You probably have a fashion bucket list without realizing it; from lusting over a pair of Brian Atwood booties to aspiring to dress like Zooey Deschanel, there are certain things you want to wear before your stylish days are over. With college’s own set of fads and faux pas, why not make a college fashion bucket list? While broadening your stylish horizons is enough of an incentive for some, isn’t crossing something off a checklist the best feeling ever? But what should you put on this collegiette-approved list? Check out our must-accomplish style missions.
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1. Dress like a hipster
From their “been there, done that” attitude to their effortlessly edgy threads, I’ve always been fascinated by hipster culture. If you’re anything like me in this respect, what do you say we put on some ironic attire and listen to some obscure music (because mainstream is such a drag)? As much as hipsters seem to love their flannel shirts and skinny jeans, you can easily check this task off your list with clothes you already have—the key is styling two juxtaposing pieces together. Who doesn’t adore the unexpected? Add a couple handmade accessories- basically, I’m giving you a reason to shop on Etsy– and you’ll be ready to go to that mysterious coffee shop on campus.
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2. Master the art of walking in high heels
For some collegiettes, this is no easy feat : between the less-than-comfortable arch and your potential loss of balance as the night continues, wearing high heels to a college party is for the brave. Hate to break it to you, but we all need to (wo)man up and walk a mile in our own heels—the cruel, cruel employment world demands that we do so! Since strutting a pair of stilettos is an acquired feeling (or maybe our feet become numb overtime), it’s all about baby steps. Start this heightened journey with a pair of flatforms or wedges—both variations are chic and won’t make you curse the fashion gods. Next, try a pair of platform heels. Don’t worry style mavens, they don’t bite; instead, platforms tend to give you the drama without the arch that seems to defy gravity. After a couple of band aids, you’ll be ready to move onto the heel. May the odds be ever in your favorite, stylistas!
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3. Rock your college apparel with pride
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Even the most glamour-obsessed collegiettes have a college hoodie or pair of sweatpants in their closets. As much as I hate to say it, you’re going to have to forgo your strictly chic aesthetic for a football game. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to sit next to the only person in your school’s stadium who isn’t decked out in your college’s colors. Add a couple standout accessories for a fashionable finishing touch.
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4. Invest in a classic bag
As much as you love small, trendy clutches- you’re preaching to the choir, style savants- you’re starting to realize that cramming all your valuables into a tiny bag is no longer cutting it. Ergo, you need a sensible satchel to aid you in your day to day activities. Since this purchase can easily carry you to the post-collegiette years, make sure get a well-made bag in a timeless hue.
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5. Create an avant-garde ensemble for an ABC party
I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but the redundant newspaper dresses are so freshman year. Even if you are a freshman, why not stray away from the norm? You don’t have to have a stuffed animal-clad getup, a la Lady Gaga, but get those creative juices flowing. I’m talking about creating floral appliqués from your old plastic bags!
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6. Go to Sunday brunch in your loungewear
In no way am I endorsing you to have breakfast in your matching pajama set (or perhaps I’m the last collegiette who still rocks those to bed). Instead, I’m encouraging you to not get dressed to the nines for breakfast … just once! Although they may look a little silly in retrospect, don’t you sometimes envy collegiettes and collegents who can sport sweats into the dining hall without a care? Throwing on a pair of liquid leggings, an oversized sweater, and a pair of ballet flats is casual but doesn’t jeopardize your chic reputation. After all, you do have a rep to protect!
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7. Sport a bodycon dress to your favorite frat
After you graduate, your years of wearing that skin-tight dress are numbered. Do you think your future multi-millionaire husband will want to introduce you to his business partners when you’re sporting super scandalous ensemble? Exactly. So go for it while you still can! Spice up this getup with costume jewels or an “out of this world” pair of heels (please refer to #2 if the word “heels” gives you a minor panic attack).
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8. Narrow down your style icons
When you’re a big-time fashionista (don’t worry, it’ll so happen), many people will ask you the following question: where do you get inspiration from? Instead of some hesitation, followed by a hasty and false response, figure that out now. Research movies, time eras, or celebrities and create a Pinterest board for your style icons. Not only will this be valuable once you’re Karl Lagerfeld’s muse, but it’ll help you define your personal style. They say that college is all about finding yourself, and that includes finding your sense of style.
Now that you have some basic ideas, go forth and prosper, fashionistas!