This fall marks the return of the schoolgirl look. This comes with a swell of mixed emotions–I can't get too excited about short pleated skirts and button-downs, but on the other hand I think Fashionistas all over campus can find new and fun ways to re-interpret the style. Classically the schoolgirl comes from, as many trends do, an old English tradition of uniforms both at school and in the workplace. Throw in the punk movement and wave of anti-conformist teen attitudes, and you have the schoolgirl uniform used as a new fashion statement – a sort of ironic middle finger to the idea that the youth are un-individualistic. But now, the short skirts (usually in a fall-friendly fabric like tweeds) paired with knee-high socks, some cute pumps or flats and a tailored top is a sign of sophistication rather than teenage angst. And as I suspected, Fashionistas on campus have found interesting ways to make this trend their own.
This Fashionista has all the makings of the schoolgirl look: her black skirt, knee-high socks, lace-up flats and button-down are all pieces of the puzzle. With this outfit, which isn't obviously "schoolgirlish," the details make it so fashion-savvy. For starters, she chose to wear an interesting button-down top over the standard tuxedo shirt or oxford. Check out the sick Dolman-sleeves – a fun and fresh take on the plain old set-in one. And her shirt isn't a solid color, but a very small plaid print. This Fashionista is smart to pair her eye-catching shirt with an understated and simple black jersey skirt. Note the repeat of black in her skirt and knee-high socks. And the final two pieces that make this outfit so cool are what she wears around her neck and on her feet. The success of accessories like necklaces and shoes is completely dependent on the overall interest of the clothing. Her pseudo-wicker weave flats give the outfit a whole light and earthy feel, in the way that wicker furniture brightens a patio set-up. To go along with the outdoorsy feel from her plaid shirt and flats, her necklace is of two antlers. I love the unexpected nature of her necklace, giving this look a whole lot of quirk!
Hint: Need some new duds? Check out these amazing 80%20 suede boots from 80s Purple. Looking for a button-down to spice up your wardrobe? My picks are this Al&Alicia oversized top and J.Crew's Buffalo Check Boy Shirt. And everybody needs some quirky and fun bling! Might I suggest these: this crazy Obey talon ring, Unico's Marîa Marîa collection and this fun Disney Couture shark ring!
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