*Images taken from Someone Like You*

At fashion weeks all around the world, one trend was a connecting thread for the upcoming fall/winter 2013/2014 season: photo realistic prints. Photo realistic prints are often digitally designed or even taken from actual photos and then transferred onto fabric. The result is a striking and eye catching 3D-like effect in a sea of polka dots, solids and stripes.

One of my favorite photo realistic prints is galaxy and space; however, here are just some of the options of photo realistic prints you have to choose from.

Check out some of Modcloth’s take on this fashion: Panoramic Outlook Skirt, The Sky’s the Limit, JeansGlam Canon Dress

— Lauren

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Spring is quickly approaching, and we all want to look new and fresh to match the coming season. However, it is difficult for broke college students to buy new clothes for each new season. If you can’t buy everything, just stick to purchasing a few key pieces that you can wear over and over by pairing with different items that you probably already own. Here are four key items that you need in your closet for spring.

A striped top

A striped shirt is a classic item that will never go out of style. This basic top is so easy to work into any outfit. First, try pairing it with a long skirt for an elegant look. Add a pop of color to the outfit by adding a bright pair of pumps that will amp up the basic look of the stripped shirt. Throw on a vest over the stripped top for a casual layered look. Finally, mix up the prints. Pair the stripped shirt with a patterned skirt for a retro look.

A neon skirt

Try pairing the neon skirt with an oversized sweatshirt for a cute, casual look. If the neon skirt is lime green or bright yellow, pair it with other shades of green. For a top, use an emerald or Kelly green for a monochromatic look. Add an oxford button up for a hip but professional look that you could wear to work.

A printed dress

First, add a denim jacket over a printed dress for a classic spring look. Try adding a belt, tights and heels for a fun night out. Pair a tailored blazer with the dress for a pretty work-day look. For a rainy spring day, add a turtleneck underneath the dress for a layered, warm look.

A simple cardigan

Wear a mini skirt with the cardigan for a flirty look without showing too much skin. Pair the cardigan with shorts for those days that are just a little bit colder. Button the cardigan all the way up and tuck into a skirt for a cute, girly, date night look. Finally, pair with jeans and flats for an easy-going layered look.

There are lots of other ways to wear these four great pieces. Mix things up by going through your closet to create your own unique outfits. Fashion is not always about having the latest designer items, but about being smart and having quality items that you can mix and match all year round.

— Lilly

Cardigan photo by Talis Bergmanis | MCT
Other photos by Lilly

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An updated take on color blocking, monochrome is one trend I’m obsessing over for spring. Creating outfits with just one color or varied shades of a single hue is fresh and interesting and the perfect way to master being “match-matchy.”

The best thing about this look is how it works with basically any color, from bold blues to neutral beiges. It can look sophisticated in a power suit, but also playful in a Saturday afternoon getup. The possibilities really are endless when it comes to creating your own monochromatic ensemble.

Whatever your color choice may be, balance is key to mastering this look. Keep statement pieces in mind when putting an outfit together, which should be the focus. Wear a lighter shade of the hue on the top or bottom, one that is muted and allows another piece of the same hue to really pop.

For example, pairing cream-colored trousers with a lighter eggshell blouse will make the top stand out.

Monochromatic ensembles are especially great for petite girls, as it makes them appear taller. Stars like Eva Longoria and Kim Kardashian are just over 5 feet tall, but their pairings make them seem much taller.

While this trend was present on last year’s spring/summer runways, we know it usually takes about four seasons for anything to catch on in Ohio. Head to your closet and start pairing like colors ASAP to stay ahead of the Midwest.

— Amanda

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