Fixing Common Freshmen Fashion Faux Pas

Let me start off this article by saying that I’m by no means fashionable or even claim to look socially presentable more than 4 days a week. However, as a sophomore now, I look back and cringe at some of the mistakes I made, and the funniest thing is: I wasn’t alone, because there’s a certain “freshman” style that for some reason, first year college students just can’t seem to avoid. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to advertise your status as the new kid on campus, here are a few fashion tips for you from an everyday student.

Photo from Flickr.com by Alla_G

1. Lanyards around the neck.

Lanyards are great for keeping track of your keys and your ID card (which you will find, becomes your lifeline), but just because the thing fits over your head doesn’t necessarily mean you should wear it. Not only will you look like you’re attending some sort of leadership conference, but your keys will also jingle all over the place, and I can almost guarantee your ID card will sustain some sort of damage from all the wear. Just take the extra second and stick your lanyard securely in your pocket. Problem solved!

2. Dressing up because you can.

As a rule, I try to look somewhat put together when I go to class, avoiding the tempting combination of sweatpants and a hoodie. However, there are those freshmen who will dress up every single day in a dress and high heels. While dressing up is good, and if it makes you feel good, then do, but nothing screams “Look at me, I’m a first year!” more than the girl who walks into her 8 A.M. class trying to impress people with how mature her makeup looks. Seriously, if you show up to an 8 A.M. class at all, no one will judge you if you show up in a t-shirt and jeans, or that casual outfit that you like. Sleep and comfort are way more important than turning a few heads and making other people feel underdressed. Also, who really wants to trek across campus in heels? Save yourself the pain and go with some flats or a pair of sneakers.

3. Coming to Class in Sweatpants and a T-shirt/hoodie

Swinging to the complete opposite end of the spectrum. We’ve all been there. We’ve all rolled out of bed, mentally and/or verbally cursing our existences while blearily wiping the sleep out of our eyes and turning off the alarms on our phones. Wait, 7:45 already? No time to get dressed, I’ve gotta get to class! Once in a while, maybe this is acceptable, but there are those who show up to their early classes in their pajama pants every day. Looking like a slob just sends your professor the message that you couldn’t care less about his or her class. Also, there’s a such thing as being too comfortable – nothing like your comfy pants to send you right back to Dreamland – or at least Daydreamland – during class.

At the end of the day, what you wear doesn’t really matter, as long as you reflect your own personal style. However, if you don’t want to send people the wrong message, stick your keys in your pocket, dress naturally, and all will be well.