First-years, you have officially made it to university! The big question now is, “What does one wear?” While you are dreaming about curating the “perfect” campus look, you keep on finding contrasting opinions where some people recommend buying certain clothes, while others warn to avoid these entirely. With all of this confusion, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what to wear. The most important thing to do is filter out that noise, and find and maintain your own unique sense of style.
Reframe Your Expectations
The first step in your journey towards finding your individual style is to challenge the idea of the “perfect” look. There is no singular, set way of dressing for university. A common experience of walking onto campus is seeing someone dressed as if they are ready to go into the biggest, most life-changing job interview, and then seeing someone who looks like they literally just rolled out of bed. Both of these looks are valid and acceptable. What matters most is identifying the look that suits your needs and preferences.
Find People Whose Style You Identify With
A number of fashion blogs recommend identifying an individual whose style inspires you. Consider the aspects of their style that you are drawn to. It could be the way they layer their outfits, or their colour co-ordination. It could also be the way that they accessorise. Take these aspects and incorporate them into your own style.
One way to find inspiration is through social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest. On Instagram, you can find styles matching your taste by searching for videos using hashtags. Examples of such hashtags include #ootd, #outfit, and #outfitinspiration. Find styles that suit you, follow the user, and take inspiration from their other videos. Pinterest is more multifunctional. You can find collages with different types of outfits and various styles through a simple search, as well as some tips for sprucing up your current wardrobe. If you have that one shirt that nothing else matches, Pinterest has got you covered. Simply search the name of the item together with the word “styling”, and recommendations will pop up.
Another option is finding a celebrity whose style inspires you. Be careful not to fall into the trend trap of following something because it is popular. Take the fashion inspiration as a suggestion and not an instruction. Feel free to tweak and adjust as you prefer.
Find Budget Friendly Ways to Cater to Your Individual Style
After following the tips above, you have hopefully found the perfect outfit and wardrobe that encapsulate your personal style. And hopefully, now you feel more confident. The only problem is that some essential items to complete the look are missing, and the budget is looking a little tight.
The first solution, according to content creator Anna Newton, is to “shop your wardrobe”. Surprisingly, that exact item that you are looking for may be buried somewhere within the depths of your closet.
The second option is to thrift clothes. You can find your dream wardrobe at half the price if you look hard enough. There are a number of markets for thrifting in Pretoria, such as Picnic & Thrift, The Vintage Square Thrift Fair, or The 99th Street Thrift & Chill. There are also various shops, some of which include the Sungarden’s Hospice Charity Shop and Daddy Cool Clothing. You can also find unique items from Instagram thrift stores such as @thrifycams, @thriftalley, and @raritythrifts.
Do Not Be Afraid to Experiment
The only way to know if an outfit works is to try it. You can search for inspiration online and buy a number of clothes, but you will not figure out your true sense of style if you do not mix and match these different items. Part of the fun of fashion is trying different things. Do not be quick to dismiss a certain item until you have actually worn it with something.
Equipped with the tools you need to let your personality shine through your outfit choice, you are now ready to take on campus. Go forth and conquer!
