Sweater weather is better weather, right? Fall is the best time of the year for fashion. Sweaters, scarves and boots offer many options for comfy, yet cute, style. The weather is still warm enough a bulky winter coat is not required but long sleeves and cute scarves are often necessary. However, this weather also brings the season of too many Ugg boots and baggy sweats. 

Fashion doesn’t have to be hard, and I know that I always feel better when I am happy about my outfit. Even if nothing else goes right in my day, I can at least walk around with the confidence that I put effort in to my outfit and know that I at least have one thing going for me. When one’s schedule gets busy, one thing that may fall by the wayside is their fashion. It doesn’t have to. By taking a few extra minutes each day to change a few things about your outfit, a lot can change about the day. Too many people take the colder weather as an excuse for baggy sweatpants and hoodies. There are many ways to switch up an outfit that don’t take much more time than picking up some sweatpants from the floor and can still be just as comfy. As cheesy as this sounds, I pick out my outfit the night before. This way it is easily accessible; even if I happen to hit the snooze button one too many times. 

The great thing about fashion is that you don’t have to be good at drawing, math or sports to be successful. You just have to find a few basic pieces that work for you and build outfits around those staples. My fall staples are infinity scarves, sweaters and riding boots. It is also a rare occurrence to find me without a watch. Putting together a look is as simple as finding a signature piece – maybe you like comfy flannels. Pair an oversized flannel with jeans or leggings, boots and a scarf — simple and fashionable.

This summer I was fortunate enough to work with fashion, I had an internship at Vintage Willows, a boutique in Brookings. One of the most rewarding things about that internship was being able to help other people put together an outfit and see themselves in a whole new light. It is amazing what can change about a person with the right clothing – it often puts them in a good mood and me as well, knowing that I changed the outlook of a person or at least brightened their day. I also enjoyed being able to create outfits for the display and use my love for fashion to inspire other people. 

Through an outfit or accessory, you can express yourself. Really there are no rules – find your favorite trend and incorporate it in to your outfit each day. Currently, my favorite trend is stud detailing. Studs are a fun way to add an element of “cool” to any piece you are wearing. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Breaking out of a style rut can boost your confidence. Who knows, it could maybe even inspire you to talk to someone you normally wouldn’t or give you the confidence you need to ace a test or an interview. 

Throughout the semester, I will share my passion for fashion by introducing new ways to be fashionable on a budget, fashion tips from experts and maybe even feature street style I see on campus. 

“It’s a new era in fashion – there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together.”

-Alexander McQueen