It is a fact that much of our student body is, to some degree, concerned about their appearance, and rightfully so.
We all want to be appreciated for our personal choice in clothing from day to day and enjoy the bliss of our peer’s acceptance.
Heck, sometime we just want that “nice shirt” compliment only to justify our Forever 21 clearance rack purchases.
However, how does one become well dressed or develop a style worthy of mention without having to sell your kidney?
In the upcoming weeks, the culture section of The Southern Digest will be incorporating a new style column for students at Southern who are interested in diversifying and upgrading their wardrobe weather you’re working entry level at Exxon or work-study in John B. Cade.
Believe it or not there are literally hundreds of brands, style blogs and publications vying for your attention everyday.
My objective is to not only raise your awareness of these resources but to explain how to tastefully apply them to the development of your personal style.
Like any discipline, there are rules and guidelines that give that discipline structure and standard, but the well-dressed circle is one reserved for those who know the rules, but choose to break and bend them to their liking.
The Do’s and Don’ts presented are personal opinion, and if guilty of one of the don’ts, no need to feel offended, that’s when the decision to ignore that rule or take a new approach becomes key.
Of course the hardest part is always trying to figure out where to start, here are just a couple of principals that will prepare you for just about every topic we will discuss here.
- When building a wardrobe it is important to buy your basics first (we will discuss this in the next column)
- Don’t be a walking billboard. I know, I know, having a polo horse on your hat, shirt, pants, socks, shoes and under garments at the same time makes you feel two tax brackets richer, but lets be tasteful.
- Buy what you can afford. For every style you wish to achieve there is somewhere to buy it at the price you’re willing to pay. I always suggest buying the best quality your money can buy though.
- It’s all in how it fits. One of the key parts of anything you decide to put on is the way it fits, besides the color, that’s one of the first things anyone will notice about your clothes
As we continue I’ll share tidbits of knowledge that will steer you to reach your potential and place you amongst the stylish elites.
The key is being open to new options. It will require some trial and error to find out what works best for you, but once you get rolling these things will become second nature.
We welcome and highly encourage your style questions and suggestions for article topics you can email us at the[email protected]
Just think of this as your personal style consultant.
