Fall is upon us! It the acceptable time for everyone's "basic white girl" to pop out and say hello once again. As a female, I love fall so much because of the fashion. There is nothing I love more than bundling up in a cute sweater on chilly days but sometimes it's hard to put my knowledge of fall fashion to good use on my way to class. Luckily I have my very own fashion guru in my family: my older sister Christy. She has been in love with fashion and art since the day she could pick up a pencil. Let me give you a little history lesson on the Joehl sisters.
Christy never liked coloring books. She wanted to create her own pictures and tell her own story. We never played with store bought paper dolls that had the little tabs on the clothes. We made our own, she designed I laminated (with packing tape, LOL). We have HUGE storage bins with all of the clothes, accessories, houses, animals, and people we created. So it was no surprise that she went to college for Fashion Business and minored in Art and Design at Purdue University. Now, my talented big sister works as an Accessories Production Assistant at Rebecca Minkoff in New York City. She is one busy lady but she agreed to answer a few of my fall fashion questions. This is College Fashion: Fall Edition.
What is an example of a go-to fall outfit?
A great pair of black skinnies, Chelsea booties and a vintage denim jacket
What is an all around favorite trend right now?
I’m really loving the “guitar strap” trend. Crossbodies will always be a staple, but now with customizable straps you can add some personality!
How would students go about incorporating the trends from NYC on a college campus?
It’s all about balance. If you see a trend you want to try, mix it in with pieces you already feel comfortable in. Also, accessories are a great way to experiment! Just one small detail can elevate your entire look, without breaking the bank on an entire new outfit!
What is a way to be comfortable while going to class besides yoga pants/leggings?
Shirt dresses are always my go-to! Not only are they comfortable, but you can also pair them with sneakers, booties, or sandals. On a cooler day you can easily throw on a jacket. Another option is a trusty pair of boyfriend jeans. They’re roomy and versatile paired with a leather jacket or comfy sweater. I also am a strong believer in finding a comfortable pair of black booties. I have a pair that I love, and I wore then almost everyday to class. They were comfortable, but looked nice too!
What are 5 must have staples in any closet?
- Black Skinnies
- Black Booties
- Denim Jacket
- Basic Tee
- Oversized Sweater
The minimalist closet is huge right now, how does someone achieve this?
I like to call it my “capsule wardrobe.” Living in New York, you don’t have a lot of closet space - much like college students! The goal is to create a wardrobe that works together, so you can mix and match. The “less is more” concept actually makes getting dressed easier, because you know that everything in your closet fits you well, works together, and is of decent quality. So many people think that they need “more clothes” but really they just need the RIGHT clothes. Splurge on quality pieces instead of quantity; be selective. Only your favorite pieces should make the cut.
What is a fail proof going out outfit?
I like to be comfortable when I’m going out, so I always wear my black skinnies, black booties, a silky black tank and my favorite leather jacket. You don’t have to show a lot of skin to make an impression!
Since the cold weather is coming, how can we keep our personality in our outfits even though we're bundled up?
Scarves are a great way to do that! It’s an easy (and cozy) way to add some variety to the winter coat you’ll be living in. Blanket scarves are my personal favorite - I like to use them as a wrap too!
What is a fashion DON'T?
Wearing too many trends at once. It’s obvious when someone is trying too hard. Trends are fun, but stay true to yourself by mixing them into your own style!
What is your favorite fall makeup trend?
In my opinion, there’s nothing more chic than natural makeup and effortless hair - it’s so European! However, for fall in particular you can get away with a dramatic lip! A dark cherry or deep mauve is always flattering.
What color will your nails be this season?
Deep purple or emerald green! I like how the dark tones pop!
If you could splurge on one thing this season, what would it be?
Gucci Loafers, without a doubt.
