Summer’s here, and you know what that means: nothing but sunshine, blue skies, and a closet full of cute warm-weather clothes just waiting to be worn! But no collegiette’s closet is the same, so why not get some style inspiration from collegiettes across the country? We asked college girls around the US what trends they’re rocking this summer. Get out there and try some different regional trends!
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The girls in this state are shifting their style from the classic preppy look to something a little edgier. Chelsea, a senior at the University of North Carolina, recommends putting yourself out there and buying some more edgy pieces when you go shopping if you want to rock the Carolina girl style. Some cute ensemble ideas include wearing faded, high-waisted denim shorts with tucked-in tank tops or crop tops and wedges or sandals.
“Aztec and triangle patterns are definitely in, as well as tribal and mixed geometric patterns,” Chelsea says. She says that stores like Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Anthropologie, and Francesca’s are the go-to places for these kinds of pieces.
Fun accessories are also really popular in NC, too! Chelsea recommends experimenting with trendy headbands, a stack of bracelets or rings, and nail polish in bright and bold colors. For more ideas for fun and easy nails, see our tips on nail art for dummies. Check out the photo of Chelsea above for further style inspiration!
Nashville, Tennessee
Collegiettes in this city like to have fun and stick to their Southern roots with their style this summer! Stacey, a junior at Vanderbilt University, told us that throughout the state, the most popular pieces are sundresses, cutoff shorts, and cowboy boots. These pieces are cute, comfy, and can be mixed with other pieces easily. According to Stacey, girls in the city often explore trendier takes on Southern favorites. She says that the most popular stores and brands in Nashville to hit up include Lucky Brand Jeans and Free People.
Boston, Massachusetts
The collegiettes in this seaside city tend to pick pieces that echo the preppy and nautical New England atmosphere of Boston. Boston College senior Meghan says that brightly colored chino shorts are often paired with peplum tops in her city. Incorporate elements of popular nautical trends, such as navy blue stripes, to get the Boston look. Meghan also suggests dressing up these pieces with bold statement necklaces and top buns that will keep your hair out of the heat’s way. Anchors aweigh!
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond gals lean towards the more creative side of style this summer! Collegiettes often show off their artsy attitude with different DIY pieces. Mariah, a sophomore at Virginia State University, has noticed that Pinterest has inspired a lot of hands-on style trends. T-shirts with a cutout skull face, such as the one pictured above, go great with denim shorts. Collegiettes in Virginia are wearing their crop tops with high-waisted or studded shorts.
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Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The collegiettes in this sunny city are definitely making a statement this season. Stetson University junior Hayden lives in Fort Lauderdale, and has noticed collegiettes pairing together pieces from different styles into one outfit, such as tulle skirts, sleeveless denim jackets, and high top Converse sneakers. Hayden says that while these pieces put together sound like an unusual combination, Floridian collegiettes are striking a great balance between edgy and chic.
New York, New York
These fashion-forward collegiettes tend to choose looks that are either classic and poised or hipster chic. Jackie, a senior at New York University, says that girls in Manhattan tend to wear classy, work-appropriate ensembles made up of pencil skirts and peplum tops, or oversized shirts and high-waisted denim shorts to create a “SoHo boho-chic look.” According to Jackie, the best stores to hit up to channel your inner New Yorker are Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters, because “they have the best selection of the kind of diverse styles and designs that New Yorkers are fearless enough to dress in.” Collegiettes in the big city rely heavily on accessories to dress up simple outfits. New York girls also love asymmetrical skirts and dresses, wedge heels, statement necklaces, and tie front tops.
San Francisco, California
Collegiettes in this West Coast city are sculpting their style around the sun. According to Sophie, a junior at the University of San Francisco, less is definitely more when it comes to Cali fashion this season. She says that “bandeaus are the best and most basic starting piece for any outfit in the city.” Bandeaus can be easily paired with floral skirts, high-waisted shorts, and maxi skirts. These fun and lightweight ensembles are cute but don’t require too much layering. Stick to sandals for a more casual look, or wedge heels for a dressier feel.
Chicago, Illinois
Collegiettes in the Windy City sure know how to dress it up this season! Pair together fun printed tops with bold-colored tie-front silk shorts to get Chicago style. Saint Joseph’s College sophomore Alice, a Chicago native, recommends outfits like this, and peplum or lace dresses to give you the soft and feminine vibe that is popular in this city. Add some sandals or flats to complete your sophisticated look.
Don’t let the heat put a damper on your wardrobe creativity this season. There are plenty of pieces and looks that you haven’t tried yet, so explore some of the styles that girls are loving in a state miles away from you! What are collegiettes wearing where you are this summer? Let us know in the comments below!