Back to school style

Aug. 8, 2010

Back to School Style… On a Budget
It is that time of year again, back to school... Starting this month,
students everywhere are beginning to trade in their beach attire for
more classroom-friendly clothing. Who wouldn’t want to look their best
when returning to campus?
For most students the challenge is to incorporate the season’s most
desired items without going over budget. The good news is that with
just a few key items, one can turn a tired wardrobe into a
head-of-the-class style. This fall’s trends include staples like crisp
blazers, statement necklaces, and cropped booties. Here are a few
suggestions to help identify the essential back to school items at
affordable prices.
Make the transition from summer to fall with brightly colored cotton
dresses.These staples are easy to throw on and stand alone as an
outfit in the lingering 80-degree days. The best part about a summer
dress is that it is versatile when the season changes. Once the
weather turns, throw on an oversized cardigan and woven belt to warm
it up. Don’t be afraid to layer items as the temperature can change
drastically throughout the day. Many stores offer cotton dresses for
under $20.
If only one item is on your back to school shopping list this year it
should be a crisp blazer. Comfortable? Yes. Chic? Absolutely! Layer it
with a structured collared shirt or a basic t-shirt and create the
ultimate every day uniform. Your shopping search should locate one
starting at $30.
Next on the list of must haves is a great bag that is large enough to
fit any history book. Fashion-savvy gals are known for their
creativity, so naturally some co-eds opt to use an oversized purse as
a school bag. For extra comfort opt for a messenger style satchel
which allows for more back-friendly weight distribution.
Don’t forget to add a statement necklace to the list of back to school
essentials. The right accessory can change an outfit from simple to
fabulous. Make sure to pick a necklace (or two) that reflects your
style and personality.
A back to school wardrobe is not complete without a new pair of
flattering jeans. They are perfect to throw on while running out the
door to class. Designer denim like Citizens of Humanity, Paige, and
True Religion are hot for back to school. However, if you are looking
for a more affordable pair check out Gap‘s legging jeans that retail
for just under $70. They are one of the most comfortable and
flattering pairs of skinny jeans in stores this fall. “My ‘jeggings’
fit more like a jean than a legging. They are super soft and give just
a little stretch which is exactly what I was looking for,” says Ithaca
College student and Traverse City native Becca Cline. “I am looking
forward to wearing them every day!”
Floral prints are all the rage this fall and there is no better way to
spice up an outfit than with a floral print top. Flowing fabrics like
chiffon flatter most figures and bring a hint of femininity. To
incorporate this trend in other ways try a flower print scarf or a
printed accessory. This will bring depth and texture to any look.
Embrace the playful side of back to school style by wearing a pair of
cropped western booties. They can be paired with a mini dress or with
rolled up denim for a look that will be adored by all. “Cropped boots
are perfect for walking around campus,” says Cline. “It is important
to me to have extremely comfortable shoes; thankfully these fit the
bill and are still cute!”

Kristy Kurjan is a new fashion writer at the Express. She is a
freelance fashion stylist who majored in apparel & textile design at
Michigan State University. She has worked in the fashion departments
at Glamour Magazine and for Style.com and served as a production
shopper at the Oprah Winfrey Show. She is the owner/designer of
Hydrangea BLU Bridesmaids www.hydrangeablu.com.