College fashion is influencing mainstream trends.
In the past, high fashion trends trickled down to everyday fashion. But now, with the rise of social media and influencer culture, college students are setting the trends.
Here are 5 college fashion trends that you need to know about, even if you're not Gen Z:
So if you want to stay ahead of the curve, start incorporating these trends into your wardrobe today!
MATCHING SETS ARE STILL GOING STRONG!
Matching sets have been a popular fashion trend among younger generations for a few years now, and they're not going away anytime soon. The basic colors (black, grey, white, navy, beige) are especially popular with sororities and fraternities.
In photos (top to bottom): Sportsman - Tie-Dyed Bucket Cap;
Independent - Midweight Sweatshirt;
Independent - Midweight Fleece Pants
A matching set is basically any two pieces of clothing that match in fabric and color. The key is to wear them slightly oversized, so make sure to size up or go for a unisex style that's naturally roomier.
Crewnecks are also very popular among students right now, and they're even starting to outpace hoodies. So make sure to always have a crewneck option available in your wardrobe.
Pairing a matching set with a fun bucket hat is a great way to create a casual outfit that's both comfortable and on-trend. And don't forget the ever-popular crew socks! Students love the look of sandals and socks, so it's a great way to complete your outfit.
THE VARSITY LOOK
The letterman jacket: from Ivy League to streetwear
The letterman jacket has a long and storied history. It originated at Ivy League universities in the 19th century as a way to recognize student athletes. But over the years, the letterman jacket has transcended its status as an American school staple. It has become a popular fashion item worn by people of all ages, from preppy students to hip-hop artists.
Today, there are many different versions of the letterman jacket available. Some are still made in the traditional style, with a wool body and leather sleeves. But there are also more casual versions, made from materials like denim or cotton. And some letterman jackets have a more modern, bomber-style silhouette.
No matter what style you choose, the letterman jacket is a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn for a variety of occasions. It can be dressed up or down, and it can be worn with jeans, chinos, or even a suit.
So if you're looking for a stylish and classic jacket that will never go out of style, the letterman jacket is a great option.
In photos (top to bottom): CAP AMERICA - Relaxed Golf Dad Hat;
Independent - Heavyweight Varsity Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt;
Comfort Colors - Garment-Dyed Heavyweight Long Sleeve T-Shirt;
Oakley - 28L Street Pocket Backpack
The classic varsity look is a timeless fashion staple that never goes out of style. It's a great way to look preppy and stylish, whether you're a student or not.
The key to achieving the classic varsity look is to start with a well-made varsity jacket. Look for a jacket with collegiate color blocking and retro stripes on the sleeves and waistband.
Once you have your jacket, you can pair it with a garment-dyed heavyweight long sleeve tee, jeans or joggers, and a backwards dad cap. The cap should have a brass buckle to really complete the preppy ensemble.
Even if you don't have a school that you're repping, you can still be an Ivy League inspired trend-setter. Just make sure to choose the right colors and accessories to get the look just right.
ATHLEISURE: THE GO-TO LOOK FOR THE ECO-CONSCIOUS
Athleisure has been the dominant everyday uniform for all age ranges for a while now. As the world has become more casual in dress, the athleisure look has become even more popular.
Gen Z is leading the charge in this trend, and they're also driving the demand for eco-conscious clothing. This demographic is putting their wallets where their values lie, and they're looking for clothing that is made with recycled materials.
As a result, we're seeing more and more athleisure being made with recycled materials. This is a win-win for both the environment and the consumer. It's better for the planet, and it's also better for your wallet.
In photos (top to bottom): Holloway - Eco Revive Ventura Soft Knit Hoodie;
Holloway - Eco Revive Ventura Soft Knit Shorts;
SOCCO - USA-Made Solid Crew Socks; LEGACY - Reclaim Mid-Pro Adjustable Cap
Matching sets are trending in athleisure. Matching sets are a popular trend in fashion right now, and they're also making their way into the athleisure world. A hoodie with shorts. These sets are typically made from athletic, poly-based fabrics, and they're a great way to look stylish and comfortable at the same time.
One particular collection that's trending right now is made from Eco Revive, a new sustainable fabric technology made from recycled plastic bottles. This fabric is buttery soft and has a great drape, making it perfect for athleisure wear.
To complete the look, you can pair these sets with tall crew socks and slides or sneakers. This is a common combo that you'll see with this trend, and it's a great way to add a touch of personality to your outfit.
OVERSIZED CLOTHING: COMFY AND STYLISH
Oversized clothing is all the rage right now, and for good reason. It's comfortable, stylish, and easy to wear. It seems like everywhere we look, sweatshirts, sweatpants and jackets have gotten progressively bigger and baggier. But how do you style oversized clothing without looking sloppy? The key is to select unisex pieces and go up one to two sizes. This will give the item a relaxed, oversized fit that still looks intentional. You can then cinch the waist with a belt or tuck the hemline into your pants to create a more flattering silhouette.
In photos (top to bottom - Andi only): Hanes - Ultimate Cotton Crewneck Sweatshirt;
Bella + Canvas - FWD Fashion Women's High Waist Biker Shorts;
SOCCO - USA-Made Solid Crew Socks
The 90s and early 2000s are back in fashion, and this outfit is a great way to channel that trend.
To start, you'll need an oversized crewneck sweatshirt. Go two sizes up from your normal size to get the perfect relaxed fit. Look for a sweatshirt with a large ribbed collar to really sell the oversized look.
Pair the sweatshirt with biker shorts. The longer hem of the sweatshirt will cover most of the shorts, which is the point with this outfit.
To complete the look, wear your favorite retro socks and high-tops. This outfit is the perfect summer to fall transition look, and it's great for all shapes and sizes.
FALL FASHION IS ALL ABOUT LAYERING
Fall is the perfect time to layer your clothes, and this is especially true for students who are always on the go. Layering allows you to create different looks with the same pieces, which is great for when you need to transition from class to an event or just want to change things up throughout the day.
Here are a few tips for layering your clothes in the fall:
- Start with a base layer. This could be a tank top, t-shirt, or long-sleeved shirt.
- Add a mid-layer. This could be a sweater, hoodie, or jacket.
- Finish with an outer layer. This could be a coat, parka, or trench coat.
When layering your clothes, it's important to choose pieces that work well together. For example, you might pair a plain t-shirt with a patterned sweater or a solid-colored jacket with a patterned scarf. You can also experiment with different textures, such as mixing a smooth sweater with a rough denim jacket.
The key to layering is to have fun and experiment with different combinations. There are no rules, so just let your creativity run wild!
In photo (outer layer to inner): Colortone - Tie-Dyed Denim Jacket;
Burnside - Women's Boyfriend Flannel;
MV Sport - Women's Sueded Fleece Crop Hooded Sweatshirt
Cropped hoodie, flannel, and denim jacket
This outfit is perfect for a day that starts with class and ends with drinks with friends. It's stylish, comfortable, and can be dressed up or down.
The cropped hoodie is the perfect base layer. It's neutral, so it can be worn with anything, and it's cropped, so it shows off your waist.
The flannel is the perfect secondary piece. It's lightweight, so it won't be too hot, and it adds a patterned element to your look.
The oversized denim jacket is the perfect finishing touch. It's oversized, so it's comfortable, and it has a subtle crystal tie dye pattern that is super popular right now.
