Fashion is always repeating itself (hence why I hate throwing things away), and the decade we’ll be seeing again in a big way this year? The ’70s! But have no fear, it’s not quite your parents’ disco fever, white leisure suit, platform-shoes-with-fish-in-the-heels 1970s. The updated, 21st century take on ’70s fashion is much sexier…and with much better fabrics. (See ya never, polyester!)

There are so many ways to channel the disco era without feeling like an extra from Saturday Night Fever. The key is opting for one or two ’70s-inspired pieces, and not an entire outfit, to keep your look modern.

Ready to travel back in time?

Wide-legged pants are big (literally) this year. Many of them have a higher raise, which is a flattering way to disguise any of that freshman 15 (or Top Chef 20) you may have acquired recently. They also look hot with a shirt tucked in. Pretty blouses with billowy sleeves and pretty patterns are another way to incorporate the ’70s trend into your wardrobe. And if you want to show a lot of skin, hot pants are the way to go. Yes, ladies, they’re back, and, surprisingly, quite adorable! (Editor’s Note: just in case you need it, here are some good workouts to get your legs ready for ‘em.)

So let’s get in our fashion DeLorean and head back to the ’70s. Here are 15 pieces to get you started.

[Click on the image for the shopping information!]

When we saw combat-inspired boots on the runways last year none of us thought that trend would ever take hold. (Doc Martens coming back? Pshaw.) But just like gaucho pants, maternity-style tops and moccasins, boy were we wrong. These toughened up boots are in every store, from designer to discount, and they’re taking over the streets.

It’s like fashion’s nod to our troops.

Much like every other big trend to trickle down, most people aren’t quite sure how to wear combat boots. And while I applaud those people for their earnest attempts and being fashion savvy, the sad reality is that they end up looking more like their rebellious teenager stage has come a few years too late.

The key to making these boots cute is to mix them with both feminine and more boyish pieces. A flirty necklace or lacey top with some ripped jeans and boots makes all the difference so you look more like sweet lady Jane (with some kick ass boots on) than GI Jane.

Here’s one bangin’ boot (for a bargain!) worn two ways:

With Jeans:

Boots, Sweater, Jeans, Shirt, Necklace

If you wanna rock the combat boots with jeans, definitely go with skinnies so you can tuck them in or slouch them around the ankle. Looser jeans with this boot would be too messy. Paired with a simple top and a chunky yet totally femme oversize cardigan and the feminine necklaces strikes the perfect balance between girly and tough.
With a Skirt:

Boots, Skirt, Top, Tights, Bracelet

It’s no secret that I love all things pumpkin so I about died when I saw this “Pumpkin Spice Skirt.” It is the perfect shade of orange, making your booty look more spicy and less like an actual bright orange pumpkin (a look that suits no one – not even kids in Halloween costumes). Pair these boots with brown tights, and a flirty, feminine top. And the gem stone bracelet keeps it chunky but adds just the perfect amount of flair.

The following is a guest post from our gal pals at CollegeFashion.net. Have you checked them out yet?!

Step outside and you’ll discover the air is a little crisper, leaves are starting to darken into rustic colors, and the smell of autumn wafts through campus. It’s officially fall. You know what that means: now’s the time to start updating your wardrobe.

The latest trends for fall 2010 range from ’50s chic to elegant velvet, but perhaps the hottest trends are all about the balance between sweet and sassy: mixing ladylike lace with tough leather, infusing infantry inspiration, and daring to wear bold animal print. Here’s how you can wear these three toughened-up-good-girl trends without breaking the bank:

Outfit #1: Lace and Leather

Product Information: Skirt, Top, Cami, Cross-Body Bag, Chain Necklace, Heels

Lace is big for fall, and when paired with leather (or faux leather, for the budget or eco-conscious), the ladylike classic makes a big statement.

Above, lace helps tone down leather’s severity, which makes for a hot evening ensemble that doesn’t scream “Jersey Shore extra.” Tuck this loose-fitting sheer top into the faux leather mini, wear a basic cami or bandeau underneath, and add neutral accessories for a sexy yet sweet look.

Look #2: Leopard Print

Product Information: Bag, Top, Jeans, Bangles, Necklace, Booties

Many girls are scared of leopard print — if that’s you, fear not! When worn the right way, leopard will add sizzle to your outfit, without making you look tacky or cheap.

The key to pulling off leopard on a budget is keeping the dose of animal print small. A leopard print clutch, pair of shoes, or scarf will incorporate a bit of the jungle into your closet, without giving off a tasteless vibe. If you’re brave enough to wear a leopard coat or shirt, hold back unless you’re willing to splurge on a piece that’s very well-made and well-designed – cheap leopard pieces usually look, well, cheap.

To see outfit #3, click here.

More than just about anything else, apparently.

Lindsay’s on major lockdown in rehab.

Wait, she’s pregnant?!

Who decides what constitutes fashion??

Fabulous leopard accessories for less.

Baby animals make my heart melt. Melllllt.

Leather is one of the biggest fabrics for fall 2010.  It is also one of the easiest to embrace because EVERYTHING can be made in leather: bags, shoes, leggings, shorts, jackets, skirts…the list goes on.  And I love it all. Leather is sexy. It’s edgy. And it makes everything look cool.

Leather items are almost magical in their ability to transform an outfit. Just add one leather piece and you’ve got an entirely new look. Pair your favorite floral dress with a structured leather belt or a moto-jacket and you’ve got a totally different style. Or add some edgy, buckled boots to a pair of skinny jeans and your favorite camisol from last season and – bam! – your look in updated. (That being said, make sure not to go overboard; you want to look edgy, not like a member of Hell’s Angels.)

Even those opposed to wearing leather (or meat dresses….) can get in on the trend, as many designers and chains are offering up a variety of faux (and fabulous) leather pieces. Seriously, there is something for everyone, and you should definitely get out there and take advantage. Not sure where to start? Here are 15 awesome options to choose from.

[Click on each image to get all the info.]

And they’re all under $100!

Let’s blame everything on these idiots.

How do you know you’re in love?

Holy sh*t! People hate Tila Tequila!

Who will Ronnie smush in the slammer?!

Jessica Simpson doesn’t know how to play hard to get…

Photo Credits: 1 – Heidi Klum, 2 – Behnaz Sarafpour, 3 – Style Scrapbook via Lookbook

The ’70s are back in a big way, especially in the denim world. If you don’t believe me, check out MK and Ashley’s new denim collection TEXTILE Elizabeth and James (Victoria Beckham is also a flare fan). Skinnies have become the norm (and will probably stay that way), but if you are looking for an alternative to your favorite straight-legged bottoms, this Fashion Challenge is the one for you.

Tips and Tricks for Rocking Flared Pants

Just try it! The best part about this challenge? Flared bottoms are universally flattering: Anyone can pull off this trend and look amazing doing it.
Take advantage of length. Wear your bell-bottoms long with heels to extend your legs for miles, like Heidi Klum does above. (Although it doesn’t hurt that her legs already extend for miles…)
Try a little flare beyond denim. Although it may be easier to find flared denim, the trend works for other bottoms as well. For examples, see the Behnaz Sarafpour slacks in Picture 2, or these gems:

See the looks and get easy and flattering ideas for rocking flared pants right here.

Each season the fashion mags publish their “Must Have Fashion” lists and each season I’m left drooling over Marc, Louis, and McQueen, wishing that my bank account was a little fuller. OK, a lot fuller. And it’s worse in the summer. Summer trends are among my favorite: the sunglasses, bikinis, embellished tank tops, and all the wonderful accessorizing opportunities!  It’s a party in my head… until I hit that one item that makes me want to vomit.

It always happens:

The go-go boot trend of ’03.
Pastel plaids of ’98.
Tech-Vests of ’01

Horrors!

Well, 2010 has rolled out quite a few tragedies of its own and instead of drooling, I’m left wondering WTF designers are smoking this season. Get ready to avert your eyes.

Hot pants

Got legs for days and a butt like Jessica Biel?  Then rock on with your booty shorts.  Just an average girl hanging out at the beach?  Opt for something that fully covers both cheeks.  This is one of those trends that works better on the runway than in real life.  And if you’re one of those stubborn fashion slaves who insists on being oh-so current, might I suggest buying some Hanes granny panties, hiking them way up and throwing a t-shirt on?

Over-the-knee and thigh high socks.

If you want to channel the cast of Clueless, buy a feathered pen, but for the love of hot weather, please leave the knee-highs to the Catholic school girls.  The inevitable leg sweat and 90-degree July heat both put a damper and a sweatstain on this questionable look.  I’m pretty sure Karl Lagerfeld didn’t intend on back-of-the-knee pit stains to become a subsequent trend.

Jellies

Well, since you’ve already got sweaty legs from those socks you’re wearing, might as well get the moist feet to match.  Nothing screams “my toes need deodorant” quite like rubber shoes.  They were cute when you were nine, not so much at nineteen.  Try again, fashionistas.

Fringe

I get it; it’s a modern take on flapper-chic.  But as long as you’re not going to Gatsby’s for summer cocktails, leave this trend back in the store for someone else to buy.  Mark my words, in two months you’ll look back at that Facebook picture where you’re swinging your hips as your fringed dress fans out around you, and want to die.  Un-tag.

The following post is courtesy of our uber fashionable friends at CollegeFashion.net!

Each week, our Fashion Challenge column highlights a risky trend that’s a a bit outside the norm, and this week’s item is no exception. Believe it or not, the crop top is back in a big way, and is going to be hot for Summer 2010. I know this garment may remind you of the ’80s in a bad way, but it’s easier to wear than you think – and that’s why I chose it as our challenge this week.

Think you have what it takes to make the crop top work? Read on for some tips, then try it yourself!

Tips & Tricks for Wearing Cropped Tops

1. Own it. As with most of our Fashion Challenges, this look requires a major dose of confidence: I mean, it’s not everyday you expose your stomach to the world!

2.  Tuck it in. I am already prepared for tons of complaints about this look not working for anyone but super-skinny models. That’s just not true! If you aren’t prepared to bare your whole stomach, tuck in the front and let the sides hang out of a high-waisted garment for a great blouson effect. When you lift your arms and move around, your sides and back might peek out, but most of your stomach will stay covered. See an example on Cammileco below:

3. Layer, layer, layer. Want another alternative to baring it all? Try layering a cropped top over a basic tank. Cutout or lace styles would amp up the look a bit. Sienna Miller adds a lace crop top to her simple blue tank below:

4. Consider location. I don’t want to sound like your controlling mother, but use your judgment when wearing a cropped top. You might not want to wear this to, say, your sister-in-law’s baby shower (or maybe you would?). But this look isn’t always acceptable, so just consider where you are going.

Want some crop-top outfit ideas? A few different ways to make this look work? Read the rest right here.

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2010/05/15/from-collegefashion-making-cropped-tops-work/feed/ 2 ccandystaff cropped top intro camilleco sienna-miller http://collegecandy.com/2010/05/07/budget-stylista-cargo-pants-go-glam/ http://collegecandy.com/2010/05/07/budget-stylista-cargo-pants-go-glam/#comments Fri, 07 May 2010 18:00:19 +0000 Jill - University of Wisconsin http://collegecandy.com/?p=60473 ]]>

This spring, cargo styles seem to have made it out of our 6th grade wardrobes and back into stores and into style. The upside (aside from the genius extra pockets for flask storage, that is!) is that this time around, they are a whole lot cuter then their ’90s siblings. Or maybe it’s just that we are a lot cuter than our former ’90s selves. Either way, I’m a fan.

The best part about this look is that you can make it appropriate for day or night. Yes, cargos are not just functional for recess/military operations anymore, ladies and gents! Cargo styles paired with a form fitting top give you a laid back yet sophisticated/sexy look

Here are two examples I love of a cargo pant and a cargo inspired short for both day and night.

Cargo Pants
I adore these pants. I love how they can be cinched at the bottom giving it the look of the harem pant with some room through the leg but not SO much that it looks like you could smuggle illegal aliens in them.

For day, pair with a casual v-neck (I love this apricot color with the green, but white works too) and some flat sandals. Feel free to let the drawstring around the ankle loose. For night, pair with this form fitted body suit (or tight tank if you have to pee a lot and don’t want to deal with a body suit), a good push up bra and some fun black pumps. Scrunch the pants around the ankle and off you go.

Product Information: Cargo Pants – Lulus.com, $52; T-shirt – American Apparel, $22; Sandals – Charlotte Russe, $18.99; Body Suit – Forever 21, $17.80; Heels – DSW, $44.94.

Cargo Shorts
It’s a good thing I don’t have to be in a monogomous relationship with clothing, because just as much as I love those cargo pants, I love these cargo shorts. They are laid back yet classy, and short without being slutty. For day, pair with this fun floral tank (tucked in) and some woven sandals. For night, I love this monochromatic look. Tuck in the sequin tank and throw on a nude pump. Oh and don’t forget to shave your legs. Obvi.

Product Information: Cargo Shorts – Lulus, $30; Floral Tank – Forever 21, $14.80; Sandals – Forever 21, $7.50; Sequin Tank – Express, $39.50; Nude Pumps – Forever 21, $22.80.