6 Must-Have Items to Update Your Wardrobe for Fall 2011

6 Must-Have Items to Update Your Wardrobe for Fall 2011

We’re already a few weeks into September, which means that fall is just around the corner — yay! The change of season also calls for a wardrobe update if you want to keep up with all that’s new this season. However, if learning about the multitude of hot fall trends makes your head spin and your wallet hurt, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve picked our top six trendy, budget-friendly and completely versatile Fall 2011 must-haves to help you stay stylish throughout fall and into winter. Whether you buy just one or all six of these items, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll look up-to-date without having to buy a whole new wardrobe.

Want to see our top picks for Fall 2011? Scroll on down:

1. A Cozy Pullover Sweater

Since it’s slowly but surely getting cooler outside, it will soon be time to break out some cozy cold-weather clothes, and this season, there’s no better choice for fall than a comfy pullover sweater. Wear one with some jeans for a cool and casual look or pair it with a skirt for a stylish vibe.

There are lots of options here when it comes to color, style and fit, so it should be easy to find a sweater that matches your personal aesthetic. Need some options to get the ball rolling? Check out our picks below:

Product Info: Sparks Between Us Sweater- ModCloth, Fisherman Sweater- J. Crew, Collegiate Fox Sweater- Forever 21, Dolman Sweater- Nordstrom, Fair Isle Sweater- American Eagle Outfitters, Purple Sweater- H&M

2. Flared Jeans

As we mentioned in our denim guide, flares are this season’s most popular and versatile denim style. These jeans have a distinct ’70s vibe, but are also super easy to wear. Just style them as you would any other pair of jeans and you’ll be good to go!

If you want to update your denim collection this fall, check out these budget-friendly flared jeans:

Product Info: Revolt Stretch Flares- Alloy, Hipster Flare- American Eagle Outfitters, Skinny Flares- PacSun, Mini Flare Jeans- Old Navy, Dark Blue Flares- Forever 21

3. A Collar Necklace

If you buy one new piece of jewelry this season, make it a collar necklace. Just like the name suggests, these bold necklaces give the illusion of an ornate collar and are available in tons of unique styles. Since all kinds of collars are going to be super-trendy this season, this is an easy (and totally detachable!) way to try this trend.

These statement necklaces are the perfect way to dress up a basic tee or to add some edge to your favorite LBD. Sound like your kind of jewelry? Here are some of our favorites:

Product Info: Pearl Section Necklace- Topshop, Pleated Leather Necklace- ASOS, Silver Necklace- Forever 21, Life’s Real Riches Necklace- ModCloth, Crocodile Print Collar- Topshop, Wood Necklace- JCPenney

4. Over-the-Knee Socks

These tall stockings will help transition your favorite summer dresses, shorts, skirts and rompers into fall. They’ll also give you some extra coverage and keep your legs toasty when it starts to get chilly. We think these socks look chic with flats, oxfords and heels, but we especially love the way over-the-knee socks look when paired with tall boots.

Not sure how to style over-the-knee socks? Check out Jessica’s “Ask CF” article on over-the-knee socks for fall-appropriate outfit ideas, then sneak a peek at a few of our favorite pairs below:

Product Info: Gray Ribbed Socks- Madewell, Lace Top Socks- Urban Outfitters, Contrast Socks- Forever 21, Rust Over-the-Knee Socks- ASOS, Buffalo Plaid Socks- Woolrich, A Leg Up Socks in Blueberry- ModCloth

5. Anything Polka-Dotted

Polka dots seem like they are a perpetually popular seasonal print (say that five times fast!), and this fall is no exception. This pretty print is both whimsical and feminine — it definitely makes a fun statement! As with other trends, if you aren’t ready to full-on rock this print, try a polka dotted accessory for a more subtle look.

Ready to add some of this cheerful print to your wardrobe? Here are just a few of the great polka dot pieces we found:

Product Info: Made to Measure Tee- Anthropologie, Polka Dot Knit Top- Forever 21, Chocolate Chocolate Chip Dress- ModCloth, Dotted Sheer Tights- Nordstrom, Crinkle Scarf- Monsoon, Polka Dot Skirt- Forever 21

6. A Midi Skirt

While maxi skirts ruled throughout the summer, demure and ladylike midi skirts are going to be popular for fall. While these skirts have an interesting and even somewhat tumultuous past, we’re pretty excited that midi skirts are trendy again. Wear them with flats and a pretty blouse for a dainty and feminine outfit or with an oversized sweater and wedged booties for a more juxtaposed look.

There are midi skirts available in pretty much every color, pattern and material out there, but check out our top picks:

3 Fall 2011 Hair Trends to Steal from the Runway

3 Fall 2011 Hair Trends to Steal from the Runway

College students across the country are gearing up for another year of school. Whether your fall semester has already begun or you’re still enjoying summer break, we can all agree a major part of the excitement for the new school year is getting to experiment with the new fall trends.

Another great thing about autumn weather is that it isn’t nearly as harsh on your hair as summer or winter, so you can easily try out some new hairstyles without worrying about frizz and static. Below, I’ll show you guys how to recreate three of the hottest Fall 2011 runway hairstyles to rock on campus this fall.

1. Gold

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 Metallics are always big for fall and this year is no exception. Gold tones were all over the runway during New York Fashion Week, from fabrics to nail polish and even in hair.The models at Jason Wu (seen above) had real 24-karat gold leaf painted in large streaks on their hair. While this look may seem overwhelming (and obviously expensive) to recreate exactly, it’s possible to parlay this runway inspiration into your real life hairstyles.

Hair Comb, Headband, Clip, Gold Gel

Not ready to paint your hair gold? Golden hair accessories are the perfect way to create the Jason Wu effect with much less commitment. A golden hair clip adds an unexpected touch of glamour to a sleek bun, while a golden headband quickly pulls together an otherwise casual look for class.

For those craving more drama, consider using Manic Panic Dye Hard Hair Colour Gel to create a similar look to Wu’s for a fraction of the cost. This metallic hair gel is great for commitment-phobes because it washes out instantly with shampoo. Consider applying the gold gel to one section of hair before braiding for a dramatic pop of color. I would suggest showing off this style on weekends for a fun party look; it’d also be perfect for holiday events in the months to come.

2. Ponytails

Forget diamonds – ponytails are a college girl’s best friend. It was so refreshing to see our favorite casual, yet chic, ponytails in many New York Fashion Week shows. For the runway, the style is over-the-top, but this look is more than easily adaptable for everyday wear.

This season’s ponytail is low, casual, and unkempt. The ponytails in Alexander Wang’s show (seen above left) looked precariously close to falling out completely with many strands framing the models’ faces, while the Vera Wang ponytails (featured above center and right) created an entirely new silhouette.

Products: Spray Gel, Elastics, Bow Elastic, Mousse

To recreate this look for everyday wear, begin by applying a curl-enhancing gel or volumizing mousse. To keep the look fuss-free, just work with the natural texture of your hair. For example, if your hair is pin straight, don’t worry about recreating the exact curly style of Alexander Wang’s models; this look is meant to be easy.

Next, use a hair elastic in a shade similar to your hair color to create the pony. Unlike a traditional low ponytail, for this look, the elastic is not right against the nape of the neck, but further down on the hair. For a look similar to the ones seen in Vera Wang’s show, keep the elastic tight while pulling the hair above the elastic to create a soft, halo effect around your head. For a look more similar to Alexander Wang’s ponys, pull a few front strands loose and twirl them around your fingers to frame your face and maintain the messy, bohemian look.

For an extra pop of color, or to keep the ponytail looking intentional and not just haphazard, consider using an elastic with a bow on it or tying a classic ribbon around your ponytail.

3. Big Updos

 

Voluminous chignons, french twists, and bouffants piled so high they tested gravity were everywhere during New York Fashion Week. Much like the ponytails above, these updos were also messy and slightly unkempt.

The over-the-top hairstyles seen in runway shows such as Bottega Veneta (pictured above) channel Amy Winehouse and Mad Men at the same time. While the runway version is probably not practical for everyday, a softer version of these big updos would be perfect for a date night.

Products: Volumizing Spray, Bobby Pins, Hairspray

For this look, the difference between runway and real-life is all in the execution. The process for creating the style is similar for both looks, but for the real-life version, keep the teasing and volume of the updo much less exaggerated.

First, apply a volumizing spray to damp hair and blow dry upside down or let it air dry. Once your hair is dry, begin backcombing or teasing it backwards until you reach your desired effect. For real life, a reasonable amount of volume is still very flattering without being over-the-top. Then pull your hair back and create a french twist. Use a few bobby pins to secure the twist and finish with just a touch of hair spray.