TrendWatch: Look Smart

Get a look as sharp as your mind! Okay, cheesy, but I couldn't resist. Great news for Princeton this fall, folks: Prep is back in style. The focus is on smart but overall subtle looks, with maybe one or two sharp pieces to help you stand out. Remember, this blog is directed toward college kids who are on a low budget, so if you're looking for designer delights ranging from the hundreds to the thousands, there are plenty of other sites and blogs that are perfect for just that.

But before I dive into the trends... here are a couple treats for those of you who still want to hold on to the summer:

Tea-Party Vintage - $26

Get it here.

Summer Sandals - $10

Get them here.

Now, on to those trends...

1. The Cropped Jacket
Versatile and eye-catching, these are great investments. Throw one on at night to instantly dress up a daytime outfit. A cropped jacket looks great with jeans, a sparkly tank, deep blue wide-legged denim, and black heels. I'd also try it with a high-waisted skirt and a tank.

Simple but sweet - $20

Get it here.

Showy shoulders (vintage) - $46

Get it here.

Memories of Michael - $80

Get it here.

2. Word to the Nerd
Again, great for Princeton: geek chic isn't in full swing anymore, but it's still quietly permeating the runways. As always, subtle is best. So save the suspenders and pocket protectors and opt instead for geek glasses in front of bright eyes and an otherwise simple outfit. A great contrast would be to wear a light, flowery dress, cute sandals, and the geek glasses to mix it up. Another option would be saving the glasses for later in the fall and pairing them with black or plaid coats and boots. Keep the hair simple, as the glasses will draw attention to the face.

Classic Specs (I know, the name on the website irks me too) - $6

Get it here.

Channeling Burberry - $7

Get it here.

3. Big Bows
Headbands take on a new twist this fall with ridiculously large bows that can instantly liven up an outfit. Keep it Blair Waldorf-style with other girly accessories like pearls and lace, but don't go overboard. Add flair to the simple jeans-and-flats routine with a bright pink bow. Or, for the wilder among us, bring out a brief color in a blouse or dress with the headband as an accent.

Rabbit Ears (I dunno, this makes me think of floppy rabbit ears! It's cute though.) - $10

Get it here. Doesn't Urban have the best sales?

Think Pink - $5

Get it here.

You can also DIY this look with a plain headband, thick satin ribbon or fabric, and super glue. If you want to be creative, add lace and/or feathers to the mix. This also works great on a belt.

For more DIY love, visit Carbon Couture. She doesn't post very frequently, but when she does it's brilliant, because she takes runway looks and does a DIY replication of them. An invaluable resource for the budget fashionista.

That's all for now, folks. It's 2:00 AM and thank goodness I have no classes tomorrow morning.

~ The Style Phile