The Loop Scarf: 2010 Scarf of the Season

If you’re the kind of person who gets baffled when attempting to tie a scarf, you’re in luck this season. The loop scarf—a continuous circle of fabric—is in style for fall and super easy to wear. No need for fancy scarf-origami, just loop it around once or twice, depending on the length, and go. Below are four adorable loop scarves—all under $40.

[These loop scarves add instant style to any everyday outfit. Photos courtesy Forever 21 (pictured left) and Payless (pictured right).]

This lightweight knit scarf comes in a chocolate brown color that goes great with most casual outfits. It’s only $9 from Forever 21.

A classic black and white scarf, like this one from Payless, is the perfect compliment to a wool peacoat or blazer. This scarf costs $13.

[Drape either of these loop scarves around your neck for an easy-to-wear fall look. Photos courtesy American Eagle (pictured left) and Etsy (pictured right).]

On brisk winter days, wrap this cozy cable knit scarf around your neck. Also available in brown, this scarf is $35 from American Eagle.

To add a dash of edge to your wardrobe, throw on this black and copper ruffled scarf with an evening outfit. This scarf is handmade by Textilemonster on Etsy. It also comes in other color options and costs $17 plus shipping.

Will you wear a loop scarf this fall? Do you like any of my picks? Leave me a comment and let me know!

For more fashion inspiration, follow me on Twitter @kirsten_hudson

Are you scarf obsessed? Learn more about fashion scarves:

• Discover how vintage scarves can look oh-so modern.

Fashion Trend: Adorable Fall Boots Under $50

Walking through a pile of colorful crunchy leaves may be one of the best parts about fall, but it can only get better if you have a pair of cute fall boots on your feet.

From the over the knee boots trend to Western-inspired styles to ankle booties to high-heeled boots, the picks are endless. Below are just a few of the great boots out there. Check out this season’s styles below and tips on how to incorporate fall boots into your wardrobe while staying on budget.

Cowboy boots

You don’t have to be from the Midwest to enjoy wearing Western-style boots. The four styles below are modern and affordable.

[Both of these cute ankle styles (pictured top right and left) are only $30 from Target. Photos courtesy Target. These Western boots with great details (pictured bottom right and left) are $37 and $35, respectively. Photos courtesy Forever 21.]

With a palette of warm browns, these boots are the essence of fall. Tuck skinny jeans into Target’s pointy toed ankle boots to show off the detailed buckles and straps. If skinny jeans aren’t your thing, wear these high heel ankle boots from Target under wider-leg jeans. The slight heel will give a boost to your height and the cute rounded toe will peep out from the jeans.

For a more edgy look, wear these suede ankle boots with crossover straps from Forever 21 with a tight mini dress. Or give off a more casual vibe by pairing these Western slouchy boots from Forever 21 with a flowy dress. The key with cowboy boots is to not go over-the-top with Western. Don’t wear a plaid button-down shirt and a cowboy hat with your boots (no matter how cute they are separately.)

Cuffed boots

One of this season’s super fashionable trends is cuffed boots. These statement-making shoes aren’t for the faint of heart, so proceed with caution.

[These black cuffed boots (pictured left) from Forever 21 are only $35. Photo courtesy Forever 21. These studded boots from DSW (pictured right) are $50 and also come in black. Photo courtesy DSW.]

Wear these flirty black cuffed boots from Forever 21 on a night out. The heavy cuff might weigh down the look so make sure to balance with form fitting pants and tops or even a tight mini skirt. For an easy bohemian look wear these studded cuffed boots from DSW with a floral or abstract print dress. Or wear them with your favorite worn-in jeans for a casual weekend look.

Over the knee boots

With the right outfit, over the knee boots can be super fun. Go for a dramatic look with stiletto styles or wear flats for a more understated confidence.

[These slouchy black over the knee boots (pictured left) can be oh-so-chic with the right styling. They are $43 from Forever 21. A flat pair of over the knee boots, like these casual tan boots, (pictured right) are great everyday wear. They are $36 from Forever 21. Photos courtesy Forever 21.]

Although thigh-skimming over the knee boots can be extremely sexy, you’ll be walking a fine line between stylish and dominatrix if you choose a black high heeled style like the one pictured left from Forever 21. If you’re confident enough to pull these black bow boots off, pair them with black leggings and a tunic dress. The boots will blend into the leggings and tone down the sex appeal. Avoid wearing tight mini skirts and leather with these boots.

If you want to try an over the knee style, but are concerned about looking too Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, try a flat pair or a pair that isn’t so tight on the legs. For a comfy everyday look, wear these over the knee riding boots from Forever 21 with skinny jeans and a slightly oversized top.

Do you love fall boots? What’s your must-have style of the season? Tell me about it in the comments section.

For more fashion inspiration, follow me on Twitter @kirsten_hudson

Boots obsessed? Find out more about this stylish fall footwear:

• Worn with the right outfit, these vintage ankle booties look über-trendy.

Fashion Trend: Combining Vintage With Modern

Delicate jewelry. Embroidered tops. Lace. Nothing looks more feminine than clothes with vintage touches. Keep your look fresh, and not reminiscent of your grandmother’s wardrobe, by pairing vintage with modern pieces. Think skinny cargos and moto boots.

Want to add a little romance to your wardrobe? Check out the looks below to learn how to mix vintage elements with today’s trends.

[Pair soft and edgy pieces to update vintage items for fashion today. Photos courtesy Maurices and Forever 21.]

The look above mixes hard and soft elements to create an outfit that is ultra-modern. With a floral overlay, fluttery sleeves and a soft cream color, this vintage-looking top from Maurices is super sweet. But when paired with skinny jeans or cargos, and these edgy brown moto boots from Forever 21, the top goes from sweet to sexy.

[Menswear-inspired pieces combined with ultra feminine, vintage styles keep this look fresh. Photos courtesy American Eagle and Forever 21.]

Combining a classic, like this white oxford shirt from American Eagle, with a vintage piece, like this flowy gray skirt from Forever 21, creates a simple, yet sophisticated look. Add some vintage jewelry to up the feminine feel of this outfit.

[Military-inspired clothing is super fun to pair with girly pieces. Photos courtesy American Eagle and Old Navy.]

This pretty bronze-colored tank with fabric flowers from Old Navy goes great under an army green military jacket, like this one from American Eagle. Pair military-inspired styles with ruffles and lace to keep the look feminine.

Do you like the vintage look? How do you like to wear it? Feel free to tell me your thoughts in the comments section!

For more fashion inspiration, follow me on Twitter @kirsten_hudson

Love vintage? Then check out this blog series featuring vintage clothes and accessories salvaged from thrift stores, auctions and garage sales:

• These menswear-inspired tuxedo pumps were found at a local Salvation Army. Guess how much they cost?
• Discover how vintage scarves can look oh-so modern.
• Check out these cute ’80s suede and leather ankle boots found at an antique mall.

Fall Fashion Trend: How To Wear Military-Inspired Styles

Get ready to head into battle ladies; this fall’s latest trend is military-inspired clothing. Originally, the women’s military look came out of the 18^th and 19^th centuries, during which women added touches of military style to their gowns by using braids, tassels and cords.

[Keep the military look feminine by combining strong masculine pieces, like combat boots, with girly pieces, like dresses or skirts. Photo courtesy Gabriela Camerotti/Flickr.]

Military-inspired styles are nothing new in the fashion world, but for Fall 2010 the look is more reminiscent of today’s military uniforms, rather than historical uniforms.

Today’s look is played down. Key elements of an outfit, not the entire outfit, reflect military style, which helps to keep the look feminine. So what makes an outfit”military” style? Check out the elements below.

Elements of “military” style.

Color.
Earthy tones such as greens, dark browns, khakis, and of course the classic army green, help create the military look.

Tailored.
Structured jackets, shirts and pants give off a masculine vibe.

Functionality.
Features such as pockets, flaps, buckles and buttons give clothing a utilitarian edge.

How to wear it. (While on a budget.)

[Photo illustration by Kirsten Hudson. Photos courtesy Forever 21 and Payless.]

A great coat.
One of the best ways to incorporate military style into your wardrobe is to purchase a versatile coat. This double-breasted coat from Forever 21 is the epitome of military style with its structured design, flaps and rows of metallic buttons. The bright red color tones down the harsh edges of the coat, and gives it a feminine feel. Plus the coat is only $33!

The aviator look.
If you want to try the military look without going overboard just put on some cute aviator sunglasses. They’ll add a dash of chic to your outfit immediately. Try this pair from Forever 21 for $6.

Piece by piece.
An easy way to mimic the military look without breaking the bank is to use pieces already in your wardrobe. Wear a chunky boot that you already own, especially if it has buckles. These boots from Payless are a good example. They don’t scream “military,” but still give that feel.  Or simply take that military cap you were wearing all summer and add it to your fall wardrobe. Of course, you could always buy a new one, like this adorable wool buckle cadet hat from Payless for only $10.

Pair with feminine pieces.
In a recent episode of Project Runway, the designers created looks with the combination of military and lace; the ultra-masculine with the ultra-feminine. To make the military look appear less harsh, add uber-feminine pieces. For example, wear a ruffle top under an open military jacket. Or try cargo pants with a high heel.

What do you think of military style? Tell me about it in the comments section.

For more fashion inspiration, follow me on Twitter @kirsten_hudson

Want more fall fashion? Get your fix here:

• Confused on how to transition your wardrobe between summer and fall? Get some tips.
• Ankle boots, cowboy boots, over-the-knee boots—oh-my! Plus they’re all under $50!
• Learn how to mix vintage and modern pieces. Think lacy tops and moto boots.