Back to school is synonymous with fashion. Sure it’s a fresh start for your grades, social life and student organizations, but it’s also a great time to reevaluate your personal style and make sure it reflects your true personality.
Style goes beyond fashion because it’s about more than looking good or being on trend—it’s a visual expression of how you feel, who you are and where you’re going in life.
Playing with style is also an opportunity to flex your creativity and push the boundaries of your comfort zone. Putting effort into creating a unique look for yourself isn’t vain or shallow, it’s a way to show the world a piece of who you are without saying a word.
To hone your look and start the year off in style, take the following tips to heart.
Do your homework. Inspiration is imperative to style. Look up the greats: Iris Apfel, Leandra Medine, Susie Lau, Justin O’Shea, Olivia Palermo, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Bryan Grey Yambao (aka Bryanboy), Alexa Chung, Rihanna, Anna Dello Russo, Kanye West, Solange Knowles. These style stars are all known for their unique personal style, but yours needn’t be as outrageous to be on point. It just has to be authentic to you.
Check out Instagram, read a fashion magazine or surf Pinterest for inspiration, and make note of what speaks to you. If an outfit turns you into a real life version of the heart eyes emoji, it’s a good sign that a certain style resonates with you. But instead of copying outfits you love straight from the trendsetters, put your own spin on the look.
Pick your trends wisely. If you’ve ever thought a trend was downright ugly, then congratulations, you have a unique point of view. Not being into trends doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t understand fashion. Everyone has a different aesthetic, and we don’t all have to wear something just because it’s “in.”
Don’t buy into a trend unless it’s something you would love regardless of its popularity. It’s more important that your look appear “current” than “trendy.” For example, low rise boot-cut jeans are outdated right now and won’t look current. On the flip side, frayed hem straight leg jeans are trending this fall. But a classic skinny jean in a medium wash will look up-to-date without being faddish.
Commit to your look. In order to have a signature look, you have to be consistent with it. Make a point of putting effort into your outfit every day. It will make you feel more energized, focused, confident and motivated to start the day.
Plan outfits ahead of time or just pull your favorite easy-to-pair pieces to the front of your closet for when you’re running late. On a hectic day when you don’t have time to create the perfect ensemble, you’ll feel much better in your most flattering jeans and a fun top than you would in a T shirt and the sweats you rolled out of bed in.
The right outfit can give you killer confidence, so resolve to take a few risks this year and let your clothes highlight your personality. Life is too short to have boring style anyway.