Campus Cool Girl – Pieces You Must Have in Rotation ASAP

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The new semester is soon approaching. Last year’s homebound wardrobe? Sooo 2021. With many of us heading back on campus and into the classrooms, this back-to-school season promises a chance for you to get back in touch with your stylish side.

We’ve got your seven must have items to put into your fit rotation. But wait, what’s that? Having a little wardrobe analysis paralysis? We got you, with equally amazing items that will go great with your must haves.

Ready to get started?

#1 – THE OVERSIZED SHACKET

Also called the Boyfriend Shacket, these roomy jackets have been taking 2022 by storm. The trick to finding the perfect one is to find one that’s roomy enough to have a cool oversize feel but not so big you look like you’re swimming in it. Here’s one from Windsor that’s just right, and comes in a go-with-everything, warm neutral…

Windsor, Off The Grid Plaid Woven Shacket $54.90

Love this lovely but not sure how to turn it into a look? We’ll give you not one, but two ways to wear this easy lover…

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This look takes casual pieces like Aeropostale’s jeans, rag & bone’s soft spun tee and PUMA’s fab-collab sneaks and juxtaposes them against the more fem vibe of some layered necklaces from Baublebar. One is a fun and funky take on glass beads and the other, a sleek gold and crystal initial necklace. Together they create a look that instantly makes the grade.

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A monochromatic palette reads instant sophistication. Lulu’s nicely neutral mini dress made of ribbed knit adds visually interesting texture while keeping in the same tones of the blazer. Keep the texture story going with M. Gemi’s fabulous suede clogs and then a dash of accessories with Pandora’s feather necklace and a fab pair of peepers from Warby Parker.

#2 – THE CHUNKY PLATFORM

After quite the hiatus, the chunky heeled platform is back. And while we can argue the logistics of some of the more extreme versions (as in “God, I hope I don’t break an ankle), there is something powerful in putting one’s foot down with purpose. This rich green pair from Sam Edelman will simply not be ignored…

Circus by Sam Edelman, Miranda Platforms $90

Wondering about your wardrobe options? We’ve got a few ideas.

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Platform heels and minis are a perfect combination, but why stop there? Dive into another big trend this season with Windsor’s preppy, bodycon knit dress. Add some statement pieces, such as a Burberry crossbody and some Coach sunglasses. Then just pop on your personalized necklace and you’re syllabus officially reads “fully prepped”.

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Kick things up a notch by channeling a bit of the business side with a few investment pieces. IRO’s wool-blend, black pant has a fresh silhouette that reads professional, but not dowdy. Elie Tahari’s silk shirt is a versatile piece you can wear season after season. And speaking of versatile, Aurate NY’s mini gold bar earrings are cool enough to wear with anything in your wardrobe. Bonus – all their jewelry is certified upcycled gold that has been recrafted by artisans who create these pieces one at a time, from their workshop in NYC.

 

#3 – THE LEATHER MINI

Proof that good things come in small packages, mini skirts are back (honestly were they ever really out?). There are lots of options out there but our hunt took us to Lulus where we found this fantastic vegan leather piece in trendy, craveable caramel. The length is just right and you’ll love the movement the side slit will give you as you walk.

Lulus, Walking the Walk Vegan Leather Mini $36

Need a hint on how to style this? We’ll give you two!

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Bring on the flex! This look goes luxe with Diane von Furstenberg’s gorg puff-sleeve top from her new Fall collection, and Kendra Scott’s mother-of-pearl statement earrings add the bling. And if you haven’t snapped up a pair of over-the-knee boots yet, you better grab these Stuart Weitzman fellows because this trend isn’t slowing down.

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On the other side of the retro spectrum, you can easily get your Y2K punk on. Start with a great vintage-looking tee from Windsor. Kick things up with Marc Jacobs’ seriously stomping lace up boots, Zenni’s round frame sunnies and complete the look with a delicate velvet choker from Flint & Mortar.

 

#4 – THE MOTO JACKET

From celebrities to influencers and all fashion lovers in between, the Moto jacket has been a return player for years. This season’s version is a bit more cropped while showcasing a strong shoulder. This version from Bagatelle is the poster child of perfection and one that will be a staple piece in your wardrobe for years to come.

Bagatelle, Aria Vegan Leather Moto Jacket $159

So what are some great ways to wear this? We’re so glad you asked!

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When you head out with your squad, show your drip game is strong. The juxtaposition between the biker jacket and Lulu’s sexy sparkly dress are pure magic. Keep your bewitching vibe going with Marchesa Notte’s statement-sized embellished earrings and Nina’s comfy satin heel.

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Move to the head of the class with this go-to-for-the-on-the-go gal. Start with Windsor’s fun and flirty floral dress and add some comfy-moving kicks a la Stan Smiths from adidas. Dagne Dover’s backpack is a college girl’s dream with a ton of internal and external pockets, plus a water bottle sleeve and laptop sleeve that can handle up to a 17″. Keep tabs on all those steps you’re taking with the Fitbit Versa 2 and last but not least, protect your peepers from eye strain with a pair of fashionable blue blockers from Zenni.

 

#5 – THE CABLE KNIT SWEATER

Sure, it’s warm enough now but oh-so-soon those autumn breezes are going to come along and remind you Fall is but a few weeks away. And while chunky cardigans were the talk of  ’21, this season’s runaway hit is the cozy cable knit. There are plenty of options out there but this staple piece we found is proudly made in Ireland by folks who know a thing or two about keeping warm through the damp and cold season. Made from super-soft Merino wool that naturally breathes and insulates.

Creative Irish Gifts, Merino Crew Neck Sweater $169.99

Don’t believe us that this neutral creamy cutie will be welcome in your wardrobe? Here’s two options to get things started…

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We love a good chunky sweater + mini skirt combo and this look doesn’t disappoint. Allegra K’s red and black mini skirt with dark herringbone tights and Dansko’s burnished burgundy clogs are a killer combination with the creamy cable sweater. Only thing to add are some cute heart drop earrings and you’re good to go.

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Bring a little Boho to your autumn look by combining your cable knit sweater with Sundry’s equally carefree vintage floral midi skirt. Slip into Zodiac’s warm and comfy booties and give your fingers some fun with CWC’s Elements rings, which are made from either polished wood or mother-of-pearl. At only $34.95 each you can grab your favorite or, as is one of this season’s big jewelry trends – wear them all together on one hand.

 

#6 – THE BOYFRIEND JEAN

While we wouldn’t tell you to toss your skinnies just yet, be aware that the aughties inspired boyfriend jean is growing to world fashion domination level. Unlike the exaggerated super-flares, which now seem more costumey than couture these days, the boyfriend cut has just the right amount of room to the bottom to make them ideal to pair over your favorite kicks and ankle boots.  We located the perfect pair at none other than Windsor. Ideal length in that perfect shade of 00’s true blue, plus they have just a bit of stretch to show off your curves as you move from class to class.

Windsor, High-Rise Destructed Boyfriend Jeans $42.90

Not sure how to make the cut with these? We’ve got you covered…

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Channel your inner Barbiecore with this hot pink hottie from P.A.R.O.S.H. is such an item, and when front-tucked into a great pair of boyfriend jeans, this look reads effortless chic. The sweater top is made to show a little shoulder, so Paige’s white cami underneath is a good idea. As for accessories, G.H. Bass’s thick heeled Weejuns in classic black is just the boot these jeans were looking for. Finally, add some playful flair with Karl Lagerfeld’s catty earrings and you’re ready to kick some class.

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Give yourself more than a passing grade in layered looks. The Tout a Coup’s white button down makes for a great base layer. Then inject some argyle with Rue21’s V-neck. Go green with your tootsies with Zulily’s swanky suede ankle boots and pull all the colors of your look together with Lulu’s multi floral drop earrings.

 

#7 – THE PERFECT HOODIE

Because loungewear isn’t going anywhere. While you may already have one or two of these in your arsenal, this season’s take on the hoodie has a few modifications on the silhouette that may have you retiring your long, oversized version. Alo Yoga’s Bae hoodie is on just about everyone’s list and when you try it on, you’ll know why. Cropped to go with all your high-waisted fits. Roomy enough for layering but tailored so your shape isn’t lost in a sea of material. The sleeves are cut long to give you that ‘just right’ amount of scrunched look. Altogether, this one moves to the head of the class…

Alo Yoga, Muse Hoodie in Heather Grey $98

If you’re new to this silhouette and don’t realize just how this one item goes with just about everything, we’ll give you two great examples of this fleece’s flexibility.

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When your campus closet is on the small side, every item in your wardrobe becomes a multi-tasker. Here’s a perfect example where we have this sexy cut out dress from Windsor, which for sure will be a stunner at your next party. But why keep this gorg gal for festivities only?  Bring it into your day look while having fun with some pattern play. Universal Thread’s white button down is the ideal transition piece. Layered over the dress and under the hoodie, it brings the look together, playing up the creamy whites of the dress. Add some stylish white kicks, some statement tassel earrings and viola! You have a winning look.

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And for our last look – this ensemble is perfect for those days when your time is short but you still want to look fresh and pulled together. Madewell’s high-rise overalls plus a hoodie underneath are a super quick, cool combo (add a little drama by leaving one shoulder undone). Pop on some colorful kicks from the just dropped 2022 Nike Air Force 1 collection, the Low Shadow and a pair of universally flattering gold hoops from Baublebar will have you out the door in no time flat!

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