STYLE GURU STYLE: City Meets Country

Like many city dwellers, when I’ve had enough of subway delays and overpriced cereal, I often head back to my suburban hometown to relax and recharge. Packing is always a challenge, especially since my all-black New York City wardrobe doesn’t exactly scream quaint seaside town. Rather than leave all my city staples in my dorm, I decided to combine them with some of my favorite pieces from my closet at home, taking inspiration from the Coach 1941 fall 2015 ready-to-wear collection.

With its eclectic mix of tough black leather and cozy shearling, this collection deftly walks the line between city and country. Printed bandana scarves are a central element of the styling—an interesting touch fit for a biker girl or a prairie girl. Moto boots and bare legs round out many of the looks for a “too-tough-to-care” attitude.

Knowing that I will never have the attitude of a biker or the cold tolerance of Taylor Swift in the “Out of the Woods” video, I added my favorite beret and wore flesh-toned tights to keep the bare-legged look while avoiding frostbite. Although I ditched some of the collection’s grittier elements such as chain belts and skull-print sweaters, I tried to stay true to the tough, dark looks with some of my city essentials: a black turtleneck, mini skirt, leather ankle boots and a cross-body bag.

In reference to the collection’s country roots, I’m sporting a faux-shearling moto jacket and a patterned vintage scarf tied like a bandana. Vintage scarves are great thrift store finds—fun, statement pieces that are also easy on the wallet. I can never resist buying them, but figuring out how to wear them without looking like an airline stewardess has posed a bit of a challenge until now! The deep burgundy and navy of this scarf make for a versatile color palette that I have been loving this winter. I also chose a dark lip to match.

Whether you’re in the city, the country or somewhere in between, I hope you’re having a cozy and stylish winter. Until next time, Fashionistas and Fashionistos!

Get My Look: 1. Shearling jacket. 2. Bandana print scarf. 3. Black leather accessories.

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