Say goodbye to skinny dipping summer nights and say hello to spiced apple cider and frosty evenings. With the change in seasons also comes a change in wardrobes. This winter season is not like any other we have seen in the past decade! Summer and spring fashions have collided with winter and winter fashion, and collegiettes™ are sure to be in style bliss. The holiday season isn’t just for decking the halls with holly and mistletoe, so get ready to deck your wardrobe with wintery accents and winter-friendly gear.
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Winter color palettes have rebelled against melancholy hues of burgundy and Christmas-tree green—instead, fashionistas are breaking the rules and wearing bold colors during these darker months. Black cocktail dresses are being revamped with unique wintery color combinations of cobalt blue, marigold and coral. These bright hues are sure to add a little spice to your seasonal wardrobe. Dare to be different by pairing a little coral dress with a turquoise statement necklace and Sam Edelman spiked nude pumps (available at Bevello in Thruway Shopping Center). This darling look is sure to impress at your family’s holiday party.
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How about a new take on the “boyfriend” clothing phase we were all obsessed with, such as feminine clothing accents paired with strong menswear pieces? Instead of wearing oversized jeans and sweaters, celebrities like Blake Lively have revamped this look by wearing feminine neck tie blouses paired with custom fit trousers. For a casual winter date night, try pairing a chiffon neck tie blouse under a creamy brown leather jacket, gem earrings, fitted trousers (you can get cheap ones from Forever 21) and brightly colored kitten heels to highlight your feminine touch. Not going on a date? That’s just fine. For a casual all-girls outing, pair this blouse with a bodycon skirt, opaque tights from Hue and cute oxford platform wedges. These feminine-infused menswear pieces add more edge to your cold-weather wardrobe without going overboard.
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Want more of a winter look without the hassle of determining what’s in and what’s out? A black leather dress should be your go-to this season. Fitted leather dresses should cinch you at the waist almost perfectly; otherwise this look can easily resemble Missy Elliot when she sported a huge garbage bag in her 1990s video “The Rain.” For a sexy nighttime look, wear your fitted leather dress with a ballerina updo, statement earrings (feathers, anyone?) and multicolored heels (Jessica Simpson has a great line of sky-high pumps). Adorning this look with amazing earrings or a smashing pair of pumps gives the leather dress more classy appeal.
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Another classic winter staple is also being revamped for the holiday winter season. Instead of the traditional black cropped blazer, try a mustard-colored blazer. What’s a blazer without its fashionable complement? Leggings and tights are amazing additions to this staple winter look. The basic black legging is being replaced with a wide arrangement of textures and colors. Winter-inspired leggings are being made out of velvet, cable knit and leather, so please say goodbye to those fishnets and super transparent tights. Don’t be that girl at the holiday party sporting see-through tights and a super-mini skirt. Go for warmth and class, and you’ll be the star of the holidays.
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Polka dots are also jumping back on the scene this winter season! Adding vintage appeal to modern winter fashion heightens collegiette™fashion flair. Ladies, stay away from the flouncy babydoll tops with huge polka dots on them – they’re not very flattering on any body shape. Sport simple, sheer tops with small polka dots on them to add a feminine appeal to your look this winter.
It’s the year of the edgy diva! Use these simple tips to transform your wardrobe to complement the moody winter weather. Ladies, you are bound to make heads turn on New Year’s Eve with that amazing outfit inspired from the winter fashions in this guide. Savor your eggnog and sashay into this year’s holiday party with sass and elegance, and your revamped winter wardrobe will only heighten your appeal. Happy holidays!
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*Photography by Chakayla Taylor and from stock