Class to Night Out: Hoodie Dress

Do you struggle with transforming your outfits from day to night? Don’t worry, CF is here to help turn that daily annoyance into a fun challenge.Class to Night Out focuses on one piece per week, and aims to help you take your look from study sessions in the library to dancing the night away.

Few things in life are warmer and more comfortable than sweatpants and a robe, but hoodies definitely make the list. I don't know about you, but I'm partial to items of clothing with pockets to keep my hands warm, and, yes, gloves are an adorable option, but 9 out of 10 times I will forget them at home. 

It may be a tricky trend to pull off, but a hoodie dress is a fun fashion alternative to jeans and your everyday hoodie! You get the pockets, the hood to pull over your head if it's raining or you are just really cold, and you have a chance to put together a sporty chic outfit. 

You may see them in stores and think "What even is this? Is it a really long hoodie? Is it a dress? How would I even wear this?" Never fear, I'm here to help! To see how to style one of these hoodie dresses for class and a night out, keep reading! 

Hoodie Dress: Class 

Products: Dress - Socks - Shoes - Tote - Headband - Earrings 

Be comfortable and cozy in class with some sporty striped black knee high socks and dark grey sneakers. Add a touch of feminine with some purple accented accessories like this tote and headband. Since the neckline is so high on this dress, I don't think a necklace is necessary - just stick with some gold stud earrings or a bracelet if you'd like. We are trying to keep it sporty for class, so I think less is more regarding jewelry. 

Hoodie Dress: Night Out

Products: Dress - Clutch - Shoes - Tights - Earrings - Ring 

A cooler fall night might call for a pair of black or gray tights paired with some edgy black platform ankle boots. I adore the oversized buckle and gold detail on the toe on these. Gold and black look gorgeous together, so stick with gold accessories like this gold geometric cutout clutch and gold triangle ring. Finally, finish off the outfit with a pair of berry-hued earrings for a some added color and you are ready to rock that dress for a night out! 

Your thoughts? 

What do you think? Are you going to try the hoodie dress trend, or are you going to stick to hoodies and jeans? If you do, how would you style one for class and a night out? Also, how cute are those shoes?! Let me know what you think in the comments, I love hearing feedback!

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Street Style Inspiration: Statement Coats

Winter is coming, and the most recent rounds of street style photos have been full of layers and coats. When the weather gets chilly, your coat makes or breaks your outfit, so it's worth investing in an amazing one to express your style.

To help you do that, I'm focusing on statement coats: Below, I'll show you three different types, inspired by street style, and where to buy them.

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Brightly Colored Coats

Bold colors are always eye-catching, and a great way to add some cheer to the dreary streets. As with any statement piece, you want to keep the rest of your outfit tame. In this photo, a simple jean and sweater combo balances the bright yellow of the jacket.

Cute & Affordable Colorful Coats:

Fur Coats

A grey skater skirt and black sweater make a great neutral base for this outfit, centered around a crazy-awesome purple fur coat. Faux fur is easier to find and afford than real fur, and of course, it's animal-friendly, which we love. The look of fur can always make an outfit seem more expensive, so it's a great coat style to buy.

Where to Buy Them:

Patterned Coats

Patterns are always a great way to add dimension to an outfit. In this photo, an all-white outfit is topped with checkered outerwear. The overall colors of the look are simple, but coat's pattern makes it interesting. 

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Class to Night Out: Chunky Sweater

Do you struggle with transforming your outfits from day to night? Don’t worry, CF is here to help turn that daily annoyance into a fun challenge.Class to Night Out focuses on one piece per week, and aims to help you take your look from study sessions in the library to dancing the night away.

Cool weather is here to stay for a while, so it's time we start perfecting that "cozy-chic" look. Between jackets, cardigans, sweaters, ponchos, and huge infinity scarves, there are many ways to be warm and trendy. Gotta love it when you have options! 

Chunky sweaters are a hot (warm?) item in stores right now so you should have no trouble finding one. They look amazing when they're a little oversized, so it may even be a good idea to size up, depending on what kind of look you are going for. 

To see how to style a chunky sweater for class and a night out, keep reading! 

Chunky Sweater: Class 

Products: Sweater - Pants - Tote - Boots - Nail Polish - Earrings - Headband 

This sweater gets extra chic points because of the cowl neck. Pair it with some olive green skinny pants and black riding boots for a timeless vibe.

Since the sweater's neck is so exaggerated, I don't think we need a necklace, so just accessorize with some deep purple earrings and a fun headband if you're feeling girly. The tote and nail polish complement each other with their neutral tones and bring the outfit together.

That's it -  you're ready for class. This outfit would also be a great Thanksgiving-with-the-family look! 

Chunky Sweater: Night Out

Products: Sweater - Skirt - Tights - Shoes - Clutch - Earrings - Ring 

Add a little more color for your night out with a wine-colored skirt paired with some lace tights (for both warmth and trendiness). Wear some chunky black heels to coordinate with the chunky sweater: I chose these killer black platform lace-up boots. 

Again, I think we can skip a necklace, so accessorize with these black triangle earrings, a blue-and-purple cocktail ring, and a teal clutch. You are ready to have the coziest night out ever! 

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Class to Night Out: Snake Print Pants

Do you struggle with transforming your outfits from day to night? Don’t worry, CF is here to help turn that daily annoyance into a fun challenge.Class to Night Out focuses on one piece per week, and aims to help you take your look from study sessions in the library to dancing the night away.

Wearing animal print can be tricky. Some prints are visible from a mile away and some start to become noticeable once you get a little closer, and, of course, there is a time and place for both styles. The hard part is dressing the rest of your outfit around your print!

Snakeskin print has been on my mind lately, specifically snake print pants. Snakeskin can be a very chic print, though can get tacky if styled incorrectly. It's a popular choice for accessories, but pants are a different story. Are you up for the challenge? 

To see how to style a pair of snakeskin pants for class and a night out, keep reading! 

Snake Print Pants: Class

Products: Pants - Shirt - Tote - Shoes - Scarf 

These black snake print pants are great because they are sophisticated and versatile: the print is subtle yet visible (this photo doesn't do it justice). 

To style them, add a beige sweater and some flat ankle booties. No need for lots of jewelry, just add a simple black and cranberry-hued infinity scarf. The finishing touch is this quilted cream and black tote for getting you from class to class.

Snake Print Pants: Night Out

Products: Pants - Shirt - Jacket - Clutch - Shoes - Necklace - Bracelet -Earrings 

Wear a simple white t-shirt under a black faux leather motorcycle jacket with your snake print pants for an edgy night look. Swap out your flat black ankle booties for a pair of oxblood stiletto booties that will have you looking fierce. 

Now have fun with jewelry! Wear a long geometric necklace and a studded cuff bracelet. These beaded feather earrings are the perfect touch to complement the oxblood booties. Finally, your black and gold clutch will have you ready for your night out.

Your thoughts? 

What do you think? Are you going to buy snake print pants? If so, are you going to go for a bold print or a muted print? How are you going to style them for class and a night out? Let me know in the comments, I love hearing feedback! 

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What to Wear (And Bring!) to Friendsgiving

The Thanksgiving holiday is just days away, and chances are, on top of your family dinner and Black Friday shopping, you've also got a Friendsgivingplanned for Saturday night or Sunday. 

If you're still stressing out about what to wear to Friendsgiving, never fear! We got you, girl, no matter whether you're hosting or just showing up - maybe - to your squad's soiree this year. 

The Hostess

Outfit: Mascara, Eyeshadow, Necklace, Clutch, Booties, Dress | Bring:Perfect Roast Chicken

You're opening up your home / apartment / dorm room to your closest friends, fam, and coworkers, so not only will you be spending the day cooking, cleaning, and prepping for the party, but you'll need your outfit game to be on point. 

It's tempting to want to pull out all the stops when you're entertaining, but trust me - the last thing you want is to be worrying about uncomfortable high heels, smeared lipstick, or a skirt that's too short. Stick to somethingcomfortable, simple, and chic that makes you feel like a million bucks so you cross your outfit off of the things I have to worry about list. 

For a look that's comfy, cute, and stylish, try a sleek printed sheath dress in a dark neutral color (nothing's worse than a wine stain on a white dress, amiright?) and a pair of edgy black booties with a low heel. A statement necklace adds a bit of bling to the look, but avoid anything feathery, furry, glittery or overly dangly - for your food's sake. Opt for a smoky eye and the blackest black mascara for a dramatic, no-fuss look. You won't miss your lipstick, I promise! 

And, of course, you'll be hosting, so you'll need to provide the protein for this holiday shindig. Turkeys are a pain in the @ss to cook and are pretty $$$, and leave you with more leftovers than you can ever, ever, eat, so opt for a roast chicken instead. 

The Host's BAE/BFF/Roommate

Outfit: Volume Spray, Lipstick, Sweater, Bag, Necklace, Booties, Skirt |Bring: A Veggie Dish

If your BFF, SO, roommate, or sibling is hosting Friendsgiving, they're probably counting on you to either 1) show up early and help, 2) bring a substantial dish to pass, 3) not show up in leggings and a messy topknot, or 4) all of the above. 

For a look that's cute and polished but won't upstage your hardworking host, pair a flouncy marsala-colored midi skirt with a cute sweater and cognac booties. A gold statement necklace and a deep wine lip look super festive but casual enough when paired with textured waves. A deep burgundy bag adds a touch of polish and edge. 

Even if cooking's not your thing, you can still bring a lifesaving dish to pass, like this easy, lemony green bean dish that heats up easily in the microwave (so you're not commandeering your hostess' precious oven space!).

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6 Habits of Highly Fashionable People

Anyone can know the hottest labels and trends. Anyone with money can buy them. Owning fancy "it" brand pieces can get you a few Instagram-worthy photos, but having genuine style takes a little more. 

What is it about the highly fashionable that makes style seem so effortless? They always look fabulous, but never seem to be trying too hard. They combine clothes in ways you never even considered. They wear outfits that you could never pull off... Except you can. 

To help you get started, we've pulled together six habits that all stylish people share, and it's really easier than you think.

1. They own what they're wearing.

Ultra-stylish people are always confident with what they're wearing. Even if they realize, in the middle of the day, that their top really clashes with their skirt, or that their dress is on backwards, they'll own it. Mistakes can come off as fashion statements, and simple outfits can come off as great ones. 

Confidence really is key. It make you and anything you're wearing look ten times as cool.

2. They don't shy away from any store.

Whether it's Salvation Army or Neiman's, stylish people never think they're "too cool" or "not fancy enough" for any store. The fashionable can work great pieces from anywhere, without any snobbery. 

If the store is on the higher end of the spectrum, maybe they can't afford anything (we've all been there!), but they'll browse like they belong there because it never hurts to draw inspiration.

3. They dress for themselves.

It may seem a little contradictory, but the most stylish people don't dress to be considered stylish. 

This paradox exists because the ultra stylish don't care what others think about their clothes. They wear what they do because they like it, and that's part of what makes it work. When you dress for yourself only, you're more likely to push the envelope and maybe create your own new trends.

4. They don't obsess over labels.

People with genuine style know that name brands don't make them cooler. It's not that name brands are bad, but they're not the only thing to be considering when you're getting dressed. 

Like I said before, the truly stylish can find amazing pieces from any store, name brand or not.

5. They don't follow every trend.

Usually, the highly fashionable do keep up with trends, but that doesn't mean they jump on every one of them.

They know trends come and go, and of course, they'll take action on the ones they like. But if they don't want to buy into the hottest new trend, they won't, and it doesn't tarnish their stylish reputation.

6. They get inspired, but they don't copy.

Inspiration can be drawn from so many different places: fashion shows, store window mannequins, street style photos. There are millions of possible sources!

Stylish people love to get inspired, but they don't need or want to copy an outfit piece by piece. They know how to recreate certain styles and vibes in a way that makes them their own.

What do you think? 

Are there any other habits you think highly stylish people have? What habits might you pick up yourself? Comment below! We'd love to hear from you!

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Class to Night Out: Destroyed Skinny Jeans

Do you struggle with transforming your outfits from day to night? Don’t worry, CF is here to help turn that daily annoyance into a fun challenge.Class to Night Out focuses on one piece per week, and aims to help you take your look from study sessions in the library to dancing the night away.

I was looking through my wardrobe the other day trying to decide what to wear and realized how boring my collection of jeans has become. I play favorites with my black skinny jeans year round. I miss my denim variety! 

That's why I've decided to switch things up and buy some destroyed skinny jeans. Super trendy this season, these '90s throwbacks are ultra cool thanks to their grunge vibe. Of course you can always DIY a pair you already own if you don't want to spend the money on new ones!

To see how to style destroyed skinny jeans, keep reading! 

Destroyed Skinny Jeans: Class 

Products: Jeans - Jacket - Sweater - Tote - Scarf - Gloves - Shoes 

Destroyed skinny jeans can range from a hole or two to almost completely ripped to shreds, so you can choose how far you want to go with this trend. Here, I'm styling a pair with small rips through the knee and thigh areas.

Wear a simple sweater in a neutral tone like cream or charcoal grey. Next, add an olive green military jacket and light brown buckle boots too give it that grunge feel. 

Because it really is getting cold, wear a red plaid scarf and a cute pair of gloves. I have a feeling gloves are going to be like socks for me this winter: I'm never going to be able to find any matching ones in my house. Grab your trusty black tote before you leave the house and you're good to go! 

Destroyed Skinny Jeans: Night Out 

Products: Jeans - Shirt - Blazer - Shoes - Gloves - Clutch - Tights - Earrings -Necklace 

You'd think these rough-looking jeans would be hard to style for a night out, but they're not! Pair them with a black sequin top and a cream blazer to take the grunginess down a notch. Oxblood stiletto booties look darling with these bow gloves in the same color. Jewelry is easy as well, just find a black and gold statement necklace and some earrings to match.

Here's a fun styling possibility: Try wearing a pair of lace tights under your destroyed jeans for your night out. A little bit of lace will be able to peek out depending on how big the holes in your jeans are. And finally, all you need is a nude-colored clutch - I really like this faux snakeskin trim one.

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MEN’S OVER-SIZED CLOTHING TREND

Guy’s take advantage of the ease of not getting into the hassle of being impeccable and yet so perfect. The perfect fashion sense will be that you are comfortable in your clothes and you carry them well.

Everyone should have an individual touch to the trend that they are following. If you can pull off anything you can simply be the trend setter. The perfectly tailored suit, slim and smart men’s wear is now no more the part of the default trend. Recently the baggy and slightly fuller cut has been reintroduced and re-established in the trends.

Men need to understand that now they can get rid of the sophisticated look and go for a rather rough and tough look. The harsh routine of a tough man demands clothing to meet the need. The elegant approach might not be the new runway style for men. Now let’s see what has taken over the fitted clean look.

LONG TEES

We all know the summers are over but the winter blues and greys demand some excitement at least in the selection of clothes. Adding the extra length to the t-shirts and shirts is the new trend. Long tops for guys, must have got you thinking that how can a guy pull that off. The long length is strictly for the casual look.

Try to incorporate the length in the formal t-shirts and shirts only. If you incorporate the length into formal outfits, it might be a fashion disaster. Formal outfits demand for sticking to the classics whereas with casual you can definitely experiment.

NOT EVERYTHING SHOULD BE OVERSIZED

Long length and oversized tops for guys should be worn wisely. Make sure you pair up a long shirt with a slim or skinny jeans or trousers. The outfit should be complete. Plus the key to brilliant fashion is simplicity when it comes to the long t-shirts for men. If they are not simple they might end up looking girly and that is the last thing that the guys would want to wear.

Besides all this, the key to amazing fashion sense is having crucial confidence. The long length clothing is statement that should be worn with utter confidence.

ROUGH LOOK

Make sure you wear the length and oversized clothing like a man by giving it the rugged manly look. The long sleeves sweat shirt, baseball collar shirt and the vintage long length shirts should be worn with confidence for it to look manly. Asian men would have already pulled off this vintage trend by coupling a traditional shirt (kurta) with a pair of jeans.

IS IT YOUR INSPIRATION

In winter 2014-15 ensure that the long loose and baggy shirts and coats are your taste or style. Not everyone experiments with the looks and trends being followed in the streets. The tall t-shirts should not be tucked with their hem pecking hanging casually. The classic bomber jackets complement the tall t-shirts really well.

Get your inspiration and find the oversized knitwear for the winters. The oversized knitwear will keep you warm and will look chunky and manly for sure. Cardigans roll necks and cable knit are the styles you opt for this winter. Oversized coats are also the new hit for the winters but know what inspires you and if you can carry that well. You just don’t want a fashion disaster for the sake of following the trend.

It is always good to customise the look, that will make you look good and will be perfect for you. The idea is to know the dos and don’ts of the oversized and anti-fit trend. Men need to start experimenting with their looks as well. Anti-fit is the new fit for men to carry casually.

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STREETWEAR SEES MAJOR COMEBACK

Streetwear is in its fifth iteration with everyone from megabrands such as Nike, Adidas and Timberland, to traditional labels such as Brooks Brothers and up-and-coming designers like Off-White tapping into its aesthetic. Its resurgence, both in terms of fashion influence and revenue, stems from a variety of factors, including the growing importance of Generation Z consumers; the boom in activewear as everyday apparel, and the exponential increase in online shopping, which enables even the smallest of labels to gain worldwide distribution.

The current market is saturated with hundreds, if not thousands, of streetwear brands, which is what separates today’s movement from what it was two decades ago. So big is its potential that industry sources now estimate the category to have annual sales of $2 billion to $2.5 billion.

There also is increasing segmentation. No longer is there one look; instead, streetwear ranges from urban Goths to the skate and surfer market to new-era grunge and punk and, finally, hip-hop. Because of social media and the Web, all of these underground subcultures are now accessible to the public.

“True independent streetwear was always a secret club,” said Bobby “Hundreds” Kim of Los Angeles-based brand The Hundreds. “But the Web cracked the mystery wide open. The biggest reason why the culture and style have become so prevalent today is because of desktop publishing, the facility to print T-shirts and manufacture apparel, and the lowered barrier to entry for a newcomer to participate in the market. Just a decade or so ago, kids wanted to grow up to be rappers, baseball players or movie stars. Today, the youth aspire to own a brand and have a streetwear label. Even musicians and athletes and celebrities want in. With two clicks of a mouse, you can have a silk-screened T-shirt and a snap-back cap to stand behind and position your place in the world.”

The influence is being seen in the designer market as well, where trend-setting labels such as En Noir, Off-White by Virgil Abloh and others are showcasing streetwear influences in their collections.

“These days I believe that you can judge a designer by a graphic T-shirt they make,” said Abloh, who also moonlights as Kanye West’s creative director. Abloh’s brand, rooted in street culture but influenced by designers like Riccardo Tisci and Raf Simons, is now sold at retailers such as Barneys New York.

“My clothes are created out of an atelier in Milan and the production is mainly in Europe,” he said. “It’s sold on a designer floor at Barneys but [has] streetwear sensibilities.”

Even as streetwear makes a comeback, traditional teen retailers such as American Eagle Outfitters, Abercrombie & Fitch and Aéropostale have been struggling, as have traditional surf brands like Quiksilver and Billabong.

Analysts believe there are a myriad of reasons as to why, but one thing is certain: The Generation Z consumers (ages 12 to 17) have become highly informed shoppers, with 91 percent plugged into the Internet and social media. According to a study made by The Intelligence Group, a division of Creative Artists Agency, Gen-Zers are as discriminating as older consumers when shopping for the best products and deals.

“They’re on every platform now and they are constantly being fed new information - what’s cool, where to get it,” said Jamie Gutfreund, chief strategy officer at TIG.

Among the brands that are attracting these younger customers on social media are established streetwear labels such as Stüssy and Supreme; West Coast brands like The Hundreds, Black Scale, Undefeated, Huf, Diamond Supply Co., and Crooks and Castles, and East Coast firms like 10.Deep, SSUR and Been Trill - many of which have their own freestanding stores and e-commerce capabilities.

Diamond Supply Co., for instance, opened its second freestanding store in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in June. The brand plans to open a third store in New York City later this year at 268 Lafayette Street across from Supreme.

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