How to Find Your Style: 6 Tips for College Students

college student fashion ideas
credit: Darina Belonogova

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College years are full of opportunities and new experiences. You learn more about yourself and your identity. It’s a time when you find your personal style, which is a combination of clothing and accessory choices that feel the most “you”.

Your personal style doesn’t have to depend on fashion trends. Rather, it’s an expression of your authentic self. Yet, the process of developing your style might seem overwhelming with a myriad of options and combinations out there. To help you avoid the long and exhausting process of trial and error, here are six tips that will help you find your style.

1. Find Fashion Inspiration

college student fashion tips
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Although you obviously have your likes and dislikes, sometimes it might be tough to put your finger on the exact style you want to follow. Start with browsing fashion magazines or Pinterest. Creating an inspiration board is a good way to figure out the style, patterns, and color schemes you prefer.

This might take you some time, but the result is worth it. Don’t worry if researching fashion icons is not on your priority list because of all your college papers. You can get assistance from an essay writer online, which can help you streamline the writing process. This will give you more time to focus on exploring your identity and discovering your style.

2. Reflect on Items You Already Have in Your Closet

style tips for college students
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You may not have a coherent style just yet, but your wardrobe surely has a collection of pieces that show some style patterns you tend to wear. So it’s nice to start with quick cleaning and get rid of items that no longer serve you or bring you joy.

Now, distractions aside, take a look at the items you like the most. Try to figure out what makes them special and how they help you express yourself. Also, pay attention to things that often get tucked away. A quick audit of your closet will help you be realistic about your style and make it comfortable for your day-to-day.

3. Experiment With Unique Style Choices

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When you’re figuring out your style, you might need to experiment a lot and try different things. So, armed with your style boards and inspiration from fashion icons, it’s time to go out there and experiment.

Of course, when it comes to filling up your wardrobe, the cost is an important factor to consider. Yet, there are a couple of budget-friendly ways to explore different styles without investing much money. For example, borrow clothes from your friends or go thrift shopping. You can also experiment with different clothes while shopping, trying different combinations to determine what works for you and what doesn’t. Be careful with the pieces you choose to buy. Pick only those things that are versatile enough to be worn in different ways.

4. Start With Basics

style tips for college students
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Your wardrobe needs to have a solid foundation with neutral clothing items that you can mix and match. These are basic items like jeans, a white t-shirt, a comfortable blazer, trousers, etc. The initial closet audit shows you things you’re missing.

Basic clothes are different for every student, depending on their personal preferences and the dress code (or lack thereof) of your college or workplace. The general rule is to go for classic items and neutral colors that can be easily combined or layered. They provide a good foundation for any outfit.

5. Add Your Signature Items and Accessories

fashion tips for college students
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Signature elements of your style are something you’re recognized for. This could be anything: embroidered boho tops, elegant midi dresses, stylish accessories, wrap skirts, etc. Add these signature items to the basic selection you’ve chosen before to highlight your personality.

Additionally, it’s always a winning strategy to accessorize. It could be a bag that goes with pretty much any outfit or statement jewelry like fabulous rings, bracelets, watches, or earrings. Accessories elevate your look and could be the exact things your personal style was missing.

6. Choose What Feels Good

college student fashion
credit: Darina Belonogova

There are clothing items that flatter your best features and add to your confidence. Trends in the fashion industry change in the blink of an eye. So instead of following what is popular, focus on what feels good to you.

Staying true to yourself is key to developing a style that makes you feel comfortable and confident. This will make you feel at your best and look gorgeous, no matter what is trendy right now in fashion blogs. You shouldn’t forget that you dress for your lifestyle. Your clothes should serve you, not the other way around.

To Sum Up

Finding your unique style is key to being comfortable and looking gorgeous at all times. You don’t need to depend on fashion trends but rather find items that feel good and highlight your unique taste. Building your personal style is a process that evolves over time. Make sure you search for inspiration, consider the core of your wardrobe, and experiment without letting fashion “rules” limit you in any way!