BACK IN BLUE
Style /
July 2023
First days, best days, all the days. This year, we’re taking cues from the inside as students and others embark on another year of success – both in life, and in style.
We sat down with six returning college students to learn what they’re wearing and why, and which words of wisdom they’d love to share with other students looking to express their true selves while keeping an eye on the future.
What’s your freshman year survival tip for this year’s newcomers?:
“Use your time in college to meet other people, from different majors, different interests, and different backgrounds! You won’t regret knowing all of these people and building your network. I have found some of my best best friends from some clubs!”
-Diego Lopez, University of Southern California.
“Make sure you have a work life balance and to prioritize your mental health. When first coming into college, I focused on school over everything. Prioritizing school is important, but I was so focused that I did not really devote time to social clubs or friends. Make sure to maintain a balance and avoid comparing yourself to others. As you are doing your best, that’s more than enough.”
-Maddie Markay, University of California, Los Angeles
“Ask a lot of questions. No matter how stupid they may seem, ask everyone you meet – friends, TA’s, even strangers. Don’t be afraid because everyone is just as confused as you are and you aren’t alone. Just ask!”
-Antwan Adams, UCLA
Describe your style in three words:
“Essential, chic, streetwear.”
-Sasha Erves, San Diego State University
“Charismatic, flowy… sometimes I try to be mysterious but it ends up just being cute.”
-Diego Lopez, University of Southern California.
“Thrifted, vintage, experimental.”
-Ben Robinson, University of Florida
How has your style evolved from high school to college?
“In high school I was always just on the run from school to the dance studio, so I would basically just wear dance clothes. But now that I have more time to plan my outfits, I love how I can experiment and find what I feel good wearing.”
-Diego Lopez, University of Southern California.
“I definitely didn’t have the confidence in high school to push the envelope in terms of what I was wearing and the type of statement they made. Now I like to experiment with fashion and try new things a lot more often.”
-Ben Robinson, University of Florida
“It has become more minimal and classic.”
-Isabella Remolina, University of California, San Diego
What’s your go-to look for the first day of school?
“A black mock neck crop top and my Baggy Dad Levi’s®. Since it’s hot in LA, I love wearing a tiny top, baggy jean combo because it looks put together while also being comfortable in the hot weather when sitting in classes or walking to class.
-Maddie Markay, University of California, Los Angeles
“I like to layer with a lot of different textures and patterns - the more chaotic I look the better.”
-Ben Robinson, University of Florida
"Since I’m a dance major, my go-to look is a good comfy sweatpants (the Gold Tab™ Gray Sweatpants are the ones!) with an oversized shirt. But if I’m going to an academic class, I would say a good old 501s® or some jeans with a silky button down and a tank top underneath.”
-Diego Lopez, University of Southern California
How many pairs of Levi’s® are in your closet?
"14-15 pairs (including Levi’s® sweatpants). Don’t judge – they are great quality and so comfy!”
-Diego Lopez, University of Southern California
“Honestly too many to count because all I own is Levi’s®!”
-Maddie Markay, University of California, Los Angeles
“I wouldn’t even know, I have so many!!”
-Ben Robinson, University of Florida
“25”
-Isabella Remolina, University of California, San Diego
Don’t be afraid to try different clothes! If you are feeling something, the best bet is to just try it. You might end up loving it, or even hating it, but at least you tried something new and now you know what works and what doesn’t.
Can you share a memorable experience or story about wearing Levi's® jeans during your college journey?
“Once, I let my friend who had “nothing to wear” borrow my Levi’s® and a tank top to go to the mall. She said they were the first jeans she didn’t feel uncomfortable in. Sharing my Levi’s® with my friend made me feel happy about representing Levi’s® because I know it is a brand that is all about making people feel confident and comfortable in their own body”
-Maddie Markay, University of California, Los Angeles
“I love to thrift with my friends at all the cool local thrift stores in Gainesville and I’ve found a lot of cool pairs of Levi’s® there!"
-Ben Robinson, University of Florida
“I was in charge of organizing a school event at The Loft, our campus hotspot. Wearing my comfortable Levi's® Overalls, I felt at ease and ready to tackle the day. Many people appreciated the timeless style of my overalls, proving that Levi's® never goes out of fashion. It was a reminder that classic comfort and style always have a place in our lives, especially in college”
-Isabella Remolina, University of California, San Diego
What’s the one fashion tip every freshman needs to know?
“Don’t be afraid to try different clothes! If you are feeling something, the best bet is to just try it. You might end up loving it, or even hating it, but at least you tried something new and now you know what works and what doesn’t.”
-Diego Lopez, University of Southern California
“Avoid buying too many trendy items. Just because it’s trending does not mean you should buy it because it may not be a trend for long! It is better to invest in items you would wear for a long time.”
-Maddie Markay, University of California, Los Angeles
“Wear things that make you confident, rather than what’s “in” at the time. Ultimately, confidence is the best accessory and you will look the best when you feel the best.”
-Ben Robinson, University of Florida
“Basic clothing items and a few statement pieces (such as a leather jacket) = ENDLESS OUTFITS!”
-Isabella Remolina, University of California, San Diego
