College is still weeks away, and as your friends begin to pack up their cars to drive off to the "best years of their lives," you're stuck at home reading this in your pajamas hoping to catch a glimpse of what your college experience will be. While the style tips below cannot help you envision the possibility of impending social destruction, we can help you avoid arriving in Hanover unprepared and under-dressed.
Here are a few need-to-know tips on staying warm and looking hot.1. Hanover is cold On the real, it's freezing. I found my way to Hanover all the way from Atlanta and nothing could have prepared me for New Hampshire's stark winters. That said, the weather doesn't have to be as scary as you may think. Remember that the seasons are very distinct in Hanover, but there is a short period of warmth that lingers from summer before the air turns crisp and the beautiful fall foliage begins to set in around our beloved campus. Bring earth tones for Fall term and you're set. A nice oversized sweater with skinny jeans tucked into worn leather boots is sure to catch that upperclassman's eye. For men, I recommend cords and a simple button-down shirt.2. Simple is better We don't encourage you to be a brand whore and to be honest, now that we're all away from our parents "dressing up" (as in wearing anything that isn't a sweatshirt and sweatpants) is a thing of the past. Luckily, you're going to a college where wearing a v-neck t-shirt will qualify you for best dressed and lacing-up your L.L. Bean boots in the winter will garner you some extra attention from the fashion-oriented. Even so, remaking your own collegiate style can be pretty expensive. While this is a transitional stage in your life, you don't need an entirely new wardrobe for your new adult self, despite what you have been trying to convince your mom. The trick is getting inspiration from brand names and finding the same styles for a lower price. Keeping it simple is essential, especially since the last thing you want to do is steam your silk button-down after rolling out of bed five minutes before your 10A.
Ladies, backpacks are also a thing of the past. While the stress that totes can put on your back lend new meaning to the phrase "a pain in the back," they are a must at Dartmouth. Also, since most students take three classes a term, you'll never have all your books at once, so carrying your books in a tote won't be too back-breaking.
For those of you who are wondering about fall footwear, flats are always good. In terms of clothing, I always recommend a little color since it can bring your look together and add some cheer when the weather starts to chill and the days get shorter. Once in Hanover, look for new styles at the stores in town, like Bella or Juliana's, or shop online so you can feel special when you get a package delivered in the mail.
Boys, you've got it a little bit harder. There aren't many stores in town dedicated to men's fashion, so you can go ahead and memorize Daddy's credit card number because you're going to be doing a lot more of your shopping online. Go for the generic button-down oxford since it always looks casual yet polished.3. Just be you This is the most important one! Dartmouth is by no means a school full of people who stand in front of the mirror for 10 minutes every morning before arriving late to 7:45 a.m. Arabic drill. Don't like my tips? Then impress me with your own personal sense of style.
