

by Chloe Xiang
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The Look
Sweater // Topshop
Jeans // Topshop
Jacket // Vintage
Shoes // Bandolino
This minimalistic outfit really embodies my style as I love a nice leather biker jacket paired with a bold flare denim. Since the weather on the east coast decided to drop so low, I brought out my sweaters, boots, and jackets. Despite the freezing conditions, I love being back in my favorite fashion season.
Photos by Larry Yu.
Being one who can’t sit for too long, with such a wild and free spirit, I took a spontaneous day trip to Connecticut. Although I was caged in my car for a few hours- it was definitely worth it. I spent a majority of the day in New Haven, which size has the feel of a city, but its cozy little stores and lovely environment of a town. It was so calming to just walk around the area, under the shade of colorful tress, while soaking in the sun. To end off the day, I escaped to a nearby beach. It was breathtaking- the sun’s golden rays illuminating the water and sand, casting a glow onto the foliage. There were so few people, making it a serene getaway to just meditate. I stayed to watch the sun slowly disappear into the rippling waves. Ultimately it was such an incredible day, allowing me to once again be reminded of what I truly live for.
The Look
Top // Forever 21
Denim Jacket // Vintage
Jeans // Topshop
Boots // Guess
Finally I can bring out my coats and jackets!! My first must have is outerwear. From an edgy bomber jacket, or biker/moto leather jacket, to a boho suede jacket, or even a high fashion trench, to a retro denim jacket- most all outwear is stylish and a statement.
The next essential is obvious as sweater weather is back! I love comfort clothing and sweaters are especially soft and cozy. There are so many styles of sweaters, such as cardigans, v-neck, or turtleneck. There are so many cute and warm sweaters so that you can be bundled up and still be chic.
Boots and booties are my favorite style of shoes. From ankle to knee high, there are so many specific designs of booties, and they further accentuate a great outfit. Boots are so classic, and like outerwear, are bold and essential pieces.
When I think autumn, pumpkins and colorful leaves come to mind. Likewise, fall fashion features a similar color palette of earthly, nude, and dark tones. My favorites are nudes, an orangey suede, and red wine for this time of year.
// Music //
La Vie En Rose – Daniela Andrade
The Need to Know (feat. SZA) – Wale
Lucky – Jason Mraz and Colbie Calliat
Hotline Bling – Drake
Dead to Me – Melanie Martinez
Mansur Gavriel- This show was not your typical catwalk, runway show and that’s why I loved the clear aesthetic and uniqueness of it. The pink walls and floor really made a statement and balanced well with the pieces on the models. The clothes, shoes, and bags were all so classy and retro. It was such a creative setting that definitely enhanced the brand’s style and image.
Sandy Liang- Sandy is one of my favorite designers ever. She is so young- straight out of college, with this NYFW only being her second season. But, she is so talented and all of her clothes seem to be so similar to my personal taste. I was already impressed by her winter/fall line, but this show definitely captivated me. Her pieces have this retro edginess, as well as a simplicity that I love.
Rachel Zoe- I only became familiar with this designer after this season’s show, but after seeing it, I am so in love. Her pieces are so elegant and bohemian and give off this breezy, roman goddess feel. The detailing and shapes of the pieces are so well executed and put together. The neutral, earthly tones further perfected the bohemian style, making each piece so beautifully complete.
The Basics (tops). Every shade of white, gray, and black. Whether its tanks, oversized tees, v-necks, fitted tees, boxy tees, halter tops, jumpers- there are so many different fits and styles of a solid print top. And all of them will prove to be very useful on a day to day basis.
Dresses and skirts. These are the bottoms of The Basics. The essentials are an a line skirt, slip, t-shirt dress, body con dress, and skort. The colors should be solid and monochromatic to keep them versatile.
Leather. From ankle boots to leather jackets to leather shorts, leather comes in most everything. Leather really turns your outfit up another notch with it’s natural edginess. Although the only leather necessity is a nice, classic leather jacket.
Denim comes in everything- jackets, skirts, jeans, shorts, tops, overalls- and I seem to have them all. Denim is such a classic look that epitomizes casual. I wear denim all the time and it never fails my look.
Here’s a list so that you can make a mental note to check off items you want/need. It’s obviously my personal idea of what is essential, so it may not be perfect, but it’s helped me on my shopping trips: