Transforming Your Style

College is the time when you finally get to branch out and figure out what you like - what kinds of classes you want to take, how you want to decorate your room, maybe going out and finding new hobbies - but when it comes to the closet, it seems to quickly become cluttered with items from your teenage years mixed with new ones you just bought to fit into the college atmosphere. Whether your sense of style changes tremendously or just a smidgen, there are certain situations in college when your high school crop top just ain't gonna cut it.

First Things First: Use What You Already Have
This post is not about getting rid of everything in your closet to spend loads of money replacing it all. There may be items already in your closet with more potential than you see to pair with more appropriate items. The best action for this kind of transformation is to take out what you already have, lay out the outfits that you know you will wear, and take action after that: donate or sell what you didn't choose and search for the missing items using the guide below.


Business Attire

Whether you like it or not, you're going to need some business attire in college for career fairs, seminars, class presentations and, eventually, interviews. Luckily, these situations only come around every once in a while, so just one main outfit will be sufficient. But don't fret! Business attire doesn't have to be all boring suits and modest dresses.

Keep it professional - a pair of black slacks and flats will do the job - but incorporate a modern twist by wearing skinny black slacks with small pintucks or floral shoes to give the outfit a pop of color. A jacket is also expected, so either find a neutral one that will go with whatever you decide to wear, or commit to a more funky one that you will wear each time. If you need to switch it up, interchange your jewelry between simple pearls to a chunky turquoise bracelet.

Date Night

College is an awkward phase of date night attire. You should put in a little more effort than your regular school clothes, but no need to go all out in a tight satin dress ready for an expensive dinner at an ocean-front restaurant. So what are you supposed to do?

Dress with a mix of cute and casual. Skinny jeans with a flowing blouse is perfect for a trip to the movies. A simple summer dress is fit for a dinner date. Stick with flats or lower heels so you can run away from your date quicker if you need to 😉. The most important thing is that you're comfortable and confident!

Formal Attire

In college, you need to start transforming your formal attire to ones appropriate for organization's dances, weddings (yes, your friends will start getting married pretty soon!), and banquets. The trick is to find something mature, flattering, and, obviously, stunning. If you don't have the money to afford one or don't want to buy one if you know you'll only wear it once, a lot of girls rent theirs (here is the link for one that I really like and trust), and that's perfectly ok!

It's time to ditch the short, hot pink dress you wore your freshman year to homecoming. Opt for something more neutral, like lavender or a light pink, that reaches at least down to your mid-thigh. Focus more on the details, such as lace, sparkles, or an open back. For something more formal, this is one of the few times you can imagine you're in the movies, with an off-the-shoulder red dress that reaches to the floor 😍 (ooh-la-la!)


You Do You
Whatever you decide to wear to class and other events, just be yourself! If you like to put more effort into your outfits to go to class, then do it. If you're not comfortable wearing a dress on your date, then wear those pants you were originally counting on. College is about exploring what kinds of things you like, so don't be afraid to show it.


I hope this helps as you go on to this next exciting stage in life! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to let me know below ↓ and be sure to subscribe to my blog to know about future posts →




Model: Payton Barringer