix of mystery and pleasurable company.
• Modern masquerade balls serve as social gatherings and charity functions. Some organizations pull out all the stops for their events. For instance, The British Columbia SPCA hosts an annual masquerade  to benefit the society, with wonderful turnout. Masks are required for guests to enter, and prizes are given to attendees with the best costumes. Doesn’t that sound like a great way to spend an evening?
• Masquerade masks have been around for hundreds of years, and thanks to their changing styles and periodic resurgences, we hope to keep seeing them for a long time.

Why We Still Love This Trend

Photo Credit

What’s not to love about a mask, especially for dressing up? Here are three reasons to consider building your costume around one of these stunning masks this year:

• They’re over-the-top. Dressing up is not for the faint of heart. If you’re going to a costume party, go all out with a distinctive mask that will set you apart from the crowd. The more extravagant, the better!
• They’re memorable. Everyone has seen enough Playboy bunnies, nondescript jungle animals, and naughty secretaries to last a lifetime. Adding a mask to your costume will give it some extra, unique sparkle and will be a natural conversation piece that will break the ice with just about anyone, even that cutie across the room.
• There are no rules.  Any costume can benefit from a mask. From a masked princess who’s undercover to a masked college student on the run from zombie professors, the possibilities are only limited by your creativity.  What will your mask be?

What do you think?

What do you think of masks? Would you ever attend a masquerade ball? Does your costume have a mask element this year? If you could create your perfect mask, what would it look like? Any other trends you’d like to learn more about? Let’s talk about it!

Lately, it’s been impossible to walk into the mall without being completely bombarded with tribal and Aztec-inspired prints — and I’m not just talking about throw blankets or ponchos. From accessories to sweaters, dresses to tights, there is nothing that you can’t find in these prints. Tribal print dresses in the summer are a no-brainer, but I’m LOVING that this print is transitioning to cooler weather clothes as well. Bold prints like these give winter ensembles a rustic vibe that reminds me of log cabins, curling up by the fireplace, and sipping hot chocolate.

As with any other trend, it can take a while to get a firm grasp on the proper way to style it. Here at CF, we believe that fashion rules are made to be broken — but wandering around in the dark or depending on runway models for guidance can be a little difficult.

On board with the trend, but need a little style inspiration? Not to worry, CF is to the rescue!

Tips and Tricks for Rocking Aztec and Tribal-Inspired Prints

• Practice moderation. Tribal motifs look awesome alone or with one other loudly printed piece. However it’s important to wear them moderately (and respectfully), by not pairing them with moccasins, feather earrings, a fringe vest, and/or a turquoise statement necklace.
• Mix prints. Maybe I’m crazy, but I’ve seen tons of fashion bloggers mix tribal motifs with plaids and stripes and I think it looks AMAZING! Keep the rest of your outfit simple to avoid an overload.
• Look to the streets. Street style blogs have been featuring this look for years now. Blogs like Lookbook and the Sartorialist are two great places to scope out for inspiration.
• Wear them with boots. Accentual the rustic vibe of these prints by pairing them with combat, leather, or Sherpa boots.
• Add texture. Aztec-inspired and tribal prints look amazing with (faux) fur, leather, and suede.
• Accesorize. As with any other trend, try this look out by sampling a scarf or bag in a tribal print to see if it works for your style. I recently purchased a tribal print scarf from Forever 21 and I absolutely love it — it’s large enough to double as a blanket at chilly football games, or wrap around myself and belt.

Outfit Inspiration

Look #1: College Cozy

Sweater, Jeans, T-Shirt, Gloves, Shoes, Beanie, Necklace

An oversized tribal print sweater is perfect for lounging around the dorms, hitting the books at the library, or trekking to class in the beautiful fall weather. Just add a basic t-shirt and your favorite pair of skinny jeans, your warmest pair of boots, a simple necklace, and cute fingerless gloves and a beanie to complete the look.

Look #2: Mixed Prints

Coat, Jeans, Tank, Shirt, Shoes, Earrings

This look might be a little too loud for some of you, but if you have a more daring sense of style, it’ll be right up your alley! Start with a tribal motif base, and layer your favorite flannel shirt on top. Leave it unbuttoned to feature more tribal print, or button it halfway for just a peek. Add your favorite pair of skinny jeans and a military anorak for an uber-trendy look. Finish with simple shoes and cute earrings.

Look #3: Trendy Night Out

Skirt, Sweater, Socks, Shoes, Scarf, Earrings, Ring

Tone down a colorful printed skirt with a basic black sweater — then up the style by adding a pair of knee-high socks and desert sand wedges. Finish this fierce look with an infinity scarf, feather earrings, and a serpent ring.

Look #4: Street Inspiration

Coat, Shirt, Shorts, Belt, Boots, Sunglasses, Tights, Necklace

True life: I just ordered this coat, and I have been pacing around my mailbox waiting for it to arrive ever since! Once it finally gets here, this is how I plan to style it. A brown and creme striped shirt goes nicely with the coloring of the coat, and denim shorts with tights and boots will given it some urban flair. Finish with sunnies, a basic belt, and a cute necklace.

Thoughts?

Have you bought any wintery tribal print pieces? What do you think about this trend? How do you plan on styling it? What other trends do you love, but are unsure how to style? Leave us a comment and tell us what you think!

Of all the popular fall 2011 trends we’ve talked about here at CF, the menswear-inspired look is arguably the season’s hottest. From loafers and oxfords to suspenders and blazers, the androgynous look is in this fall.

Need some outfit ideas before you rock this trend? Whether your style is classic, edgy, girly or more laid-back, we’ve got you covered. Scroll on down to check out four stylish, fall-appropriate ways to wear the menswear-inspired trend:

Modern Day Katharine Hepburn

Product Info: Sweater- Forever 21, Belt- Anthropologie, Earrings- Forever 21, Clutch- H&M, Pants- Zara, Loafers- Debenhams

Create a timeless, yet simple menswear-inspired look by pairing a striped pullover sweater with some fitted ankle-cuff trousers and a pair of classic loafers. Add a braided belt and some statement earrings for interest. Finish this look with a sleek envelope clutch for a neutral-colored outfit that’s anything but boring.

A Trendy Approach

Product Info: Blouse- Dorothy Perkins, Trousers- Forever 21, Necklace- H&M, Turband- Nasty Gal, Ring- House of Harlow 1960, Pumps- ASOS

For a truly ”borrowed-from-the-boys” look, try wearing some streamlined trousers with built-in suspenders, like the ones above. Wear these trousers with jade green blouse for a splash of rich color, then add some stacked loafer heels and a simple turband to up the trend factor another notch. For a finishing touch, add some quirky-cool jewelry like this patterned cocktail ring and pocket-watch style necklace.

Boy Meets Girl

Product Info: Blazer- Forever 21, Blouse- House of Fraser, Watch- American Apparel, Tights- Urban Outfitters, Shorts- Miss Selfridge, Shoes- DSW

If you love pretty and feminine outfits, but still want to try out some menswear-inspired pieces, this look is for you! Start by pairing a printed tie-neck blouse with some structured berry-colored shorts, then layer on sheer tights and a sharp blazer in a soft blush shade for some extra warmth. Add some oxford heels and a practical watch for an outfit that perfectly balances both masculine and feminine pieces.

Cozy & Casual

Product Info: Hat- ModCloth, Shirt- Old Navy, Cardigan- Forever 21, Jeans- Lord & Taylor, Boots- Delia’s, Rings- Dorothy Perkins

This is the perfect outfit for a laid-back autumn afternoon. Wear some slouchy straight-leg boyfriend jeans with a cozy flannel shirt. Next, add a collegiate-style cardigan and some rugged-yet-comfy lace-up boots. Finally, accessorize with a knit hat and some stacked rings for a look that was made for enjoying the cool fall weather.

Your thoughts?

What do you think of this trend? Would you ever wear a menswear-inspired look? Which outfit is your favorite? Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!

As the weather starts to turn and our wardrobe shifts, certain pieces take more prominent roles in our closet. Take, for example, the humble scarf.

The scarf is another classic investment piece, originally designed to keep you warm and cozy. So where’s the trend? Its position in fashion has been changing. In recent years, the scarf has become less of a necessity and more of an accessory.

Now considered appropriate regardless of season, today, the scarf is on a similar level with statement jewelry or a great bag. It’s a finishing piece that adds another layer (both literally and figuratively) to your outfit. Curious to see how the scarf evolved from something that was merely functional to something that’s simply fabulous? Keep reading!

History of Scarves and their Fashionable Evolution

This scarf easily spices up an otherwise plain outfit | Photo Credit

• The scarf has its roots in Rome, where its purpose was to help people keep clean, not to make a fashion statement. This cleaning cloth was called a sudarium, meaning “sweat cloth.” A man would carry one with him while he worked in hot weather to combat perspiration, wearing it either around his neck or on his belt.
• Another early use for scarves was military distinction. When I visited the Terra Cotta Warriors a few years ago, I learned that one way a warrior’s station could be determined was by his hairstyle and uniform accents, including scarves. This photo shows three ranks, two of which wear scarves and one of which does not.
• Popular fashion houses manufactured scarves as fashion items in the 1800s. These were usually made from silk with ornate patterns, the most notable examples being those by Hermès.
• As fashion scarf production increased due to consumer demand, they were made in cheaper fabrics such as rayon. Women who could not previously afford the luxe silk scarves could now indulge in the fashionable accessory as well.
• Scarves moved up in popularity as a common accessory for both men and women as the 20th century wore on. As we’ve seen with past History of the Trend posts, scarf fabric, pattern, and style were indicative of current economic and social conditions. Scarves produced during WWII were muted in color to reflect moods and conserve resources, while scarves of the ’60s were brightly colored and floral-patterned. The coffee table book Scarves provides a colorful visual history of these evolutions.
• Cultural icons also helped to define scarf fashion norms, including Rosie the Riveter and singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks.
• This Scarf History Timeline, complete with sources, gives a comprehensive look at how the scarf has evolved over the years. Taking up knitting as a patriotic duty seems like a surefire way to master the skill!

Why We Still Love This Trend

A traditional knit scarf is both functional and fashionable | Photo Credit

How would you describe your favorite scarf? Fun? Classic? Unique? Versatile? I love all my scarves for different reasons and in different ways, but if I had to pick three words to describe scarves in general, I’d say that they are:

• Adaptable. Have you seen our post, 5 Fashion Blogger-Inspired Ways to Tie a Scarf? That’s just the beginning. Be sure to check out 37 Ways to Tie a Scarf and How to Twist and Tie Your Favorite Headscarves  for even more inspiration to take your favorite scarf to the next level.
• Understated. A minimalist’s best friend, a scarf is one way to pull together an outfit and make it that much more cohesive. Since a scarf is a perfect way to link otherwise different pieces, take the time to make it the focal point of your ensemble. This could mean wearing it in your hair, knotting it on your bag, or wearing it around your neck in a creative configuration: It’ll really make a difference!
• Individual. Scarves are so easy to incorporate into your personal style. To find one to fit your unique tastes, scour a thrift store, search eBay, have a clothing swap with friends, or learn something new and make one yourself. Enjoy all the ways in which you can show off this great accessory!

Thoughts?

Do you have a favorite way to wear a scarf? Do you wear scarves in all seasons? Any unique stories on how you found the perfect one? Any other trends you’d love to see featured here? Leave a comment!