Fall 2010 Fashion Syllabus: Women's Apparel with Masculine Influences

While Beyoncè may not have been thinking about fashion when she came out with "If I Were a Boy" in 2008, fall 2010 fashion is taking the song title to heart. Even though the college campus is not the ideal place for a man's power business suit, some of the suit's style elements are campus-friendly. So girls man up on campus this fall without sacrificing your femininity.

Man-Up On Campus with Trouser Slacks

Trousers are a menswear staple and this fall they are hot for women as well. Dress smart for your business, economics and fashion merchandising classes by slipping into a pair of trousers. Gap's Perfect Trouser Pants from their Black Magic collection are a great pair of trousers to invest in. These trousers cost $59.50. However, they are an investment, as the styling of the trousers being slim in the hip and flared at the leg is classic. This trouser will take you through many a fashion season on campus and beyond. Sizes range from 00 to 20 and fit regular/average, tall and petite.

Man-Up Easy With The Classic White Shirt

No man is without a white dress shirt and neither should us ladies. The Journee Collection 3/4 Blouse in White at Target is the perfect match for the Gap Black Magic Trouser. At $24.99, the cost is affordable and can be worn with trousers, skirt and classic blue jeans. Sizes range from X-small to XX-large. You may need to view the accompanying size chart at Target.com to find your perfect fit.

A Manly Dress for Campus?

You initially would never think a dress could be considered "manly". However, the I Heart Ronson Check Boyfriend Shirt Dress at JCPenney offers a feminine feel to the traditional masculine silhouette of the boyfriend shirt. This black and white micro check shirt can be worn as mini dress or over trousers, jeans and leggings. This fun way to man up on campus costs $50.00, but is on sale for back-to-school for $34.99 in sizes X-small to X-large.

Man-Up Girl Style with the Ankle Bootie

The boys like to wear their boots for fall; however, we girls do not have to wear the same clunky boots as the guys. Cushion Walk Suede Shoe Bootie, sold exclusively at Avon, offers the right feminine touch to complete your man up look. This stylish grey ankle bootie is grey with a 3 1/4-inch heel. Regularly priced at $44.99 the bootie is on sale for back-to-campus at $39.99 and comes in sizes 6 to 11. Sorry, there are no half, wide or double wide-width sizes available for this boot.

All four of the items highlighted work together to create a single look or can be mixed and matched with other items from your current fall campus wardrobe. Add accessories such as a wide studded belt or burnished jewelry along with the barely there fall face and you will be ready to stride through campus in style. The man up look for women is easy for campus style and less pricey than some of the current trends. Shop around for similar styles to add to your fall wardrobe or borrow some items from your brothers' or boyfriend's closet.

SOURCE:
http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/072610_Trend_Reports/ManUp/