Campus-Inspired Style…Literally

One of my favorite things about being on this campus, conveniently located in the heart of NYC, is the flurry of fashion inspiration I receive simply from walking from class to the dining hall. There’s a bit of everything: preppy, girly, goth, workout chic, bohemian, rocker, glam, and I always see someone’s outfit or accessory that inspires me to take a fashion risk and try something new. 

It occurred to me, however, that this very campus itself, not just the people on it, could be a source of fashion inspiration! I’m convinced that if the following campus hot-spots could dress themselves, this is what they would wear…

The Diana

One of the most modern pieces of architecture on campus, this hub of student life has become a place for karaoke, iced lattes, and studying with a view. Inspired by the building’s red walls and huge glass windows, “The Diana Look” consists of elegant red dresses, clear rainboots with a red sole, red comfy leggings, and a hip and oversized clear umbrella with black and red detailing. 

Look: Modern Girly 

Key Colors: Red and Clear 

The Hamilton

Anyone who has ever had a class in Hamilton knows that there is nothing that kills more than walking those 7 flights of stairs at 10 in the morning. “The Hamilton Stairs” have become a dreaded thing on campus, and you’re lucky if you get to the building early enough to get the elevator before like the line looks like the one outside of a Rebecca Minkoff sample sale. Despite its muscle-burning abilities, Hamilton has inspired a look of chic workout clothes in bright fun colors…sleek and efficient so you can look good and workout at the same time. 

Look: Workout Chich 

Key Style: Anything bright and tight! 

The Butler

Even if you’re spending all your time on Buzzfeed or walking through 209 to get a good glimpse of your crush, just being in Butler Library somehow makes you feel smart. The smell of old books, the people hard at work…it seems only appropriate to wear a scholarly, Oxford-inspired, preppy outfit while you roam the stacks. 

Look: Preppy Collegiate 

Key Items: Anything Collared or Knit 

The Lerner 

Those ramps are confusing! But the dizzy-inducing architecture can be a fashion inspiration. Zig Zag’s were all the rage on the catwalk and it seems the “Lerner Look” endorses these kinds of prints! You will look straight out of a Missoni ad campaign simply by being inspired by Columbia’s weirdest building. 

Look: Ecclectic Edgy 

Key Print: Zig Zags in Bright, Contrasting Colors 

The Starbucks

Although we’re unable to sit in a coffee shop all day like the characters of Friends without a care in the world (do they have jobs?!), there is something about grabbing a Starbucks coffee and sitting to do some reading that feels like the coziest thing in the world. It’s even better if your outfit matches that. 

Look: Cute and Cozy 

Key Pieces: Scarves, hats, and wrap sweaters 

The Koronets 

Every Barnard and Columbia freshman quickly learns that this pizza joint is a campus staple. Most frequented at 2 am post a night at Mels or Cannons, Koronets has seen it all–from the most disheveled, to the most absurd. Go all out with your Koronet’s inspired look. Let your inner goth, edgy, and rocker come out to play. Hold nothing back, because none of those 2 AM pizza-eaters do! 

Look: Anything and Everything 

Key Styles: Messy hair, smudged makeup, splattered prints, ripped jeans 

The Quads/Sundial 

Both Columbia and Barnard’s Campuses have beautiful quads. The Barnard quad houses the freshman dorms as well as the most beautiful white snow in December. The Columbia quad has seen everything from Xmas! bakesales to political protests, and still manages to retain its classiness when spring arrives and brings hoards of students to low steps. Aim for clean geometric shapes in squares and circles inspired by these highly frequented campus hot spots. 

Look: Minimalist 

Key Shapes: Anything geometric–diamonds, squares, rectangles and circles