I will try to refrain from going on incessantly about how it’s a new year i.e. new you, blah, blah, blah. (If you have been anywhere near a TV lately, then the Jenny Craig/Nutrisystem/Nicorette commercials already told you this in the most annoying ways possible.) As clichéd as it may be, fashion is not exempt to those reinvention rules of a new year. And while the fashion world has moved on to photographing spring and designing next fall, college girls like us are left in the cold. Literally.
If you are looking for reinvention and a little warmth in preparation for the freezing weather mid-Missouri is bound to encounter this semester, look no further than leather. I know what you are probably thinking: leather? But put those Rooney Mara in _The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo_ images away, because the real college girl’s way of wearing leather is not risqué or over-the-top at all. Just as with the majority of fashion trends, it is all about balance and moderation.
For daytime, think of leather as a neutral and remember that black is always a girl’s best friend. When Patrick Robinson revealed his fall/winter 2011 collection for the Gap, he even stated that he saw leather (which was heavily featured) “as the new denim.” Robinson also offered the easiest way to wear leather for campus life when he paired a chunky knit sweater with a lightweight black leather pencil skirt. These contrasting textures result in an interesting, fashion-forward look, and by keeping both colors neutral, the resulting look is trendy not trashy. Forever 21, as usual, offers a cheaper version of what was shown on the runway by Phillip Lim and the Gap. If you pair the look with solid black tights and boots, you are class-ready.
Another easy way to wear leather for class is with a chic leather jacket. As classic as the look may be, it can be slightly tricky to execute, but a great cut and simple styling techniques can eliminate any hesitation that even the girliest of girls may have. I would choose a cropped or shrunken (read: avoid bulky) jacket in black (though neutral jackets will be a great addition to an upcoming spring wardrobe). Balance the toughness of the jacket with a girly dress. BB Dakota’s “Hyde” jacket has a feminine cut and is my pick for best leather jacket. (Charlotte Russe located in the mall or online also has a “Moto” jacket available that is cut superbly). The dress underneath can be floral, graphic print or solid. The beauty of a black jacket is that it goes with every color or print already in your closet. We are on a college budget after all!
(If you aren’t a skirt or dress girl, never underestimate the look of pairing skinny jeans and one of the jackets listed above. A white tee, jeans and a great jacket have been a chic model statement for years.)
Despite its “tough guy” stereotype, leather can also quickly transform to evening, which makes it a worthwhile purchase for a college student’s lifestyle. Valentino pre-fall 2011 has the right idea and pairs the leather trend with another hot trend that you can find at the mall or any boutique on Broadway: lace. (Chances are many of you have already purchased a lace item last season, so it is probably already in your closet.) This styling can be a lady-like lace dress and leather jacket, or you can take that leather pencil skirt and pair it with a lace top for an even edgier look. Another great thing about pairing these two fantastic fabrics together is that no other adornment is needed. With lace and leather, classic is best, so leave the glitter at home and avoid looking like you are trying too hard.
Bottom Line: balance. Rely on basics and try something new. After all, it is a new year (sorry, I had to).
