With every major life change there is a subsequent change of our style. Moving to a colder region, for example, often results in the purchase of down coats and various winter necessities. Or, more commonly, we have to shift our wardrobes toward a more business professional style after graduating from college.
In college we have the freedom to wear whatever we like. This often results in wearing leggings every other day, flip flops during the spring, and, yes, occasionally UGG boots on the particularly difficult days. No one cares how you dress in college. Your focus is school and working toward getting a job for after graduation; it’s your choice what to wear while doing so.
As great as all those articles of clothing and accessories are, for me, the most devastating item to say goodbye to is the backpack. The backpack has been with us through it all—from the days when they merely held our crayons, to the awkward years when we thought we needed to carry every textbook 24/7, and to the present day where they carry our laptops, that apple from last week, and a couple notebooks.
Sure, depending on the industry you’re entering, you may be able to keep dressing the same way. Whether it’s required or not, our styles will change. We will be giving presentations, meeting with clients, and trying to look as professional and put-together as possible. Naturally, we will start to shop at different stores and gravitate toward more polished and sophisticated pieces. Rather than complaining about it or trying to cling to our old styles, we need to embrace these changes. Our styles are going to evolve, and that’s alright. Just because our styles are evolving, that does not mean that we are any different or losing a part of ourselves. Through all of the changes yet to come, we can still stay true to ourselves.