The CC Weekly Weigh In: This Season’s Fashion Must-Haves

One of the best things about fall (besides Halloween, candy corn, pumpkin everything, Honeycrisp apples, etc.) is switching up your wardrobe. If you live in a colder climate (read: hell. frozen. over) like me, each October you yank your tanks and dresses from your closet (shed a few tears) and swap ‘em out for the sweaters and boots stuffed under your bed. And then you hit the mall to add a few new fun pieces to your already warm and snuggly fall/winter wardrobe.

But what should you add? With so many trends happening right now, you don’t have the space (or, more realistically, the money) to load up on everything this season. You need the best of the best – the items that are cute and functional and will get you through until the snow melts…in June.

Perhaps we can help. This week I asked the CollegeCandy writers to share their fall/winter fashion must-haves. See what they’re lovin’ this season and stock up on a bit of it for yourself. Sure, they may not have the best taste in men, but when it comes to fashion, they know their ish.

Zahra – Northwestern University: I’m crazy about skirts right now. I’m trying to not constantly rely on jeans and there are so many adorable skirts that you can dress up or down, but more importantly, throw over leggings or tights when it starts to get cold. Cute, but still practical!

Norah – Drake University: I’m absolutely obsessed with this dress from Urban Outfitters. I love the silhouette and the green color on top is perfect for fall and winter. If only I something to wear it to…

Lauren H – The New School: I’m loving that it’s OK to indulge my Pretty Woman moments this season. All hail the over-the-knee boot! Bonus: they’re really warm for winter and these from Chinese Laundry are great for those of us with skinny legs (and wallets).

Caitlin – University of Alabama: My must-have for this fashion season is a loose cardigan like this one from Forever21. It’s a great way to add some volume to your look so you’re chic and comfy at the same time.

Leah – Ryerson University: The boyfriend blazer from Club Monaco. It’s an investment piece that would be multifunctional.  Too bad I suffer from sticker shock every time I visit it. 

Anna R – Northeastern University: My must-have is the BB Dakota Zoe Vest at Lulus.com. Faux fur is a big trend this fall, and this vest will keep me warm and look chic with jeans, a dress, anything! It instantly updates jeans and a long sleeved tee (aka: my go-to outfit for class).

Lauren – University of Michigan: I am OBSESSED with these boots from Target. They are perfect for fall with a pair of jeans. And they’re only $29.99! I tried on an identical pair at Bloomingdales for $160. Hell to the no, Bloomies.

Brithny- Duke: Steve Madden booties! They’re so much cheaper than the ones on the runway but still super cute. Especially the Seryna that I just bought.

Brianna- Fordham: I am totally loving the bib necklaces this season. They are so chic and instantly dress up a plain shirt or dress.

Charlsie – Hollins: Glimmer Tights from J Crew. Not only will they keep me warm, they will add a little sparkle to the upcoming cold winter nights. And to top it off, the shades of these tights go with just about anything!

Erica – Kent State University:  This American Apparel circle scarf. It comes in 14 different colors, an assortment of fabrics AND you can wear it as a dress?!  What will those AA people come up with next?

Kendra – University of Pittsburg: This isn’t your typical Ugg boot; it’s more like a sweater for your feet. The Classic Cardy Boot is versatile; you can adjust how you wear it with the buttons on the side. Perfect for dry fall weather!

Sarabeth – University of Texas: This season I’m all about classics with a modern twist. I just ordered this skirt in teal.

Cristina – Michigan State University: These shoes would make me feel like I’m about to pop off like a mobster boss, angel hair with the lobstah sawce.  Don’t ask me what that means, because I don’t even know…they’re that cool.

Alex – Lakehead University: My must-have this season is a fur vest! Funky and functional in the cold Canadian winter! My fav is this DIY version.

Elizabeth – UC Berkeley: The “Twister” LBD. It’s perfect for New Year’s without the usual overdose of sequins.

Sara C – Fordham: I just bought this electric blue HeatTech turtleneck from Uniqlo and I adore it! It is as lightweight as your favorite tank top but retains heat to keep you warm without layering. The HeatTech line also has scoop-neck tees and tank tops which come in so many delicious colors. For just $10-$15 each I might go back and get them all!

Carly – Grinnell: I’d have to say it’s these basic leggings from Express. I was amazed how comfortable they were when I tried them on, and they go with EVERYTHING! I love, love, love to wear skirts, but I get cold so easily, and these leggings make it possible for me to keep wearing skirts all through the fall.

Elizabeth-University of Missouri: My Marc by Marc Jacobs high-waisted skirt is basically all I’ve been wearing recently. I pair it with a Mizzou tee-shirt and flats for football games or class, and I add heels and a cute top and wear it to parties. It’s versatile, cute and comfy… what more could you ask for?