Sometimes it’s hard to ignore the mass tide of skinny jeans and Nikes on their way to lectures in the mornings. I love checking out what other people are wearing, the looks they’re rocking, and it’s just not as fun when everyone looks the same! I admit it’s very tempting at uni to shove on something easy, and I soon fell into this cycle when I got here, but I got to a point where I just wanted to put some effort in again. I missed feeling bold and invincible in a vintage dress or a dark lipstick. Re-discovering my enthusiasm and finding my style again reminded me how good it feels to be a bit feistier with fashion, so I put together a few tips to help you guys do the same!
1. Love your classics
We all need those staple few items that have been in our wardrobes for years. No matter what the trend, the season, the decade, there are certain clothes that we just can’t stop loving- and that’s okay! Don’t feel as though you have to ditch them to make way for the latest styles. There’s a reason we hang onto our faves. We love them, we feel great wearing them, and their survival against the constant tide of new trends is testament to this. Times change, but my love for my denim dungarees never will.
2. Make up your own mind
Sometimes it’s easy to mistake wanting something because you really like it, for wanting something because everyone else seems to have one. I have nothing against fashion, obviously, but I would never buy something that’s not my style purely because Kylie Jenner wore it last month- we have to draw the line somewhere, or everyone would look the same! Buy something because it suits you, because you like it, and because you look bloody good in it!
3. You don’t need money to have style
Charity shops are great. It might not be as straight forward as walking into Topshop, but that’s part of the fun! A great second-hand find is all the more rewarding when you’ve hunted it out all by yourself, against the odds, and bagged a bargain. As students, we tend to take all the bargains we can get, but it’s also a daunting prospect having to search for things you like. My best tip is to keep an open mind- don’t stick to the rails with your size and gender, and don’t look for something specific (the odds of finding it are low, but you’ll be surprised how many other great pieces you’ll come across). One of my favourite jumpers is a men’s one from Marie Curie which cost me 50p! So if you’re willing to rummage, charity shops are a great way of fuelling your style for less. They’re objective as well, which means you can single out things you like personally, without being sneakily dragged towards what the high street thinks is hot.
4. Be creative
Uni life is busy, but if you can’t get a bit creative with your clothes, when can you? We have to wear them anyway (most of the time), so why not enjoy it? Creating looks is great fun, and the more you experiment the better you’ll get at knowing what kind of outfits, hair, makeup and accessories look best on you. Fashion is personal, not prescriptive, and one of the main things I’ve learnt about style is that people admire individuality. Which brings us onto our last point…
5. Have confidence!
Having your own style is about feeling comfortable. You don’t have to stand out, you don’t have to fight against what’s trendy, you just have to love what you wear, and have conviction in your choices. Chances are you’re rocking your outfit, so embrace it and everyone else will love it too!