Life is Short, Wear What You Want and Feel Good About It!

I grew up in a typical suburban Pennsylvania town and went to a high school around the same size as Arcadia. The difference between the two, however, was the overwhelming pressure that I felt to conform during my high school years.

I was always what I would like to call “unique.” I’ve always dyed my hair and opted for accent pieces in my wardrobe. What I would never want to call myself, however, was “different.” To me, being unique implied that I was “normal” with a few fun, additional details. But if I was too unique, I was different, which meant I was no longer normal. I would be an outlier.

Coming to college, I anticipated a similar environment. Instead, I was met with a fascinating blend of people from all walks of life. I remember walking into my EN101 class as a first year and specifically taking note of how everyone around me seemed to have their own, distinct identity.

Despite this, I haven’t really left the bubble that I built in high school. I have continued to stay within my comfort zone and have kept myself from trying new things. That attitude ends now. 

My goal for the remainder of this semester, as well as the remainder of my time here at Arcadia, is to push myself to try new things and experiment with my style as I see fit. To kick this off, I’ve challenged myself to try something new each day of the week.

Monday – Experimenting With Textures and Fabrics

I chose to begin this challenge with something a little out of my comfort zone, but not too extreme. One thing that I’ve realized that I do is stick to a lot of the same basic silhouettes and fabrics.

For Monday, I opted to experiment with a bit of layering, opting for a sheer, lace bodysuit under a tank top, with a loose-fitting blouse on top. This isn’t too far off from something that I’d usually wear, but it is a bit more elevated and elaborate. Overall, I think this outfit looked pretty good, felt pretty good, and I considered day one a success.

Tuesday – Let’s Try Some Color

Since I went all black on Monday, I decided that Tuesday called for something a bit more fun. Now I’m no stranger to bright colors, I knew that I had to do something a little extra to make this day more of a challenge. 

I decided to pair my look with some matching makeup. I don’t usually wear a lot of makeup, let alone blue eyeliner, so this was definitely out of my comfort zone. 

Wednesday – Put That Hair Up

After two days of experimenting with my clothes, I decided I should try something new with my hair. I’m not used to wearing my hair up and out of my face, so that seemed like a good place to start.

I opted for two low buns and paired them with a fun button-down and matching sneakers. I really liked this outfit and I feel like doing something new with my hair made it all the more fun.

Thursday – Time for Business

If I had to describe my typical style, I definitely wouldn’t use the term “business professional.” I like to wear a lot of fun t-shirts and clothes with funky patterns and colors.

For this day, I asked myself, “What is something in my closet that I would truly never choose to wear to class on a typical day?” The answer: my pantsuit. So, there I was, sitting in Judge Cerski’s Legal Environment of Business class (fitting I suppose), at 8:30 a.m., in a full suit.

Friday – The Finale

For the last day of this challenge, it was all hands on deck. I needed to finish with a bang. And so, I dug through my closet to concoct the outfit of my middle school dreams.

I’ve always been privy to alternative and “edgy” styles, but I’ve also always found it very difficult to muster the courage to go all out, in fear of being judged. But not today. 

I paired this all-black ensemble with bold eyeliner, a deep red lip, and the resurgence of my eyebrow slit. This day was the most difficult to psyche myself up for, but also ended up being the most rewarding in the end, once I got over the initial nervousness.

The Final Verdict

I went into this experiment bracing myself for the worst, but I stood corrected. Turns out, no one cares and the world doesn’t end when I try something new.

Sarcasm aside, I would say that the only change that trying new styles brought to my life was that I actually received more compliments and positive feedback from my peers. When my classmates and friends noticed that I was trying something new, they encouraged me to continue.

I’ve learned to let go of the difference between uniqueness and difference and embrace whatever it is that makes me special. I love my clothes and style, in and out of the classroom.

If you’re thinking about switching up your look or you’ve been staring at that piece in your closet that you’ve been too scared to wear to class, I say go for it! Arcadia is a place for people to be individuals and do what makes them happy.