Back To School Fashion

By Shannon

Anyone will tell you that school isn't a fashion show, so don't overdo it. You aren't Regina George or Sharpay Evans - for most people, going to school covered in rhinestones and pink isn't a good look. If you can pull it off, then go for it! But, for now, I'll recommend you keep it simple and stylish. Here's some tips to get you through the start of the year;

Statement Pieces: Okay, so we may be steering clear of overdoing things, but you do need some statement pieces. Personally, I love big, cotton fashion scarves with cute patterns. They instantly brighten up an outfit and make it stand out. A plain black or white tee and a bright scarf is awesome. You might want to wear a long top or dress and sinch it in at the waist with an awesome belt. Alternatively, you might have a necklace you love, or a bright bag. Your fashion is what you make it; just don't try to look like stereotypical popular girl.

Statement Clothing: Taylor recently wore a cute, red, plaid vest/waistcoat with a white cami (see candid 074). This kind of item is awesome; it's cute and different, but it doesn't look like your trying to hard. Pair it up with black jeans and voila! Instant fashion. Bright shirts are awesome, just don't overdo it. Something like Taylor's outfit in candid 041 is always the kind of cute outfit that turns heads. You might love hats; I personally have a thing for sparkly berets (haha, it's kinda my thing) and you might like caps, beanies/toques or black rimmed hats. Whatever floats your boat. (:

Pants/Trousers: It all depends on the top. I have a love for black, skinny jeans, and they go with any cute shirt. Another thing that's hot right now is jeggings. No, I didn't mean to put leggings. I don't know how popular they are in your different areas, but where I am, jeggings are pretty hot right now with long tops.

Skirts and Shorts: Unfortunately the time for skirts and shorts is running out as we head into autumn, so this is your last chance to soak up the last of the rays. If you're going to wear skirts/shorts, make sure they aren't uber-minis. There's nothing cool about showing all your flesh in class; save it for the next big dance. Denim miniskirts have always been the thing with cute camis and cardigans. The kind of outfit I have in mind is a pale denim skirt, plain white cami, small blue scarf and short grey cardigan. You get the idea. I think shorts are kinda out the window for now... save them until next summer rolls round, unless you're the kind of person that can pull of a shorts/leggings combo (I'm not one of these people, haha).

Dresses; Cute floral dresses are still in, and probably my biggest fashion vice of the moment. Check out Taylor's Lipsy dress in candid 079 for inspiration; Taylor loves summer dresses, as we all know - especially florals.

Shoes: Keep it simple; no skinny-heeled, six-inch stilletos, please! I don't reccommend wearing boots yet, unless you live in antartica. Ballet flats are THE thing. Buy them coloured, plain, decorated... whatever!

Hair: I have to wear a uniform for school, so this is my one creative outlet. I don't like pulling my hair up, but a curly ponytail like the one in Teardrops on my Guitar is a very, very cute school style. I love curling my hair, but it can take time in the mornings; the best hair-tool for this is one of those curling wands that don't come with a clip. I swear, they're AWESOME. And then there's the obvious alternative of straightening your hair. Easy to manage - and to style the night beforehand - straightening is a great option. Jazz it up with a sweet hairband like the ones from ban.do

Makeup: Again, I repeat; don't over do it. Blood red lips and smoky eyes = no way. A good base of foundation and coverup if you need it, some mascara and lipgloss and your set. You can jazz your makeup up some more throughout the year once you have a better idea of how everyone else is wearing theres.

Uniforms: If you have to wear a uniform, but you're one of the lucky ones that's allowed to customise it, then badges and such are always an option. My schools pretty strict, so I have to keep it down on the accessories and makeup front. I like to express creativity through cute studs, nail polish, hairbands and a cute bag.