Freshman fashion mistakes (and how to avoid them)


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Though trends come and go, there are certain fashion rules that facilitate the transition from high school to college. Abiding by these style statutes may distract from the lost look in your eyes as you recover from USC culture shock and save you the embarrassment of becoming “that” freshman. The label is notorious, and labels stick — so let your style set the tone for your best year yet.

  1. Not a necklace

Time and time again, the lanyard discussion runs rampant, encouraging freshmen to blend in. But I cannot stress this enough — to the class of 2019: The lanyard you received during orientation should not be the sole keeper of your keys, wallet, etc. More importantly, it should not be worn around your neck. Yes, the convenience of having your personal items dangling over your belly button is tempting. However, a bright red lanyard never did a cute outfit any favors. Invest in small wallet with a key ring for your new ID card and key. I recommend getting a bright color so you can spot it when it gets buried in the depths of your backpack.

Functional, fashionable — enough said.

  1. Avoid school spirit overload

Though USC is internationally renowned for its infectious school spirit and unabashed pride, you do not need to wear multiple Trojan themed articles of clothing at once. I understand you are being bombarded with Trojan Family t-shirts and have spent half of your discretionary dollars on adorable book store apparel. As excited as we all are for you, please keep the USC paraphernalia to a single item at a time. I can spot a freshman instantly with their bookstore baseball cap, cardinal and gold tank top and USC embroidered backpack. The obvious exception is, of course, on game days. When it comes to football, let your USC freak flag fly!

Just don’t.

  1. Ditch high school athletic apparel…

Or at least choose one or two staples and ship the rest home to mom and dad. I hate to break it you, but no one really cares that you were a lacrosse player for the Bulldogs or a Gator a-cappella captain. Save those shirts for the gym or for nighttime wear. USC is your new home and the Trojan is your new mascot, so embrace it! I would wear high school gear sparingly on campus as you will definitely get some strange looks from people questioning your school loyalty. Trust me, it happens.

  1. Comfy vs. frumpy

Long days and late nights can make dressing exclusively in sweatpants and t-shirts tempting. Though you will have your days in which dressing in anything other than pajamas is nearly impossible, don’t make it a habit. Professors may find it disrespectful as they take the time to dress appropriately each day, and even your peers might not take you seriously. Comfort is key, and there is a way to achieve it without looking like you just rolled out of bed. Invest in cute workout gear such as black leggings, brightly colored sneakers and a hat. You will look much more together and people will instantly assume you are productively dividing your time between class and gym. Don’t worry if that’s not true — your secret’s safe with us.  

These celebs have mastered the art of workout chic. Just add a backpack!