3 Easy Ways to Step Up Your Style for 2010 & Beyond
As of 12:00 this morning, we have not only entered a new year but a new decade as well. The next ten years certainly have a lot in store for us–most of us will enjoy our remaining years of college, graduate, and move on to our adult lives. Pretty crazy, huh?
So this got me thinking about what advice I’d like to give you CF readers for the exciting years ahead. Instead of my usual column in which I answer your specific “What Do I Wear There” questions, I thought I’d give some general tips to keep in mind to ensure that your next decade is the most stylish yet!
1. Day Look: Just Say “No” To Sweats!
As any avid CF reader knows, we always advocate dressing up for your daily life. Many of our past articles have focused on how to dress up your “comfort clothes” so you can easily avoid wearing sweats to class. However, as the temperature drops, homework piles up, and mid-semester “blahs” begin, the idea of dressing down for class can seem more and more inviting.
That’s why I think we should all make it a New Year’s resolution to put effort into looking (and feeling) fabulous every day, meaning no sweats allowed for class. (For reasons why this is important, check out this CF classic, 25 Reasons Why You Should Dress Up Every Day!)
Here is my take on how to stay comfortable, yet still look cute and trendy in this new year.
Product Information: Caridgan: Uniqlo.com, Tank: Net-a-Porter.com, Lace Leggings: TopShop.com, Boots: TopShop.com, Watch Necklace: UrbanOutfitters.com, Tote: Yesstyle.com
As you can see, not wearing sweats doesn’t mean sacrificing feeling cozy in class!
The grandfather cardigan above will certainly keep you warm and looks adorable over a simple tunic. Add some lace leggings (layer them over regular knit leggings for additional warmth) to make the look feminine and cute, while the addition of over-the-knee boots will make you look like you just stepped off a runway.
The best way to add some flair to your look on those busy mornings when you’re rushing around is with fun accessories. The next time you’re out shopping, look for some cute pieces with personality, such as the pocket watch necklace above (which will look vintage-chic matched with the grandfather cardigan) or the above printed carry-all, which is the perfect size for toting your books!
2. Night Look: Show Off Your Shape
If you’re like me, you spent much of the past decade draped in oversized clothing and excessive layers as part of the popular “urban bohemian” style. However, the oversized bohemian look is definitely on its way out – these days, it’s all about shapely looks that show off your curves.
And with all of the revelations the 2000′s offered as far as straying away from the super-skinny model look in favor of loving your curves (think Scarlett Johanson and Kate Winslet’s looks), there is no time better than the present to be proud of your body!
The best way to accentuate your shape in this new year is with the super-popular “body-con dresses.” These dresses come in all sorts of styles, from flowery, feminine frocks to the Herve Leger-esque bandage dresses. But if you are, once again, like me and are a little afraid of foregoing your flowing tunics in favor of something tighter, I suggest going for a more “tough girl” vibe with your body con dress for a comfy and trend-conscious look.
Product Information: Clutch: Aldo.com, Dress: TopShop.com, Tights: Forever21.com, Cuff Bracelet: Bagsofsparkle.com, Lip Gloss: Makemeheal.com, Boots: Forever21.com
The urban biker look has been huge lately, with chains and buckled boots strutting down many a runways this season. Make the look your own by choosing a body-con dress with an edgy design and pairing it with super tall boots, shimmery tights, and an embellished cuff bracelet. For a pop of color, add a sleek, bright clutch.
Keep your makeup simple so you look more biker-chic than actual biker-chick with a simple glossy, nude lip. With an outfit this fierce, it is impossible not to feel as confident as you look!
3. Keep in Mind: Smart Investment Buys for the Years Ahead
As I said in the intro, we are currently in a pretty transitional time in our lives. And as fun as it is to buy trendy clothes for classes and nights out, it’s also important to look ahead as you make your clothing purchases.
Now is the time that many of us are beginning to go on job interviews or find internships in our first real offices. Therefore, it is important to start making legitimate investments in classic basics that are necessary for the office.
Product Information: Blouse: Debijenkorf.nl, Pencil Skirt: Coast-stores.com, Blazer: TopShop.com, Tights: Barneys.com, Pumps: Piperlime.gap.com, Pearl Necklace: Nordstrom.com
The first basics to buy are definitely the traditional white button-up top and opaque black tights. Both pieces can easily be mixed and matched with a variety of looks for your interviews or in-office work.
Another investment to go for now is a flattering and appropriate pencil skirt. (I love the belt detailing on the one above.) Black is the best pick for interviews, but if you end up in a slightly more stylish office, you can certainly add on to your work wardrobe with skirts in more colors.
Blazers have been a huge trend this fall/winter, so there is no time like the present to find your perfect one. Make sure that you buy one that fits you well for work (so stay away from the boxy boyfriend fits) and consider tailoring it so it fits to perfection.
As for shoes, you can never go wrong with a black, closed-toe pump. Just be careful with how high the heel is so you are office-appropriate. Also, practice walking around in them before throwing them on for a day at the office–you don’t want the embarrassment of limping around in painful shoes in front of your boss!
Finally, start asking for signature jewelry pieces as presents for holidays or invest in them yourself if you want to reward yourself for a semester well done. Pearls and other classic pieces will carry you not only through the years ahead but possibly through your whole life, so save the splurging for these pieces and go to stores such as Forever 21, H&M, or TopShop for trendier accessories.
For even more info on this, don’t miss our articles on Business Casual Style and What to Wear to Work (or an Internship). Also, check out our Splurge vs Save series for information on what to spend and what to save on.
What do you think?
Are you planning to step up your style for the year (and decade) ahead? What trends are you hoping to try? Are you going to be buying investment pieces? Are there any other investments you think are worth making? Let us know in the comments!
And don’t forget to leave your “What Do I Wear There?” questions in the comments as well–you may be featured in next week’s article!
Posted on on January 1, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: 2010, Class, Investments, New Year, Night Out, What Do I Wear There?, Work
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Luinae
Number One is so incredibly important, and I am a huge advocate of it!
Megan
First time commenter, long time reader – had to comment because this was such a great article! Agreed with all of the points, especially investing in key wardrobe pieces as we leave university and head into the real world. Great job Colleen! :)
Jasmine
I def. agree with #1 also!! You can be comfy and still look good…without wearing sweats!!! I think that is so important also! How you present yourself to other, no matter what time or place is very very important!!! =))
Emma
Great post! Look #1 is my fave, that’s how I try to dress for school, but sometimes I still pull out the yoga pants..
Can’t wait to see more posts in 2010!
April
#1 and #3 are my personal fashion resolutions this year. I’m trying to elminate sweats from my wardrobe and buy classical, investment pieces. In the past, I’ve bought a lot of things because they were on sale but ended up not wearing them so this year, I’ll try to make sure I buy only versatile pieces I really love.
Kim - Cal State
Colleen! I lovelovelove your first outfit, it’s totally my style (I love drapey/monochromatic stuff) and I also agree with your second outfit, I love bodyshaping outfits, they totally show off the shape that I hardly ever show off on normal days! And the last tip you offered is great too, basics are very important to any fashionista’s wardrobe, I love them. Great post! Happy new year!
Kath
#3 is sooo important. I really got into fashion during college and built up a great wardrobe, but I had almost nothing interview appropriate when I graduated. I haven’t found a “real” job yet, but I’ve started acquiring more grown-up, classic pieces for that reason.
Audrey - Ohio State University
I love outfit #1! The structured bag works really well with the flowing, loose cardi/tunic combo. I feel like this is the perfect throw on and go look. Awesome post!
la petite fashionista
#1 is my favorite tip! especially as a fashion student– it bothers me so much to see girls who come to class in oversized tees & victoria’s secret sweatpants. dress for success right?! :)
aish
i love the 1st and 3rd one(love the tank top, the blazer, the pencil skirt and the tights.
not too crazy bout the 2nd…..i love body shaping but it doesnt appeal to me right away. maybe if i try it on i would like it( but i love the purple clutch and the booties.)
great job
Kate
Awesome article! And I agree with you on all three points. Great, great job! Happy 2010 (and new decade)!!
Lydia
When i read this post, i realised that i have very few party tops! (I have dresses though).
I soo agree with number 3!! Its also my last year at uni, and so i am investing in a corporate wardrobe!!! Umm….what else? I’m hoping to try the maxi dress look, and *maybe* purchase some heels!
tur
I’m in vet school, should I wear pencil skirts for interviews? *rolls eyes* Not everybody is going to work in offices.
Priya
Loved this article! I despise sweats and I think that the first resolution is a really good one! I’m in love with the pocket watch necklace, I hope Urban Outfitters ship to England, cause I need it!
Lydia
oh btw the picture that you have displayed is where i come from!!
Fen
Great article! #3 is my current downfall… I hope to see more articles about the classic basics in the new year!
Happy 2010!!
Jennifer
@Tur I’m just curious what would you wear to interview for the job you are going to? I would still think that, even though you won’t be working in an office environment, you still want to portray a professional look during your interview. And, you’ll still want some nice, professional outfits when you do events outside of your workplace that you need to be professional at.
I’m working on #3, I’ve got some basics already and I’m starting an internship next week so my professional wardrobe should be getting better.
Kat
Great post! I have a workplace-related question. Of course having a suit and some workwear is a good idea for college interviews, but what about part-time college jobs? I work as a waitress and I have to wear all-black, tie my hair up, I can’t wear long jewellery in case it goes in the food and comfy flats are a must! It doesn’t leave a lot of room for variation. So this is my question: How can you jazz up a strict work uniform?
Cathy
Kat – You said you can’t wear long jewelry, not no jewelry at all, so how about pendant necklaces?
This is a great post.
While I’m not someone to put a lot of thought into my outfit when I go to class, I don’t wear sweatpants. My go-to for the winter is skinny jeans, boots, and a graphic t-shirt or sweater. This semester I have only one academic class because I’m student teaching, so I will be getting more dressed up on a day-to-day basis though. That’s why I love number 3 on this list. It applies to me because I need to start expanding my wardrobe to include more work pieces. For me, that doesn’t include pencil skirts but I do need to purchase some nice pants, more flats, blouses, and a blazer or two.
I’m also a fan of number 2 because since I will be dressing more modestly during student teaching, it will be a fun alternative to wear something sexy whenever my friends and I find time to go out on weekends. I definitely want to purchase a body-con dress that I saw in either the blue or plum.
Other than what you posted, my plan for the year – in addition to expanding my wardrobe to be more age-appropriate (not so “college student”) is to try more trends! :)
Aury@ An Ordinary Girl's World
I love the idea of No.1 because I feel there is just never a reason to where sweats or pyjamas to class. In fact one day, last semester I was partly asleep and having a really dull, grossed out day, and just wearing a top and jeans wasn’t good enuf for me. I got back after class and accessorized the outfit to within an inch of its life. I feel like that was a style milestone for me.
Shannon
I love #3. Last April I began working in an office, and I’ve had to purchase a lot of business casual clothing. I grew to love the style, and now I even dress that way for class! It’s definitely a great idea to invest in classic pieces that you can wear for years.
JG
I love all thee looks. Great picks! I am mostly going with resolution #1 (no more sweats). As much as I love fashion, when I used to have 8am classes on the other side of campus, sweats seemed like the only option. Now I realize how important it is to look your best at all times. You never know who you’ll bump in to…plus, it’s always a confidence boost knowing you look good in what you’re wearing (and let’s face it…no one looks good in sweat pants and gym shoes)
Dutch!
I just wanna say i think its so cool that you mentioned something from the bijenkorf which i thought only dutch people knew!!!!
Madeleine
I’m not really planning on stepping up my style for 2010 because I feel like at the beginning of the school year my style really changed for the better so I don’t really feel that I need to upgrade my style that much. I’ve been buying a lot of ankle boots lately, both with heels and without so I plan on living in them as opposed to my Uggs that I typically live in. I’m still in high school so I’m not really at a point yet where I need to worry about investing in pieces for job interviews so I’m going to continue to just by cheap but trendy pieces while I still can.
Maxine
Well of course if your taking phys ed you should wear sweats but if not go casual .