People around the world dress differently. There are many factors that play into the fact that others may dress dissimilarly to how we dress, including religion, gender, identity, personality, interests, and emotion.

 Getting dressed is a symbolism of who we are, whether we intend it to be or not. Fashion is not a linear system. Sometimes, we look at others and wonder why they chose to wear what they a’re wearing. Other times, we are inspired by their outfits and make them our own. We personalize ideas that we see. As humans, we are naturally inclined to take inspiration from what we like and do no’t like about what we see. Visual media is the most convincing and persuasive ideology that exists. Inspiration’s etymology means that one may be spirited, which is overall sentimental. With that being said, what does going to college do to our sense of style? 

During my three years at Shippensburg University, I ha’ve noticed that people dress differently based on their majors in a non-stereotypical way. Due to the fact that people go to college based on their interests and future plans, their styles may be geared towards those interests and plans. At college, I take note of the different outfits I see everyday (duh, I literally have a fashion column) and compare them to what their majors are. Does that sound crazy? Though I ha’ve never looked at anybody and assumed their major based on their outfit, I have taken the outfits from acknowledged majors and compared them to others within the same major. Please note that this should be taken lightly and not as absolute fact.

Here are some trends I ha’ve noticed: 

Education 

I have met many eEducation majors. Education is a wonderful path to take, and it is so important in this day and age. I believe that it takes consistency and a good heart to pass knowledge onto others. I, myself, love school and am very thankful for it everyday. With that being said, there are several trends in an eEducation major’s closet.

During my time on campus, I see eEducation majors wearing leggings, sweatshirts and a broad selection of sneakers or other comfortable shoes. However, eEducation majors, professors and teachers are likely to wear jeans or slacks, cardigans, shirts with patterns, or sweaters. By having teaching as a profession, those involved are usually very organized. Due to the fact that they a’re organized, their style is simplistic yet bright and outgoing. When I think of eEducation majors, I think of Rae Dunn, a simplistic brand of pottery.

Communications, Journalism and Media 

My pride and joy —– jJournalism. As a member of this major, I ha’ve met many people with styles that are very suggestive. Outfits that show character are some of my favorites, and I think every major executes this excellently. I ha’ve seen Comm/Journ majors in intricate and beautiful outfits with wonderful accessories. For example, I see a lot of denim maxi skirts, bell bottoms, platform shoes, big rings and many band tees. On the other hand, there are the Comm/Journ majors who wear leggings, sweatpants, jeans and sweatshirts. There are two sides to Communications, Journalism and Media —: the ones who want to be seen in front of the camera and in the spotlight, and the ones who want to sit behind the computer. All are amazing. 

Health and Exercise Science 

To this major, I applaud your talent and knowledge. Thank you for continuously learning and keeping a patient mind. Within the hHealth and eExercise sScience major, I see plenty of comfortable clothing. Though this is to be expected, I think this is completely predictable based on the amount of work that it takes to get a degree in anything health--related. Again, I see leggings, sweatshirts, sweatpants and sneakers. However, this does not mean that everybody has to dress “comfortably.” I have seen plenty of health majors in platform boots, flared jeans and sweaters. It i’s all about what you feel good in.

Psychology and Social Work 

With my entire heart, I thank all psychologists, therapists and social workers. You bring such a positive change to everybody’s lives. The people within the pPsychology or sSocial wWork majors dress very calmly. I have noticed that people within this realm wear things like sweatpants, flared leggings, sweaters and neutral colors. Additionally, I have noticed that several people put their hair in claw-clips. I love the idea of having a more serene closet, as the purpose of a psychologist, therapist or social worker is to help others. In a sense, you a’re allowing others to paint onto your neutral canvas with their feelings, while you paint onto their canvas from the inside out to aid them. 

Art 

Art majors are sweet. They have a creative, expressive and philosophical element to their brains that many others do not have. Due to the fact that they are so imaginative, their styles are very original. While looking at different art majors’ outfits, I notice prevalent colors: burnt orange, dark purple, sage or forest green, dark red, navy blue, white and black. These colors present an innovative feeling of emotion. I see crocheted, sweater-like, asymmetrical and form-fitting outfits from art majors. I also see several layers. On the basis of hair, I see a lot of curls, bangs and clips. Their makeup is often expressive, as they are artists —– that i’s their job. 

Overall, I am very lucky to live in a generation where everybody is so individualistic and personal with their creative styles. Though there are trends between each major, those trends are important and artistic in their own ways. My version of “fashionable” may be different from yours, but at the end of the day we are all people with good ideas. Who cares what we wear? Style is subjective, but appreciation is fair. I think that i’s majorly cool. 

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