We unconditionally love our accessories. They make us feel fabulous no matter what our body type, and we rarely outgrow them, which is why it’s important to never overlook their vital place in our wardrobes. Accessories are also the key component in breathing new life into last semester’s clothes, and wardrobe mileage can be pretty important given our collegiette™ budgets. Remember: fashion is all about being creative and showcasing your personality, so just have fun! From modern scarves and tights to funky shades and earrings, these staples are the answer to your style rut prayers.
Bold Necklaces
Nothing says chic quite like a bold piece of jewelry. In fact, you can revamp last semester’s fitted tank or t-shirt in seconds with a dazzling statement necklace! Stick with a neutral outfit, and accessorizing with chunky metals or polished stones is sure to draw attention to your fashion-savvy self. If you’re not sure which style to rock, choose a necklace with colors that complement your skin tone, then go as wild as you want! ?
Carole Layered Teardrop Statement Necklace in Ivory: Nordstrom, $16Â
Island Flair Necklace: Forever 21, $8.80Â
Turntine Necklace: Aldo, $20
Smitten with Scarves
Easily the most fun and versatile accessory for any collegiette™, scarves strike the perfect balance between practical and fashionable. They come in a variety of lengths, fabrics, patterns, and colors, making it easy to find one that suits your unique fashion sense. Overwhelmed by all the choices? Go with whichever one says you; you can rarely go wrong with scarves. Effortlessly make last semester’s jeans and t-shirt new by adding a bold and bright scarf to the mix; you’ll be giving more mileage to your wardrobe while showcasing your simply chic personality.
Halogen Cut Paper Scarf in Cream Red: Nordstrom, $34
Zigzag Lightweight Scarf: Charlotte Russe, $9.50
Zebra Crossing Scarf: Fred Flare, $25
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Sharp Satchel
Shoulder purses can sometimes become a pain to handle, which is why we love bold and bright cross-body bags this semester. They add a pop of color to any outfit, shouting confidence from all angles. Don’t worry about your colorful bag clashing with outfits because that’s part of the fun. Want to rock a bright yellow satchel with a purple tunic and black leggings? Go for it!
Women’s Mini-Messenger Bag in Neon Yellow: Old Navy, $20
Phoenix Canvas Tote: Charlotte Russe, $20
Imitation Leather Bag in Green: H&M, $25
Bring On the Belts
There are few things sexier than a feminine silhouette and belts can be a crucial part of showing yours off. Define your waist in looser dresses, longer shirts, or high-waisted bottoms with this accessory, but be prepared for some second and third glances coming your way. Go for a glitter or metallic belt if you want to add some flair to your ensemble, or choose a wide, neutral tone version for a sophisticated and chic look. No matter which one you don, you’ll feel fiercely feminine.
Black Super Skinny Stud Belt: Topshop, $24
Relic Glitter Metal End Belt: Kohl’s, $24
Basic Crochet Stretch Belt: Charlotte Russe, $9.50
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Lovely Legs
This season, tights have a whole new rep, and we love it. Different patterns, textures, and colors are rocking the runways, and they’re the easiest way to add funk to your dresses and skirts! Prep up your style with solid-color argyle tights, or don a subtle, yet sweet version with tiny hearts. Feeling extra trendy? Go for a boldly feminine flower pattern with a simple skirt and flats. Choose a pair that reflects your mood or personality, and you’ll be strutting across campus with sass and style.
Windsor Floral Tights: Fred Flare, $15Â
Argyle Pattern Tights in Wine: Forever 21, $5.80
Outlined with Love Tights: ModCloth, $16
Hats Off to Fashion
A trendy hat is an overlooked, yet essential accessory for us collegiettes™; it not only adds a touch of adorable to an outfit, but it is also the perfect go-to when you’re having a bad hair day (and we all know those are unavoidable). Not sure if you can pull off a hat on campus? Confidence is key. Just slip on a fitted or slouchy beanie or a California-cool fedora, and you’ll instantly look posh and polished.
Rosette Knitted Beanie: Forever 21, $7.80
Woven Crochet Band Women’s Fedora: Tilly’s, $13
Cable Beanie: Topshop, $32
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Sleek Sneaks
Adorable and comfortable—need we say more? Sure, cute flats or knee-high boots can kick your everyday outfit up a couple notches, but so can a pair of wild sneakers! If you find yourself in a style rut of neutral tops and jeans, spice things up with bold footwear. Add a pop of color with red-hot sneakers, or show off your daring side with an animal print or metallic version! It’s the perfect touch of funk to any casual outfit, so scope out sneakers that make a statement.
Keds Champion Animal Leopard Printed Canvas: Zappos, $40
Keds Champion Celebrity Metallic Fashion Sneaker: Endless, $45
Simply Cute Tennis Shoes: Forever 21, $6.50
Trendy Tresses
Headbands are a gift from the hair gods on days when our tresses are being stubborn. They not only keep you from fussing with your hair, but they can also add color and texture to your outfit. The best part? Your hair will look cool and class-ready in 30 seconds flat! Be brave and spring for fashion-forward choices; you’ll never accessorize your hair the same way again.
Knit Lace Floral Headwrap: Forever 21, $4.80
Jeweled Poppy Headband: Gap, $10
Aragao Headband: Aldo, $15
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Shady Situation
Want to transform your outfit into something a little more Jackie O? How about Tom Cruise circa Risky Business? It’s as easy as slipping on a pair of fashion-forward shades. Experimenting with different shapes and sizes doesn’t have to be expensive, either. To change up an ordinary outfit, spring for styles out of your comfort zone that make you feel fabulous. Trust us—put on a pair of trendy sunglasses, and you’ll instantly feel Hollywood glam.
Jackie Sunglasses: Fred Flare, $14
Squared-Off Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters, $16
AE Square Sunglasses: American Eagle, $15.50
Veering Toward Earrings
They’re fun, they’re versatile, they’re the finishing touch to your perfect outfit. Dangling earrings never seem to go out of style, which is why we love to incorporate them into our ensembles often. Just like bold necklaces, statement earrings come in endless styles, lengths, and colors, so there’s bound to be a pair that aligns with your taste. The right pair of statement earrings will draw attention to your gorgeous face and showcase your flair for fashion, so experiment with different varieties!
Stephan & Co. Feather Fan Chandelier Earrings: Nordstrom, $14
Bagan earrings: Aldo, $18
Boho Feather Earrings: Forever 21, $5.80
What are your favorite accessories to spruce up an old outfit? Let us know below!