Hello Readers!
I wanted to do a post series on back to college fashion and for those poor college freshman who need help figuring out what to wear! I can't help you find your class, but I can help you know what to wear so you will look fabulous your first semester of college! Some days, you will want to just throw on your yoga pants and hoodie, and that's totally okay. But the way you present yourself says a lot about you not only to your peers but also to your professors and the faculty you work with. If you dress in a way that's sloppy, people will notice and like it or not, will make judgements based off of that. If you present yourself as neat and stylish, then people will notice and treat you accordingly. So looking your best and presenting yourself in the best way possible is important and teachers DO notice. I have had more than one professor comment on my clothing before, so do not think it doesn't matter what you wear. So here is my little guide for dressing for success in college...
Part of being a fashion stylists is researching the trends and style that comes about each spring and fall. I have been actively tracking trends since 2010 and can easily see which ones return each and every season. A few things that I noticed a lot of in back to school fashion shows and ads were actually not that feasible for wearing to school all day and not so good for successful college wardrobe. These are just a few of the things I noticed :
1. Heels. While they are super cute, they are not functional. No matter what college you are attending or whether you are living on or off campus, You will have to do A LOT of walking. This is not high school where everything is located in the same building. Most campuses, you will have to walk a long ways to even get from your car or dorm to class. Everything is much more spread out on college campuses and sometimes you might have to walk through the grass to get where you need to go...Have you ever walked in heels through grass? It's not awesome and ruins your pretty shoes. It's about looking effortless, not looking like you are trying too hard. Save the dress shoes for a special occasion ladies or if you absolutely must pull them out, wear them with jeans to create a more casual look. Dressing for success means looking effortless while still looking appropriate and well put together.
2. Chunky sweaters. In the middle of January, they are adorable and perfect. In the middle of August? Not so much. I live up north but grew up down south, and both places I have lived I know that is still really hot in August and even September. So be sure to have some cute tops that are still cool, because back to school does not mean that the hot weather has disappeared.Showing up for class in drenched in sweat obviously spells unsuccessful...
3. Trends. Wearing a shirt with bacon on it may be so cool right now but probably wont be next fall. Buy items for your college wardrobe that you really like, not just for the trend factor. If you can develop a personal style, then only buy items that generally fit your personal style. You want to portray who YOU are, not what trends are current this season. Being comfortable in expressing your individuality is key to dressing for success.
Now that you know what NOT to do here are a few things you SHOULD do:
1. Dress Decent. This is not a modesty lecture but rather a real world fact. If you show up with your cleavage falling out onto the desk and your shortest pair of cut offs, you are sending a message that you are cheap, free and easy. While your at it, just put a sign on that says please disrespect me. If you are looking to be known as the school slut, then perfect! But if you have success in the forefront of your mind, you will remember that just remaining tasteful makes a huge difference. While everyone else may be running around dressed like tramps, you will stand out to your teachers by just wearing something that shows you have respect for yourself. If you can't respect yourself, how can you respect anyone else?
2. Develop a personal style. If you haven't realized already, figuring out what your personal style is and working to develop it really is important. It saves you a lot of money and also saves you from wearing something that one year from now you will be super embarrassed about. Having a unique and personal style makes you stand out and shows others that you are comfortable in your own skin.
3. Get creative. If you are on a tight budget like most college students are, don't be afraid to hit up the thrift store or alter something you already have to make it more suitable or current. Be creative in how you think of your wardrobe and keep an eye out for DIY fashion projects on Pinterest.
Think style but also think functional. Don't get clothes for your college wardrobe that you are going to have to iron after each wash...Do you seriously think you will want to tote your iron and ironing board into your dorm on move in day? Remember who you are and to stay true to you while creating your college wardrobe. You are representing yourself through your clothes to your peers who will probably be a big part of your life the next four years. Who do you want to tell them that you are? Eccentric? Girly? Boho/ Hippie? Think about what your personal is and try to define it before making any new purchases. Think of how you want your professors to perceive you, Not only do they give you grades at the end of each semester but they also can be good connections and references later in life. Dress for success by staying true to your personal style while looking neat and well put together at all times.
Next up in the College Freshman Style series is an interview with a friend of mine who has great eccentric taste and is always creating such unique outfits! Look no further for inspiration and get great tips for developing your own personal style.
XOX
LIZ
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