The goal of 90’s academia? Look like a college English professor circa 1992.
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We’re diving deep into a big fall trend today: collegiate-type pieces in classic fall prints, mixed together to create a look fit for 90’s higher ed. 90’s academia, folks! (PS, this look is also featured in the October issue of KC Homes & Style, where my column, The Closet, runs each issue and covers the latest fashion trends.)
I started with this full pleated plaid midi skirt. The preppy rating! The twirl factor! I couldn’t resist. I popped it on over a black turtleneck bodysuit (last seen here) and tall black boots. Slouchy 80s boots are back, and they max out the retro factor when paired with a longer skirt.
A boyfriend blazer with a small houndstooth print added a warm layer for chilly fall days and really upped the academia vibe. (You know I never say no to a blazer.)
H&M blazer (similar here and here) and skirt (similar here and here) // ASOS bodysuit (similar here) and boots (similar here and here) // Boutique rings (similar here and here) // Vintage tennis bracelet (almost exact here) // Garmin smartwatch // Ray-Ban sunglasses
Shop the look:
Ready to mix prints like a pro this season? Stick with a consistent color palette from print to print. For example, in this look I chose neutral prints. This allowed me to easily mix a plaid with a houndstooth. The black boots and bodysuit anchored things and let those prints shine. (Yes, neutral prints can shine!)
I’m excited for boot season; it really is superior. These slouchy boots will be super cute under skirts and dresses, but also over skinny jeans and leggings. The heel is manageable, too. (Because who really knows how to walk in heels anymore? Not this girl who works from home full-time.)
So how are we feeling about the 90’s academia trend? I really dig it because it’s a fresh (well, retro fresh, if you will) take on fall fashion: it’s not your standard jeans and sweater. A classic combo, but sometimes you want some variety– and this trend helps achieve that.
Linking up with Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, The Fashion Canvas, I Do DeClaire, Style Splash, Straight A Style, Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Is This Mutton, Effortlessly Sophisticated, Curly Crafty Mom + Doused in Pink, Mummabstylish, Nancy’s Fashion Style, Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva, Shelbee on the Edge, The Grey Brunette, My Random Musings, Glass of Glam, My Bijou Life, and Away from the Blue.
The blazer and skirt are amazing. You look great my friend. Have a wonderful day.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Thank you!
I could never pull this off, but you clearly can!
Aw, thanks babe! I’m all about test-driving a new trend 😉
I really like this look: you really amaze me how any style looks awesome on you. Confidence and a great sense of style, you have! I know this one just wouldn’t work for me: too reminiscent of some of the things I wore when everyone else at school in France wore name brand jeans and sweaters.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
You’re too kind, Mireille! 🙂
I’m loving the mix of checks! You are rocking this vibe!
Thanks so much, babe!
I love this combo – your blazer and midi skirt look incredible together!
I hope you are having a great week so far!
Amber
Visit AvecAmber.com
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I really love the way this look came together- glad you dig it, too! 🙂
Adorable! I like how all the pieces work together and create a cohesive ensemble. Good job!
So glad you like it- and thank you so much for my Halloween card, it was adorable! 🙂
I love the mix of prints in this chic fall look! The boots are perfect with this skirt.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
I am so looking forward to wearing these boots with trousers + dresses, too!
This outfit is so fierce! I absolutely love the combo of the black boots and the skirt. That blazer is so good too. Thank you for the inspo babe! Xx
I’m so glad you like it! 🙂
I love this look so much Ashley!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
Thank you, Jennifer!
That skirt is amazing – I might be mildly obsessed with it. I would live in that throughout the fall if I had that in my closet!
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
It’s just so FULL and fun! Needs to go in the heavy fall rotation!
Obsessed with this outfit! What a gorgeous print mix! Love the academia vibes!
Jill – Doused in Pink
I’m all about this trend, for sure! <3
Great outfit Ashley! I love the colours and the Autumn vibes.
Have a great weekend!
Big-time autumn vibes over here! 🙂
You are QUEEN of the 90’s trend! Love this whole look, and I’m going ga-ga for those boots!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
I’m so game for a 90s look, you know it! 🙂 Thanks, babe!
Such a great look sweetie!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
Thanks, Danielle!
Love the whole look here. The tailoring and the 90s inspired fashion is just so beautiful.
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2021/10/the-sexy-glamour-point-of-view-why.html
It’s retro in the best way, right? Thanks, Heather!
The academia trend is perfect for fall. And I LOVE the pattern mixing! This is up my alley. You look great!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
I’m so glad you like it! And this trend really is perfect for fall- I’m here for it!
That print mixing is divine Ashley. And my cousin just gave me some slouchy boots since I had purged mine!! Love them,
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes! Cannot wait to see how you style ’em!
The skirt is lovely and nice
Thanks for sharing
http://www.melodyjacob.com/2021/10/this-is-what-your-self-care-should-look.html
Thank you!
Beautiful look ♡
http://www.alasdeangel.net
Thank you! 🙂
Nice lovely look on you ♥
Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/
Thanks, babe!
Very beautiful mix of prints Ashley. I love this combo blazer with skirt! Happy weekend.
https://chicchedimamma.com/
Thank you so much, Sara!
I’ve been wanting to get a checkered blazer for so long! Seeing you in yours makes me want one even more! I love how you paired it with another print too!
Eileen | yesmissy.com
It’s a really awesome piece for fall- and will be a classic for years to come! 🙂
Beautiful mix and match, I love your pleated skirt!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Instagram
Thank you, babe! The pleats are so fun, right?
I’m in love with your style. Thanks for sharing such a great idea! Looking forward to the next post.
FERBENA | Super Lovely Nail Art Ideas
The skirt is beautiful, such a pretty piece to kick off Fall. Love this blazer and skirt combo!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
I’m so in love with this outfit.
You nailed this mix of prints.
And I actually really enjoy the dark academia style.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
It seems the preppy school look is making a comeback, or at least when I was in AE earlier this week I saw all the preppy plaid skirts! The colors in this outfit are so lovely for the fall and the blazer/skirt pattern combo really works!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
I love this! The whole academia trend is such a vibe x
mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com/
I loved this outfit the skirt is sooo amazing!
xoxo
marisasclosetblog.com
I love your dress, giving such good Fall vibes. Love your boots too.
that pleated skirt is lovely on you and such a nice print mix with the blazer. Looks like a really cosy outfit for autumn as well 🙂
Hope you are having a good week 🙂 It’s a rainy one here!
Away From The Blue
You look AMAZING!!! I could never pull this off.
-Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2021/10/fall-fashion-is-here.html
I love the slouchy boots with the midi skirt!!!This outfit makes me just wan to twirl, and that makes me so happy.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Nice blazer ❤
I’d say this is a chic college professor look! I really love the plaid pleated skirt and plaid blazer!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Can I sign up for any class you’re teaching?! 😉 You look fabulous in retro chic, Ashley! This look works on so many levels! And I ADORE the slouchy boots. Yep, I might be the only who still knows how to walk in heels. I need them for my vertically challenged body! Hope you’re enjoying the new job!
http://lizzyslatest.com/
Loving your 90s preppy vibes. You’re really rocking this look. Thanks for linking!
I love tall boots with long skirts and dresses, and those are gorgeous! Really love the double plaid!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
This outfit is giving me life! The slouchy mid-height ankle boots are locking in that 90s vibe for sure!
Lee | LegalLee Blonde
Such a great outfit! I love how you mixed the prints and those boots are fabulous!
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
You look great 🙂 it’s perfect autumn outfit 🙂
You always have the best blazers. It looks especially good with the long skirt.
Loving this 90’s vibe! Your print-mixing is so on point and you look fabulous!
Cool outfit, love the print mix you did!
have a great weekend,
S
Wooowww gorgeous
You look amazing.. totally rocking that look.
Loving the prints of this blazer and skirt together. Looks super fashionable and put together.
http://www.fashionradi.com
I love the 90s academia trend! My own wardrobe started getting populated by plaid skirts instead of plaid shirts. Such a gorgeous look on you!
I feel like I keep adding pleated skirts into my closet because they’re soooo comfy and they instantly look polished! I love the pattern on this one!
xo Logan
https://peculiarporter.com/