by Serena Najjar’14, Arts & Entertainment Staff Writer

If you are Gossip Girl obsessed, or Blair Waldorf is your style icon, you are just in luck this season. This fall, it’s all about being classic, preppy, and polished.

Similar to Ms. Waldorf, style icon of the Upper East Side, I attend a prestigious private school and have never been one to conform to dress code. However during this back to school season, it will be  easy to stay in dress code while displaying high fashion aesthetics and staying off Ms. Galvin’s dress code radar!

Classic Patterns ~ Its back to basics! This means that everyone’s plaid, pinstripes, checkers, leopard, and hounds tooth items are all back and trending!  These patterns can be incorporated in your ensemble in many ways: plaid and checkered minis, hounds tooth and pinstripe blazers, leopard scarfs or shoes, and even patterned sweaters are hot this season!

Pop of Color ~ Wearing structured button up blouses and plain mini skirts may seem boring, add a pop of color by accessorizing with a flowered headband or bright tights. Blair Waldorf always finds a way to add a spark to her outfit,  no matter how subdued the main articles of it are, whether it be by adding red tights or a green handbag. This season should be all about experimenting with hot colors like hot pink, tangerine, and green.

Details ~ Lace, bows, ruffles, and ties will add a chic feminine touch. A structured blouse with ruffles down the seams is far more interesting than a plain button down!

Fall 2013 Color: Emerald Green. Whether it’s a skirt, scarf, jacket, or tights, emerald green should find its way into your closet this season.

Trendy Must Haves for fall:

Headbands

Chunky Bracelets and Necklaces

Animal Print or Patent Colored Ballet Flats

Structured Blouses

Collared Shirts

Knee Socks

Bold Blazers

Mini Skirts

Colored Tights

Beanies