Casual Fashion for High School, College Students

Band T's, Polo Shirts, Destroyed Denim, Cool Look for University

May 4, 2009 Nicholas Morine

The dress code in high school especially is far more relaxed and in some cases eccentric when compared to society at large; these trends generally continue into college.

A casual wardrobe is an absolute must for any high school, college, or university student in that it ensures a comfortable, versatile set of clothing that can be worn nearly any day of the week - both on the street and in the classroom. The definition of "casual" is a bit nebulous and can range from smart casual to purely sloppy, so be sure to pay attention to a few tips to ensure substance as well as style in your fashion choices.

Building a Look from the Ground Up

The thing to consider when building a casual wardrobe for yourself is to consider comfort, cost, and convention. Comfort is of supreme importance in that it's hard to focus when you're wearing a garment that is either too constricting or too loose, and cost is an obvious factor. When it comes to convention, or style, that is certainly an individual choice and there are many distinct avenues that are gaining in popularity.

Musical awareness is one such trend that has been popular for a great many students in recent years, perhaps inspired by a retro revival both amongst the musical tastes as well as the fashion preferences of many high school and college students. Thus, t-shirts and hoodies that feature band names or photographs are extremely popular amongst many artistic students, with tour shirts purchased from an actual show being a hot commodity. A few t-shirts that feature your favourite musicians and artists are good investments – they're cheap and also display some personality.

Denim jeans have always been a staple of youth culture that has expanded to include several fashion brands as opposed to the traditional work jeans or slacks. Some of the most popular varieties for younger, edgier looks include "destroyed" denim – jeans that have been subjected to artificial wear and thus are possessed of a few frays and scuffs that are often blended with a signature tint to complete the garment. Destroyed denim jeans are great for wear in warmer areas as well as in the summer with a light gauge polo shirt for a more athletic, attractive look.

Collared shirts, shorter sleeved for the summer and in the longer variety for the remainder of the year, need not be stuffy or snobbish in nature. Not only are popular casual varietes of the sportshirt available at the Gap, Old Navy, American Eagle, Aeropostal and stores of similar style – but even the higher quality alternatives offered by designers such as Calvin Klein and Lacoste are wonderful additions to add some colour and quality for days where you'd really like to stand out.

Footwear and Accessories

One of the most interesting and increasingly popular products available to students is the Sanuk brand of footwear, known commonly as sidewalk surfers. Originally very popular in boutiques and later in surf shops and other athletic avenues, the Sanuk brand is exceedingly popular and is endorsed by icons Donovan Frankenreiter and Shane Dorian just to name a few. Sanuk is now produced in dozens of neat stylings ranging from rastafarian inspired to avante-garde artistry on the revolutionary shoe/sandal/slipper hybrids.

Another option for younger men is to branch out into the world of accessories or jewelry to sharpen their image and to create a more unique and interesting look. The best part about choosing accessories or building a collection of men's jewelry is the variety available to the consumer - a startling bevy ranging from chains made from gold and silver, to wooden or hemp jewelry, gemstone or natural jewelry, or simply stainless steel bracelets and necklaces. All types of jewelry are much more commonly accepted for wear on men in the modern era due to a more relaxed and liberal approach to fashion over the past decade.

Regardless of what choices one might choose to make with regards to building a casual and impactful wardrobe for school and for nights at the student bar or pub – it's important to remember that casual does not always equate with loose, baggy, or slovenly in appearance, but rather a focus on comfort, fit, and fabric choices that are less formal and lend a more approachable aire to the wearer. By choosing stylish and wholly comfortable pieces to round out your casual wardrobe, students will not only feel at ease in the classroom but also in asking their dream date to a night on the town – a style for all occasions.

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The copyright of the article Casual Fashion for High School, College Students in Men’s Fashion is owned by Nicholas Morine. Permission to republish Casual Fashion for High School, College Students in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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