College is a time when, for many people, the world is starting to take shape and you realize that there’s a lot out there to discover and do, but, that to get far, you need to keep your feet on the ground by staying organized. Managing your time is a key aspect when trying to look your best and also be prepared for class. Quite often it is easy to get distracted while in college, thus, some people use online writing services like EssayPro. Learning how to have a balanced lifestyle is an important stepping stone to getting the most out of each day. Many guys will discover that a special and very important part of life in general and of college life in particular is your personal style. In college, experience should teach you that if you dress nicely for a job interview, there’s a bigger chance to get the job, that if you dress up for an exam rather than going in your boardshorts and hoodie, you will make a better impression on the teacher and so on. Not to mention all those social days, evenings and nights, when looking like a champ might result in a date, which who knows, might become a strong relationship.

Bottom line, even if you are in college, you need to place your best foot forward. For most college guys, however, this can be hard to achieve, as they don’t have the tools they need (knowledge about style) or think they don’t have enough money to look great. These are not things you should worry about anymore. Here are some essential style tips you can follow, regardless of your budget or time, that will take your style to a new level and will elevate you on campus.

 

 

Shirts vs. t-shirts

When you are shopping for tops, instead of going for loose t-shirts, go for a well-fitting shirt. Button-down shirts are way more stylish than an oversized team t-shirt. Of course you should also have t-shirts in your wardrobe, but going for a nice shirt will make you look instantly better.

More: How should a shirt fit

 

 

Chinos, khakis, jeans

If you think that boardshorts are the appropriate college attire, you will be surprised to find out they’re not the most stylish choice. If you don’t feel like wearing dress pants, that’s OK, but we recommend investing in a good pair of chinos, khakis or dark wash jeans that fit well. Dark jeans are probably the best way to go, as you can wear them both with a shirt, a t-shirt, a blazer or anything else.

More: The guide to casual pants

 

 

Shoes

When it comes to shoes, the main style rule we can give you is to make sure that they are always clean. Even if you wear sneakers, you should always make sure you dust them off and maintain them as well as possible. If you wish to wear dress shoes, we recommend going for one (or both) of the following directions:

Slip-on shoes such as moccasins or loafers are more casual than dressy and go in many settings, from classes to parties and job interviews (depending on the job, you might one to go for something dressier).

Wingtip shoes are a dressier version of dress shoes that are extremely versatile and that go everywhere. Wingtip shoes have a W-shape (or M, depending how you look at it) on their tip. They can be worn with anything from jeans and shorts to dress pants.

More: The different types of dress shoes

What are the differences between loafers and moccasins and how to wear them?

 

 

Create a color combination

When you are picking out your clothes, it’s always best to coordinate them colorwise. Many men go for neutrals such as black, white, beige, gray, tan, dark blue, khaki, ivory, brown, etc. These colors are not so interesting, and, in most instances, they won’t make you look too dynamic.

For dressier settings, wear clothes that feature colors that are similar to each other, such as red and orange or purple and blue. These colors, which lie closely to one another on the color wheel always look great together and make for wonderful color schemes to be worn in dressy settings.

For a more casual, sporty look, you can mix colors that lie on opposite sides of the color wheel. For example, red and blue is a combination that looks very dynamic and sporty and that goes great in a fun, casual setting.

More: Choose the colors of your clothes like a pro!

Coordinating the colors of your clothes

 

 

Accessorize wisely

Accessories can add a lot of personality to your outfit – wearing a nice watch that appeals to you or a bracelet you enjoy will complete your look, make you look more polished, put together and cohesive and will draw only the right kind of attention.

As a tip, if you are wearing a tie, make sure that it only touches your belt line and that it doesn’t go longer or end higher. This would make you look disproportionate.

Also, whatever type of accessory you wear, make sure it is proportionate to your body size. For example, bigger guys should wear wider ties, while men with thin frames should opt for slimmer ties. This rule applies for any accessory: bigger men should go for bigger bow ties, belts, bracelets, etc; smaller men should go for smaller, thinner bow ties, earrings, bracelets, etc.

More: The five rules men should consider when wearing accessories

5 essential questions about accessories answered

 

College time is a great opportunity to develop your style and to play with clothes in order to discover what you like, what you don’t, what looks good on you and what doesn’t. Moreover, it’s the perfect opportunity to test out how different clothes and accessories make you feel. Remember, if something doesn’t work right from the start, you shouldn’t give up and keep on trying. In the end, practice makes perfect.

Style is something that you should enjoy. We always say that the right clothes are the clothes which, when you put on, make you feel like yourself.

 

Fraquoh and Franchomme

 

 

 

 

 

Further reading:

How to match your shirt and pants

The jeans and t-shirt combination done right

How to wear a sweater and shirt combination

P.S. We want to hear from you! What style tips do you need? What are your main concerns as a college guy about fashion? In which area do you have the most difficulties? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!