It’s time to double down on denim. This week it’s all about the chambray shirt.
Chambray tops and button downs—like all things denim—are extremely versatile. Denim has gone from rugged to refined and spans all seasons. Everyone needs a good chambray—I personally live in mine! It is the perfect layering tool and layers are the name of the game while transitioning through seasons. The versatile nature of the chambray leaves you with limitless options! You can wear it under vests, coats and sweaters; leave it unbuttoned with shirts showing beneath or simply wearing it by itself like this week's Fashionista.
Rachel pairs her light blue chambray with black riding leggings. She gives the look a southern flare with her worn in cowboy boots (another staple here at USC) and a pop of color with a neon J.Crew scarf. In my opinion, this is the perfect school day outfit on a cool fall day and represents what is about to become an easy “go-to” fall uniform for many (myself included!)
Name: Rachel Bergan
Year: Senior
Major: Fashion Merchandising
CollegeFashionista: How did studying abroad influence/affect your style and wardrobe choices?
Rachel Bergan: I learned to do a lot with a little! Fitting four months of clothing into one suitcase and trekking it to Florence called for strictly basics. While I was previously a girl who wouldn't be caught dead wearing the same shirt twice in one month (kidding…sort of), I got particularly good at mixing a few staples to create multiple looks and accessorizing the looks to make them stand out. I now love pairing staple pieces with trendy jewelry, a fun pair of shoes and a fashion-forward handbag.
CF: Does going to school in South Carolina impact how you dress?
RB: I grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, which is a pretty preppy town, so coming to South Carolina where the staples consist of Jack Rogers and Lilly Pulitzer wasn't too out of the norm for me. Most of the pieces in my wardrobe translate well between Massachusetts and South Carolina, but I do love trading in classic riding boots for a fun, southern pair of cowboy boots so I can stand out a bit when I'm back at home.
CF: What is your favorite fashion item you own?
RB: I would have to say my Tory Burch Nadine Riding Boots that I bought this summer! I am anxiously waiting for it to cool down a bit so that I can wear them!
CF: What fall trend are you most looking forward to?
RB: Definitely burgundy as the new black! I'm excited to see burgundy pants and pea coats show up as it gets a little bit cooler in South Carolina.
CF: If you could do anything once you graduate, what would it be?
RB: I change my mind practically every day, but at the moment I would love to work for a major publication such as Teen Vogue or Cosmopolitan. While attending Teen Vogue Fashion University last fall I was given the opportunity to take a tour of the Teen Vogue editorial floor, and knew it was a place I would love to someday make it to in my career!
How To: Rachel’s causal chambray look is something anyone can pull off with a few simple tips. Find the perfect chambray for you. It is the main component of this look. Whether it is light or dark, pocketed or not, pick what works best for you. Once you have a classic chambray your options are endless. Button it up, tuck it into a pencil skirt and throw on a collared necklace for a causal work environment. Leave your chambray open and cuffed as a light jacket for the warmer days. Or, in Rachel’s case, pair it with some leggings or a skinny (even better, a colored skinny!), your beloved cowboy boots and call it a day. If cowboy boots aren’t your thing, replace with a pair riding boots or booties. As the weather continues to cool, throw on a fur or quilted vest and a wrap scarf.
I also wanted to touch on Rachel’s antiqued bracelets. These are Alex and Ani positive energy bangles and they come in endless designs, symbols, and colors. They’re fun to collect and stack and reinvent the old school charm bracelet, so pop them on whenever you need to lift your spirits.
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