By: Sam Dragna
I don’t know about anyone else, but I spend the most of my money during the fall season. As I have been living what some might call the “typical college lifestyle”, my pockets always run dry between sorority recruitment, football season, and date parties. It’s clear to me that I am not always the best shopper considering I feel the need to buy a new outfit for just about anything.
I moved from Southern California to Oklahoma in 2021 for my undergrad degree. While I new I was moving to a new place for a new experience, I never imagined how alienating it could feel at times when you are not accustomed to the culture of big southern universities. Now that the University of Oklahoma is in the SEC (South
Eastern Conference), the pressure has been on to pop out in the most intense of outfits to sweat in the student section.
Let me make it known that what I thought was my fashion expectation does not have to be your reality. If you’re like me and have moved to a place where you don’t seem to exactly resonate with the fashion trends, I can promise you one thing: It’s not about what you wear, but rather how you wear it.
First, Evaluate Your Individual Style
It’s okay if you don’t have a strong starting point. Take a stroll through your closet, find your favorite pieces, and imagine your perfect outfit with each of them. From here, you should have a more reliable reference point when searching for new items to add into your mix.
Next, Let’s Think About Our Day-to-Days
I am rather shameless when purchasing clothes that I have an itch will keep their tags for months, if not forever. One way to minimize the waste of space (and money) is to try your best to connect your desired style with your everyday life. If you don’t live in a city like New York in the winter time, you may not need a $400 fur coat. Elevating your wardrobe doesn’t mean you have to buy things you think you’ll wear, it means falling in love with things you didn’t think you’d wear. My go to rule in a dressing room: If you’re not wanting to rip the tags o and wear it out of the store, you’re not going to reach for it when it’s on your hanger.
Create A Vision Board
Sooooo extra, I know. But if you’re really wanting to step up your fashion game, seeing it laid out in front of you can help you invision yourself in these new pieces. Thanks to the digital revolution, you no longer have to cut out magazines and pin them to a cork board; my preferred vice includes pinterest and instagram. Start by pinpointing an aesthetic, saving a couple inspiration photos, and try to recreate your favorite photos.
Finally, Devise A Budget
This step is arguably the most important. It is way too easy to drop too much money when attempting to revamp your style. Saving up for months at a time might not always be your best option. Every now and then, if you see a piece of clothing you’re drawn to, it’s okay to collect erratically. Unfortunately there are more important things in life that need to be paid for before you clothes... devastating I know. If you’re wanting to be extra financially cautious, don’t be afraid to search through thrift or resale stores!
At the end of the day, what you feel comfortable and confident in is what matters the most. Don’t follow a trend that you know isn’t reflecting who you are or what you like. The most important thing I learned after moving to a state with such extreme fashion taste is that you don’t need to follow the masses to have a great sense of style. Wear what YOU want to spend your money on. Popping out as yourself is all you need.
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