After wearing a school uniform my entire life, I spent the majority of this summer building a brand new wardrobe. For the first time, I actually had to think about what I was going to wear to class every day, and I quickly realized that there is an outfit for just about every occasion.
Between running to an 8 a.m. lecture, getting ready for a football game and going out with friends, there’s a pretty big difference in what we wear throughout the week. Some mornings, throwing on an oversized sweatshirt and leggings is about as much effort as I’m willing to put into an outfit. Other days, I spend way too much time standing in front of my closet trying to put together the perfect look.
But I do think that’s what makes college fashion so fun. At a school as big as Penn State, there is truly no shortage of opportunities to experiment with your personal style.
Everyday Campus fashion
When it comes to everyday campus fashion, comfort is definitely a priority, especially when you’re walking what feels like miles to get from one class to another. On any given day, you’ll see girls wearing mocknecks, Alo sweat sets and just about every matching set Free People has ever released. The Free People My Time Layer over a cute athletic set has practically become a campus staple, along with the classic Lululemon leggings and oversized Penn State sweatshirts.
Of course, there are always girls who look so effortlessly put together in jeans and a cute top, and the occasional business professional outfit that makes you wonder what important presentation they’re headed to.
As for shoes, UGGs and sneakers seem to be the go-to choices for making the trek across campus. Depending on the weather, you’ll also see plenty of flip-flops, because everyone is trying to hold onto summer for as long as possible. Whether you’re dressing for comfort or putting a little more effort into your outfit, having a reliable and comfy pair of shoes is a necessity at a campus as big as Penn State.
No outfit is complete without accessories, and Penn State girls definitely have their favorites. Longchamp bags have become the unofficial school bag on campus, while claw clips make throwing your hair up between classes look effortlessly cute. Jane Win necklaces are another popular addition, adding a little personality to even the simplest sweatshirt and leggings combo. It really is the smallest details that make an outfit feel complete.
Game day Fashion
If there’s one thing Penn State girls know how to do, it’s put together a good game day fit. On football Saturdays, Beaver Stadium becomes a sea of blue and white. Denim is everywhere, whether it’s jean skirts, shorts, pants, tops or jackets in just about every wash imaginable.
You’ll also see plenty of solid-colored tops, usually white, along with Penn State shirts and sweatshirts. Jerseys are another popular choice, especially when layered over a long-sleeve shirt for those colder game days. No matter the outfit, everyone seems to find their own way to show a little school spirit.
When it comes to game day footwear, it’s boots, boots and more boots. Seriously, did I mention boots? From cowboy boots to knee-high styles, they’re a staple of Penn State football fashion. Of course, you’ll also see plenty of trendy street sneakers for those who prioritize comfort without compromising on cuteness while spending hours on their feet. Between tailgating, walking over to the stadium and standing in the student section, your shoes have a pretty important job.
Accessories are where game day outfits come together. Clear purses are a necessity for getting into the stadium, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be cute. Ribbons tied around boots or hair add a fun touch, while sunglasses are a must-have for those sunny afternoon kickoffs.
And of course, you can’t forget the game day buttons. Buttons tie together any outfit, adding a little extra school spirit and personality to your game day looks. It’s the little details that take an outfit from a simple blue and white combination to a full-on look.
Going out and weekend fashion
Weekends at Penn State are the perfect opportunity to put a little extra thought into your outfit, especially when you don’t have to rush out the door for an early morning class.
Whether you’re grabbing brunch with friends, shopping downtown or just enjoying a day without classes, there’s a little more freedom to dress however you’re feeling. For some girls, that still means a cute athleisure set, while others might opt for jeans and a nice top. Either way, weekend fashion is all about putting together a look that you truly love.
When it comes to shoes, comfort is still a priority, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Trendy street sneakers and UGGs are popular choices, especially when you’re spending the afternoon walking around downtown State College. Nobody wants to spend their Saturday worrying about how much their feet hurt; the perfect weekend shoe is something that’s both cute and comfortable enough to get you through whatever the day has planned.
Of course, no weekend is complete without a few accessories. Unlike the school bags we’re carrying around all week, weekends are the perfect excuse to break out a cute purse, throw on your favorite jewelry and a pair of sunglasses, and suddenly even the simplest outfit feels a little more put together. Sometimes, all it takes is a few small details to make an everyday look feel a little more special.
Once the sun goes down, weekend fashion takes on a whole new meaning. Whether you’re heading downtown or spending the night with friends, going-out outfits are the perfect opportunity to dress up a little more.
Jeans and a cute top are always a classic choice, but you’ll also see plenty of mini dresses and matching sets. Throw on some jewelry and a pair of Converse, heels, or, let’s be real, shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty, and you’re ready for a night out in State College.
Finding your style
One of the best parts about college fashion is having the freedom to experiment with your personal style. Especially after spending years wearing a school uniform, I’ve come to realize just how much fun it can be to express yourself through what you wear.
At a school this big, you’re constantly surrounded by different styles, trends and aesthetics, making it easy to find inspiration just by walking to class. But with that also comes the pressure to keep up with what’s popular, especially when it feels like everyone around you has their own perfectly curated wardrobe.
The truth is, you don’t need to own every trending brand or follow every new fashion trend to have great style. College is all about figuring out who you are, and your wardrobe is just another part of that experience. Some days, you’ll want to dress up, and other days, your favorite sweatshirt and leggings will do just fine.
The best outfits are the ones that make you feel comfortable, confident and most importantly, like yourself.