College Fashion Trend: Back to Basics
During my previous report on 2010 college fashion trends, I talked about embellishments. This week, we are going in the opposite direction by talking about fundamental/basic garments. There has definitely been a noticeable (and perhaps, under-appreciated) fashion motif around my campus: a return to basics.
Now, some of you might say that basics are not a “trend”, and that a classic t-shirt for example never goes out of style. And I would definitely agree with you. However, a trendy way to wear these “forever” pieces is by creating a single outfit from almost nothing but basics. Now, that is a trend.
Curious as to what I’m talking about? Read on!
Where to Start:
If you like the idea of piecing together an outfit from basics, but aren’t quite sure how to do it, I would recommend checking out American Apparel’s website. AA is a good source of inspiration because they are ALL about basics, and most of their items are showcased with other “basic” pieces they sell. In fact, all the pictures above are from American Apparel!
I know for a college student it can seem kind of silly to spend 30 or so dollars on a basic t-shirt from American Apparel, so if that’s out of your budget, check out Forever 21‘s selection of basics. I’m notorious for sporting loose, white, v-neck t’s from F21 that only cost me about 4 dollars each!
How to Wear It:
One of the aspects of this trend that I like best is that you really don’t have to go out and buy anything (unless you don’t own any basics at all – and I doubt that!).
I really think this trend is all about being smart, using your imagination, and getting the most out of what you wear. I definitely believe that the “back to basics” trend is a manifestation of recession chic… and I’m all for it!
Here are some basic pieces, followed by some outfit ideas to show you how to mix-and-match them to create different looks:
Product Information: Infinity Scarf- The Limited, Brown Cardigan- Old Navy, Gray Scarf- Forever 21, Jeans- The Outnet, Tank- Forever 21, V-neck T- Charlotte Russe, Collar Shirt- Forever 21, Long Sleeve T- Forever 21, Leggings- Top Shop, Belt- Forever 21
Outfit 1
This outfit has a pretty subtle color palette, but I like the mixture of browns with blue and red. I see this outfit being worn on a somewhat chilly day, where the red scarf becomes the focal point. I see this as kind of a model-off-duty look, or a great “thrown together” look for a trip to the farmer’s market.
Product Information (in addition to the basics listed above): Boots, Bag
Outfit 2
This outfit is all about having a bright color as the focal point. You could also replace the tank with the long sleeve t-shirt, or the v-neck t-shirt above. This is definitely an example of one of the more common ways I’ve seen basics being worn around my campus.
Product Information (in addition to the basics listed above): Striped Cardigan, Over-the-Knee Boots
Outfit 3
This outfit showcases how small details can complement basics, while still sticking with the theme of today’s post. The belt around the cardigan and the small embellishments on the flats add a little something extra to this outfit, but it is still very much an ensemble of basics.
Product Information (in addition to the basics listed above): Ballet Flats
On a final note: It’s interesting how students around my campus have turned what seems like “nothing” into a very stylish “something.” Appreciate your basics!
A penny for your thoughts…
What do you think? Do you have a renewed appreciation for basics like I do? How do you spice up your basics? Do you ever wear 100% basics outfits? Let me know!
Posted on on January 31, 2010 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: American Apparel, Basics, Campus Inspiration, Forever 21, knits, solids, Trends
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Madeleine
Just recently I’ve been inspired to go out and buy a pack of Men’s Hanes white v-neck tees and I’ve been stealing my brother’s white wifebeaters because I get a lot of inspiration from the sample outfits featured on this website and a lot of them feature a lot of basic pieces. I spice up my basics with an unexpected necklace or a scarf or something like that. One outfit that I wore last week was pretty much all basics which is diferent from what I usually wear.
Mika
I love outfit 1! I It’s the boots that really make the outfit. I think that you can get away with just wearing basics if one element of your outfit really pops. Like the boots in outfit 1. On lazy days I will just throw on a tank and cardi or a basic sweater and put on a pair of amazing boots (I’m in love with my new Steve Madden Intyce boots). I think it’s great that you incorporated that idea into your outfits (like the bright red scarf and pretty shoes).
Mika
Oh, and if you are looking for great basics definetly check out C&C. Most of my tanks, cardis and sweaters are from there. In my opinion they have the best basics around.
suzanne
this is an interesting idea. i’m not normally a fan of wearing all basics for fear of looking boring. but outfit #1 especially is actually really chic in a minimalistic way. it would look really good paired with a red lip and minimal eye make-up. i might give this a try :)
Katelyn
Okay. I don’t get it. How are these “all basics” outfits different from any other outfits? What makes something “not basic?” I’m just not getting it.
Audrey
I’ve been doing a lot of basics looks lately. I love being able to mix and match basic clothes in different styles. Layering and using things in new looks is fun. I love the boots in outfit number 1 too. :)
Audrey
Whoops- I guess it’s outfit #2 that has the cute boots…
Jordan
I’m sorry, but I honestly think these outfits could have been more appealing. Someone who I think does an awesome job mixing basics, and prints with prints, is Selena Gomez’s character Alex on Wizards of Waverly Place. Take cues from her!
http://selenastyle.com/style/0294.php
Luinae
Meh, not a huge fan. I think I just prefer MORE. So it’s not nessecerily a bad thing, it just isn’t working for me.
Zee
This is a great post! You can never go wrong with basics.
And what Jordan said about Selena Gomez’s style on Wizards of Waverly Place is true but that is only her style on the show, not her personal style.
Her everyday outfits usually consist of JUST basics
http://selenastyle.com/style/0412.php
http://selenastyle.com/style/0337.php
thisizkim
I love it! simple, yet very chic!
Anna
I love the idea of “back to basics”.
Personally, I think they are cute outfits and simple to put on for a very casual day.
But on the other hand, I like to wear something basic (either the top or bottom) and deck it out with something more colourful/patterned (either the top or bottom).
For example, A plain black v neck tee with patterned tights or something like that?
Evan Gonzalez
Some interesting options, and I feel that it can be spiced up with some riding boots.
Lyd
its ok..but id ditch the tights and boots look if worn with a normal basic top. Skinny pants looks best.
again, i hate leggings as pants with a passion (same applies with jeggings…)
aish
love this post!!!
and i love the clothes…the basics look really nice n bright
Charlotte
mmm i’m not really feeling this. It’s all a bit unisinpiring.
I definitely like much more going on in my outfits!!
xxx
Ashley
I LOVE this. I’m a busy girl (full-time student, undergraduate physics TA, part-time job, full-time girlfriend…) so I love being able to pull on a tee/tank, jeans, mocs and a cardi and look fabulous and classy. That along with some neck accessory (at this time of year in Milwaukee, it’s a scarf) is my daily uniform. I definitely don’t blend in and I’m super comfortable during long days. Go basics!