Written by Niko Vercelletto
Looking good in college can be hard. Like really hard. With essays, tests, sports teams, clubs, a job and a budget so low that you have to resort to stealing the candy your roommate keeps in his desk drawer (sorry, Peter), style is probably the last thing on your mind. Here are simple, and most important, free and cheap ways to finally get it together and improve your style this spring.
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Make Sure Your Clothes Are Properly Fitted
Make sure that you are wearing clothes that fit you properly. The bottom of your pants should barely hit your ankles and your shirt should not be too small or too big. Check the shoulder seam to make sure it lines up where your shoulder meets your arm. Make sure it’s not too short by holding our arms straight out in front of you. Go through your closet and see what fits and what doesn’t and go from there.
A properly sized $6 t-shirt from Wal-Mart will look way better than a $50 improperly sized t-shirt from Banana Republic.
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Bring Out That Color Wheel!
Let me stop you right now. I know exactly what you are thinking. “Niko…what’s a color wheel?”
Wearing colors that look good together are key to good style, and there are different ways of doing it. Complimentary colors(like purple/yellow), primary colors (yellow/blue/red), and different shades of the same color (light blue, navy) can all work. Janene Mascarella, Beauty and Style Director for Bella NYC Magazine and Parade Magazine columnist, says to challenge yourself with color. “Pick a new color each day of the week and somehow work it into your wardrobe.”
I have a color wheel taped in my closet next to my clothes and I follow it religiously. Find one, use it and abuse it.
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Wear Clothes Made For Spring and Summer
I went to a social gathering this past semester in the middle of winter and around midnight, in walks this guy wearing dark blue jeans, black sneakers, and a white tank top. A tank top…in the middle of winter.
I do not care how cute or good you think an outfit looks, wearing clothes that are meant for the opposite season you are in makes it look like you are trying too hard; there is a fine line between personal style and a fashion faux pas.
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Mix and Match
On that note, do not be afraid to mix and match different types of same-season clothing that may seem to not go together.
Wearing a polo? Throw on a black racing jacket to give the outfit a bit more edge. Trying to tone down a suit jacket? Put on a graphic t-shirt underneath for a refined look with a bit of grit. “Get a little more daring with your pairings” says Mascarella. “Those two things in your closet you wouldn’t dream of wearing [together], try [them] on and see if you can make it work.”
Style is an experiment and you are the scientist. Look through your closet and combine different pieces until something clicks. You will be surprised by what looks good together.
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Raid Your Friend’s Closet
Hammy downs, especially from someone stylish, are a style guru’s Christmas. You never know what you get and if you are able to choose what you receive, it is even better.
Pick a friend whose style you admire and shop their closet for things they do not want or have outgrown. If you are a woman, you probably borrow their clothes anyway so now you just need to make it official by asking to keep the pieces forever.
