ALL IN THE DETAILS: Blazing in Forever 21

Whenever you flip open the cover of your favorite magazine, you can almost always bet that you will run into a photo of a polished celebrity or model wearing an effortless, chic blazer and shorts combination. Whether your favorite style icon is the sweet, pastel Lauren Conrad or the unconventional Rita Ora, fashionable women from all walks of style have been taking advantage of this trend.

While this trend looks awesome in the spread of a magazine, a fashion blog or a runway show, it is not too often that I see the trend in my college town, and it is probably not too common for other students at different universities to see it, either. I think that the professional image associated with the blazer has become so prevalent to the point that we immediately associate a blazer with business. For instance, when I see a student wearing a blazer on campus, it is usually paired with a simple black dress and a pair of conservative flats or pumps, and they are usually getting ready for a presentation or an interview, which is why I just had to learn more about this Fashionista’s exquisite ensemble.

When I saw this Fashionista on campus, I was immediately drawn to her interpretation of the trend that a lot of our favorite celebrities have been wearing. She mixed pieces that most would not normally think of wearing together, yet they each complemented one another seamlessly. While she donned a khaki, business casual blazer with striped cuffs, she rocked a pair of distressed, denim shorts. Although it may be easy to sentence your denim staples to a lifetime of T-shirts and cotton blouses, why not try pampering them once in a while by treating them to a fresh-pressed blazer?

The accessories that she wore were equally as covetable as her apparel. I appreciated how she took a nuanced approach to her bag choice in choosing a metallic gold tote, which highlighted her radiant coral blouse beautifully. Equally charming were the ballet flats that she wore. They reinforced the sophisticated vibe of her outfit without sacrificing practicality.

The thing that is even more shocking is that most of her look can be bought at Forever 21. The blazer, the shorts and the adorable ballet flats are all from the young, fresh and affordable retailer. In addition, the coral blouse that she is wearing is from Express, which is another popular destination for college Fashionistas.

While this look is definitely affordable, she looks like she stepped out of the pages of Cosmopolitan, proving that you do not have to be a movie star to look like one.

How To: If you want to look this chic on campus, it will be easier than you think. Start out with a blazer with cuffed sleeves. From there, pick out your favorite pair of denim shorts and a vibrant blouse to bring your look to life.  Lastly, pick out a ballet flat and metallic tote to seal the deal.

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