The time is coming when people are preparing to embark on their college journey, and with that comes looking good. College comes with uncertainty and excitement, but as far as you can get help from your parents, one of the most socially important things for young men when entering the world of college and higher education is the impression they make on campus.
Believe it or not, dressing well is a significant portion of this part of your life. Not only is dressing well a great way to get people to notice you, but it can also be a great way to stay memorable to important people such as professors and prospective employers. Even when it comes to the summer months when you can get away with wearing fewer clothes, opting for a pair of designer shorts for men will take your look further than not doing.
It should also be said that dressing like an adult will encourage the behaviours of an adult, as in taking control of your life and responsibility for your actions. If you’re conscious of looking good, it will positively impact other aspects of your life. Ultimately, having a more mature and refined look will help to cement and reinforce this demeanor in the new stage of your life.
But what if you’re new to the world of fashion? Maybe you’ve never even considered it an essential area of your lifestyle. If this sounds like you, then do not fear; we have all the advice you need to reinvent your look and make yourself as stylish as possible on campus.
Upgrade
Making a few choice upgrades to the clothes you already find comfortable wearing, you’ll be seen as looking like one of the more stylish people on campus in no time. Making a select few upgrades will save time and the struggle of trying to completely reinvent yourself by replacing your entire wardrobe.
A great example is choosing polo shirts rather than t-shirts or changing any relaxed, distressed jeans to a little slimmer with dark denim. You could upgrade your sweatshirt to a crew neck jumper or cardigan. Casual chino trousers could be swapped for something more stylish and fitted, even a pair of corduroys. Do you still own a couple of Converse you’ve had for years? Why not upgrade them for a minimal leather trainer, or better yet, a suede chukka boot or loafers?
Instead of stepping outside your comfort zone, remember that this is an improvement over what you already have.
Mens Fashion | Looking Well
Get The Right Fit
The type of fit of your clothes is paramount to looking good. If your clothes are relaxed but only due to how old, they will never look as good as something that sits on your body as intended.
You can turn an okay-looking outfit into something amazing if your clothes fit perfectly. This is the difference between just another guy walking around campus and someone seen as well-dressed. There are many articles online that speak about the way clothes should fit. Whether smart or casual, get something that looks and feels great.
Remember that the chances of an item of clothing fitting you perfectly off the rack are pretty slim, so when you’re settled into your time on campus, find a place close by that can complete minor alterations cheaply. You can turn an outfit into a true show-stopper if you get tailored clothing. This should be reserved for special-occasion pieces such as blazers, coats, and trousers.
Be One Step Ahead
The best way to guarantee you are someone noticed on campus is to dress one step above the rest. A sign of a truly stylish man: he has stepped up their appearance, considering sports coats and blazers as their everyday wear instead of being reserved for special occasions.
This does not mean that you should wear a suit to go to a lecture or a shirt and tie for every night out you go on. The college uniform is catered towards comfort with items such as slouchy t-shirts and sweatpants, so opt for an Oxford shirt, loafers, and slim-fit jeans to help you stand out and be seen as someone who takes extra pride in your appearance.
Similarly, when the time comes that everyone is beginning to wear their best jeans or smartest shirt, stay a step ahead by throwing in something like a blazer or a knitted polo shirt. It is only a minor upgrade, but it can go a long way in setting you apart from the crowd without looking like you’re trying too hard.
Mens Fashion | Looking Well
Get The Essentials
With college life being more of a formal thing, realistically, you’re not likely to need many fancy outfit items such as bow ties, tuxedos, or a three-piece suit. Pushing the same effort, you probably don’t need much focus on trend-led garments such as camo chinos, floral ties, or brightly colored blazers.
It could help if you have a few statement pieces, but you should prioritise classic, simple, and versatile garments. Something you know goes with everything you own, giving you more options.
In addition to saving you money over the long run, this approach helps you dress for a morning class when you’re feeling a little slower than usual and anchors your few trend purchases.
