Add Patches for Personality
Let’s be honest, most college gear can be pretty basic. Sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats – they usually just have the school name or logo printed on them. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for bland when it comes to repping your school! There are tons of ways to customize your university apparel and make it your own. I’ve got 15 hacks that students at University of Dayton and MCLA University have used to transform their college gear from boring to bold.
Sew On Patches
One of the easiest ways to add some pizzazz to a college sweatshirt or jacket is by sewing on some fun patches. You can find patches online or at craft stores with all sorts of designs – music bands, TV shows, animals, phrases, you name it. Get creative and pick some patches that show off your personality and interests. Sew them onto sweater sleeves, shoulders, or fronts to make your college gear unique. If you’re not crafty, you can always take your gear and patches to a tailor and have them sew the patches on for you.
Bling It Out
Another way to jazz up your university gear is by adding some sparkle. Sew sequins, rhinestones, or glittery appliques onto a sweatshirt, jacket, or hat to make it shine. You can use puffy fabric paint to create cool designs with extra dimension too. For a fun and flashy look, add your name or an inspirational phrase in sparkly iron-on letters. This is such an easy way to turn a plain college tee into something eye-catching and one-of-a-kind.
Tie Dye
Tie dye never goes out of style, and it’s the perfect way to transform simple college gear into wearable art. Buy a plain t-shirt or sweatshirt from your university’s bookstore, then tie dye it yourself using bands, rubber gloves, and fabric dye. You can find tie dye kits at most craft stores that make it super easy. Let your creativity run wild and make groovy patterns like spirals, stripes, and swirls. The great thing about tie dye is no two pieces are exactly alike, so your college gear will be unique.
Iron-On Designs
Check your local craft store or sites like Etsy for iron-on patches, decals, and designs to customize your university clothing. Look for cool images that represent your school mascot or local flavor. For example, University of Dayton students could iron on patches of red and blue dragons to show their school pride. MCLA students can pick fun iron-ons with trail mix or outdoor themes to showcase their college’s adventurous spirit. The options are endless – flowers, animals, landmarks, phrases, and more. Jazz up a college tee or sweatshirt in minutes with the iron-on design of your choice.
Bleach It Out
Give boring college gear new life by bleaching fun designs onto it. Lay a stencil on top of a dark t-shirt or sweatshirt, then spritz bleach over it to create a fun pattern. Let the bleach sit for a few minutes, then remove the stencil and wash the item as usual once the design appears. The bleach will lighten the fabric wherever it touched, leaving behind a cool distressed style. Use stencils from craft stores or cut your own custom stencils out for next-level designs.
Print Your Own
For full customization, consider printing your own designs onto basic college gear. Many online companies let you upload photos or digital art to have printed. Or use an inkjet printer and specialty transfer paper to print designs and iron them onto apparel. This opens up so many options for making gear that’s perfectly you. Print an inside joke, a meaningful quote, or even your puppy’s face to make drab university clothing special.
Make Your Mark
Jazz up a college sweatshirt or denim jacket with fabric markers. You can find these in tons of colors and either permanent or temporary varieties. Get creative doodling designs, writing words, or coloring in school logos to make them pop. Fabric markers come in paint pens, standard colors, and even glitter or neon shades. Embellish away!
Add Some Bling
Bedazzle a college hat or t-shirt by gluing rhinestones, studs, or gems on with fabric glue or hot fix adhesives. Outline a logo, create a design, or spell out a fun phrase in sparkle. Affix chains, tassels, ribbons, lace, or other embellishments for even more flair. Hit up a craft or fabric store for a wide selection of notions to bling out your university gear.
Make It Monogrammed
Add a classy customized touch by having your initials or name monogrammed onto college outerwear and basics. Many embroidery shops can monogram jackets, button-downs, duffel bags, backpacks, and more. Or try ironing on monogram letters yourself for a DIY flair. Rock your name in style on game days and around campus.
Salvage and Upcycle
Check out second-hand and vintage shops for old university gear and clothing to recycle into new designs. Cut up tees to make fun fringe on a college tank. Sew old sweatshirt material into patches, pillows, or tote bags. Mix and match pieces from different schools to create a unique patched or layered look too. Give new life to cast-off gear from your college days.
Make Some Jewelry
If you’re crafty, try using old university t-shirts or sweatshirts to make jewelry and accessories. Cut strips to braid into bracelets or headbands. Use circular punches to cut out buttons and studs for necklaces and earrings. Or get creative folding, twisting, and knotting the fabric into chic designs. Rep your college in a totally unique way.
Attach Cool Pins
Jazz up lackluster college gear with fun decorative pins and brooches. Look for eclectic pins that show off your interests and personality – instruments, animals, phrases, hobbies, and more. Affix them to jackets, hats, backpacks, and other gear using pin backs or fabric glue. Mix and match vintage, modern, and handmade pins for lots of flair.
Make DIY Decals
Design your own stickers and decals to customize college clothing and accessories. Use sticker paper or printable vinyl to create your own motifs, mascots, slogans, and images. Print them out, cut into cool shapes, and affix to bottles, laptops, denim jackets, and more. DIY decals are an easy way to show school spirit your way.
With a little creativity, you can customize boring university gear with unique flair that shows off your personality. Whether it’s patches, dye, rhinestones or printing your own designs, there are so many ways to make college apparel special and one-of-a-kind. Show your school spirit by adding some custom style to sweats, tees, hats and more!
Layer With Vintage Finds
College gear can definitely feel cookie-cutter sometimes. But there are ways to give those plain sweats and tees a blast of personality, especially by incorporating some vintage pieces. At schools like University of Dayton and MCLA University, students have come up with creative ways to layer thrifted finds and retro vibes into their university apparel. Keep reading for 15 thrift flipping tips to customize your college style with vintage flair.
Find Oversized Button-Downs
An easy way to make college gear feel fresh is by layering it with vintage button-down shirts. Look for oversized styles in fun retro prints and colors from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Thrift stores are jam-packed with them! Throw on an oversized button-down over a college tee or sweatshirt to add some irony and interest. Cuff the sleeves and leave it open for a relaxed vibe.
Mix in Grandpa Cardigans
For a quirky cool look, pair university hoodies and pullovers with grandpa-style cardigans. The contrast between elegant knits and sporty college gear is super playful. Scout grandpa sweaters with fun Fair Isle prints and textures. Layer over sweatshirts on game days or wear open over a university tee and jeans.
Top It Off With Hats
Add vintage personality to your college attire by topping it off with a retro hat. Browse thrift shops for groovy 60s summer straw hats, 70s visors, 80s fanny packs you can wear as hats, and other fun finds. Let these accessories set the tone for customizing bland college gear in a funky direction.
Cuff Those Jeans
Cuffing or rolling jeans instantly gives them a vintage vibe. Thrift high-waisted Levi’s, Wranglers, or Mom jeans to wear with university sweatshirts. Cuff them to show off cool socks or retro-style sneakers. Add patches to the knees or thighs for extra custom flair. Cuffed vintage jeans + college gear = comfy and cool.
Wrap a Bandana
Bandanas can accessorize and customize college style with hippie or western vibes. Thrift wild printed silk squares or paisleys, then wrap or tie them into headbands or neck scarves. Bandanas work on their own or layered over hair for a DIY retro look that jazzes up boring university tees.
Belt It Up
Wide fabric belts are easy vintage accessories to find at thrift stores. Cinch one over an oversized college hoodie or button-down for some 70s or 80s fashion flair. Let the belt tails hang loose for extra style points. Pop one over a college tee and jeans too.
Round Up Cool Jackets
Oversized vintage jackets look amazing layered over college tees, sweatshirts, and blazers. Look for retro Levi’s and Wranglers, printed silk bombers, boxy tweed blazers, preppy letterman cardigans, and more. These pieces add a stylish twist to plain university gear.
Blend Eras With Vintage Tees
Mixing vintage tees with new college gear creates fun blended eras style. Thrift for tees representing past decades – 70s rock bands, 80s slogans, 90s cartoons. Layer under university sweatshirts, over blazers, or with cuffed jeans. Vintage graphics make for custom combos.
Rep Vintage College Gear
Browse thrift stores for vintage tees, sweatshirts, and hats from other colleges. Mix these in with current pieces from your university for eclectic layered style. Represent multiple schools from past generations while staying comfy.
Carry a Cool Bag
Customize your college look by toting books and gear in a funky vintage bag. Shop thrift stores for 70s leather satchels, 60s woven totes, iconic 80s fanny packs, and more. Let your unique find pull together a personalized style.
Go Full Grandpa
If you want to really commit to the grandpa gear look, go full vintage grandpa! Layer high-waisted pleated trousers, a button-down, and cardigan over a university tee. Top with a pageboy cap and shades. Quirky vintage guy style looks so chic and modern with college gear.
Play With Patterns
Mixing whimsical vintage prints with college gear creates such a fun look. Try compatible patterns like 70s florals with collegiate stripes or preppy plaids with varsity motifs. The bolder, the better for pattern-clashing style!
Raid Mom’s Closet
Moms can be a treasure trove for vintage finds if yours saved pieces from past decades. Raid her closet for boxy blazers, oversized jackets, retro jeans, and printed accessories. Pair mom’s vintage treasures with your college wardrobe for custom style.
Seek Skirts and Dresses
Feminine pieces like skirts and dresses make cute layering pieces over college tees and sweatshirts. Seek out retro mini skirts, boho maxis, 70s prints, and sheath dresses ideal for layering. Vintage layers transform tomboyish college style.
Play With Length
Have fun with proportions by layering cropped or oversized vintage pieces over college gear. Cropped button-downs, jackets and cardigans are so cute over hoodies. Oversized pieces add slouchy cool. Go long or short for unexpected style.
With a little thrift store treasure hunting, you can give lackluster college clothes new life by mixing in vintage personality. Layer up with thrifted button-downs, sweaters, tees, and accessories galore. Stamp basic university gear with retro vibes and one-of-a-kind flair.
Tie-Dye Everything
Boring college gear could definitely use a colorful makeover. One of the best ways to transform bland university apparel into wearable art is by breaking out the tie-dye! Students at schools like University of Dayton and MCLA University have embraced the endless creative possibilities of DIY tie-dyeing. Read on for 15 far-out tie-dye tips and tricks to give your college wardrobe a blast of groovy color and style.
Swirly Shirts
The classic tie-dye shirt never goes out of style. Grab some plain t-shirts, crewnecks, or tanks from your college bookstore and have fun twisting, tying, and dying them into cool swirling patterns. Use rubber bands or clamps to create spirals, stripes, and bursts of color. The options for groovy designs are infinite when you DIY dye.
Ombre Everything
An ombre tie-dye effect looks so cool, especially on college sweatshirts and tees. Tie-dye just the ends or sleeves of a garment for a faded color effect. Use light and dark shades that blend beautifully. Ombre adds a modern vibe to retro tie-dye style.
Rainbow Hats
Make a college baseball hat your new favorite accessory by tie-dyeing it in fun rainbow colors. Soak, twist, and dye to create cool patterns, or dip dye just the bill or sides for more subtle ombre hues. A rainbow hat complements any tie-dye outfit.
Dyed Sweats
Sweatpants and hoodies are prime for tie-dye makeovers. Dyeing college loungewear is a classic way to rep your school colors with an artistic twist. Use bold school colors or go for a groovy rainbow swirl – either way, dyed sweats equal style points.
Bandanas
Tie-dye round cotton bandanas using twist or spiral techniques to create awesome patterns like sunbursts. Fold in triangles and clamp before dyeing. These make great face masks or headbands and add hippie flair to any college look.
Socks!
Plain white tube socks are begging to be jazzed up with tie-dye! Scrunch and clamp them to create cool stripes and squiggles. These add subtle pops of color when paired with sneakers or sandals. DIY colorful socks show off your artsy spirit.
Shorts & Pants
Don’t forget your bottoms! DIY tie-dye leggings, jean shorts, khakis, and more for far-out college style from head to toe. Use bold stripes or subtle ombre dyes. Rainbow pants make any college tee or hoodie more fun.
Jackets & Vests
Top off tie-dye tees and tanks with a matching dyed jacket or vest. Jackets look awesome with bold rainbow swirls or ombre shades. sew or safety pin bunches in a vest before dyeing for rad 60s-70s style.
Sneakers
Make your kicks POP with custom tie-dyed paint jobs. Grab a pair of canvas sneakers from the thrift store, then swirl on bright fabric paints. Add rainbows, squiggles, and dots for far-out feet.
Backpacks
Don’t forget to dye your bookbag or backpack! A rainbow tie-dye pack looks so cool on campus and is easy to DIY. Dye prewashed canvas bags or cinch and dye fabric backpacks for one-of-a-kind carrying style.
Scarves & Wraps
Tie-dye oversized cotton bandanas, scarves, or shawls for tons of styling versatility. Drape around your neck, wrap around a bun, or tie onto a bag. Ombre-dyed wraps make breezy colorful additions to any college outfit.
Towels
Make showers more fun with colorful dyed towels and washcloths. Tie-dyeing white cotton towels is super easy and adds funky flair to a dorm room. Wrap up in a vibrant rainbow towel after bathing!
Sheets & Comforters
Give your dorm bed a makeover with tie-dyed sheets and comforters for a blast of color. Use school colors for team spirit or rainbow colors for creativity. DIY dyed bedding makes a style statement.
Masks
Stay safe in style with a tie-dyed face mask! DIY patterns and colors complement your other dyed gear. Use stretchy t-shirt material or tightly woven cotton so they’re effective too.
Everything!
Honestly, you can tie-dye pretty much any white or light colored item for instantly artsy style. Tees, tanks, socks, shoes, bags, hats, jackets – go wild and dye it all! The more rainbow gear, the better.
Tie-dye is the perfect way to transform bland college apparel into wearable rainbow art. Unleash your inner artist and DIY dye tees, sweats, jackets, hats, backpacks and everything in between. Deck yourself out in groovy patterns and colors for uniquely you style.
Make it a Sweatshirt Dress
Let’s be real – college sweatshirts aren’t always the most stylish pieces. But they’re comfy staples for chilling on campus and representing your school. That’s why students at University of Dayton, MCLA University and beyond have gotten creative, transforming their plain sweatshirts into cute dresses! Read on for 15 clever styling hacks to make your university sweatshirt feel flirty and fun by wearing it as an effortless dress.
Cinch it With a Belt
The easiest way to make a sweatshirt feel more dress-like is by belting it at the waist. Pop on a wide fabric belt over an oversized crewneck or hoodie to define your shape and add polish. Let belt ends hang loose for extra style. Wide corset belts work perfectly.
Layer Over a Turtleneck
For retro preppy style, layer your college sweatshirt dress over a fitted turtleneck bodysuit or long sleeve tee. Choose one in a complementing color and tuck it neatly into the sweatshirt. This gives a pulled together dress shape.
Bike Shorts Underneath
Elevate an oversized sweatshirt dress by wearing fitted bike shorts underneath. Go for a matching set in your school colors. The contrast of tight shorts under a boxy dress is so cute.
Add Ankle Boots
Finish your sweatshirt dress look with stylish ankle booties. Boots give the casual dress a bit of edge and polish. Try lug sole or western booties in black or brown leather. Heels optional!
Cuff the Sleeves
For an extra cute touch, cuff the sleeves of an oversized sweatshirt dress a few times. This gives it more of a dress shape and shows off bracelets stacked on your wrists. Keep the cuffs loose and casual.
Sneakers & Long Socks
Make your sweatshirt dress college-casual by pairing it with white sneakers and tall socks. Choose crew socks in a bright color that pops against the dress. Retro low top Converse or Vans look adorable.
Add Tights Underneath
Wear colored or patterned tights underneath a sweatshirt dress to make the look more flirty and put-together. Try cable knit tights in fall and winter or sheer black tights with mary janes.
Cute Backpack
A mini backpack worn over a sweatshirt dress keeps the look laid-back and cute for heading to class. Opt for pastel colors, soft materials, or fun patches. Let the straps hang loose.
Top With a Moto Jacket
Badass it up by topping your cozy sweatshirt dress with an edgy moto jacket. Black or white faux leather completes the dressy ensemble and adds downtown edge.
Make it Monochrome
For an elevated look, style your sweatshirt dress head to toe in one bold color like red, yellow or green. Monochrome dressing makes the humble dress feel chic and fashion-forward.
Add a Beanie
A pom pom beanie brings extra style and warmth to a sweatshirt dress worn in cooler weather. Choose one that complements your school colors – yellow with navy blue, for example. Playful meets practical.
Cinch With a Silk Scarf
Use a silky patterned scarf as a belt for a sweatshirt dress to make it feel more polished. Knot it loosely at the hip to define your shape without keeping you from staying cozy.
Jeans Jacket Over Top
For a casual way to style a sweatshirt dress, throw on a classic jeans jacket on top. A slightly oversized denim jacket gives it model-off-duty vibes.
Layer Chains
Make your college sweatshirt dress feel edgy and downtown chic by layering on chunky chain necklaces and bracelets. Wear one big statement chain necklace or mix multiple dainty ones.
With clever styling hacks like belts, boots, and layers, you can transform a slouchy college sweatshirt into a chic dress. Dress up this comfy staple in so many ways for cute, casual looks that show your school spirit in style!
Wear Leggings Underneath
College athleisure is super comfy, but sometimes plain sweats and hoodies need a bit of styling help. One hack students at University of Dayton, MCLA University and beyond rely on is layering colorful leggings under college gear basics. Leggings instantly make relaxed sweats and tees feel put-together and even a bit edgy. Read on for 15 creative ways to wear leggings under university apparel.
With Mesh Soccer Shorts
Make a sporty statement by wearing vibrant leggings under breezy mesh soccer shorts. Choose leggings in one of your school colors and rock them with an oversized college tee or hoodie too. This athleisure look is so cute yet comfy.
Under Ripped Jeans
Leggings peeking through distressed denim is such a chic combo for fall and winter. Pick black, gray or colored leggings to layer under ripped skinny jeans and flannels or sweaters.
With Tall Socks
Leggings styled with tall slouchy socks create such a cute casual vibe. Choose colorful or printed socks to match the leggings pair it all with sneakers and a college sweatshirt.
Under Skirts
Wear leggings under skirts and dresses to stay covered during colder months on campus. Opt for fleece-lined leggings under maxi skirts or sporty leggings under tennis skirts.
With Boots
Tuck leggings into slouchy boots – Uggs in winter or cowboy boots in fall – for a cute layered look. Leggings peeking out from boots complement oversized college sweatshirts perfectly.
Under Shorts
Wear leggings under athletic shorts, like running shorts, to stay covered during winter workouts on campus. Layer them under cotton shorts too.
With High-Waisted Jeans
For nightlife looks, pair leggings with high-waisted skinny jeans and heels. Crop or style the jeans over the leggings slightly. Finish with a silky cami and leather jacket.
Under Sweatpants
Give baggy college sweats a bit of shape and color by layering leggings underneath. The leggings peeking out from the sweatpants hem are so chic.
With Flannel
Stay cozy and look cute wearing leggings under oversized flannel shirts or plaid button-downs. This comfy look screams college style. Just add booties or sneakers.
Peekaboo hem
For a subtle leggings look, tuck a fitted college tee or blouse into leggings, letting just a hint of leggings show at the hem. This lengthens your legs and adds a pop of color.
With Heels
Dress up your leggings by pairing them with strappy heels and a silky cami for girls’ night out or date night. Finish with a chic jacket, like a cropped moto.
Under Short Dresses
Layer colorful or patterned leggings under casual short dresses and tunic tops for an extra layer of coverage and style. Play with different leggings and dress combos.
With Knee Socks
Leggings styled with preppy knee-high socks create such a cute nerdy look. Pair with sneakers or Mary Janes and an oversized college sweater.
With Slides
For a comfy dorm room look, wear leggings with fuzzy slide sandals and a college tee or hoodie. Bonus points if the slides match the leggings print.
Layer colorful, printed, or sparkly leggings under your relaxed college apparel to instantly dress it up. Leggings add interest and style to plain sweats, tees and hoodies with barely any effort required!
Pair With Ripped Denim
Jeans with rips and distressed details are wardrobe staples for college students everywhere. But plain denim can use some sprucing up. One easy styling trick is to pair ripped jeans with university tees, sweats and other college gear essentials. Students at University of Dayton, MCLA University and more rely on this combo to look casually cool on campus. Read on for 15 genius ways to style ripped denim with your college apparel.
Oversized Sweatshirts
An oversized college sweatshirt with ripped skinnies is a classic laidback campus look. Choose light denim washes to complement bold school colors. Cuff sweatshirt sleeves for a stylish touch.
Cropped Hoodies
Cropped hoodies are so cute with high-waisted ripped jeans. Opt for cropped college logo styles or DIY chop your own. Showing just a sliver of skin keeps this look flirty.
Mom Jeans
High-waisted, light-wash mom jeans look amazing with distressed details. Pair them with university tees, tanks, or sweaters tucked in. Add sneakers or sandals.
Boyfriend Jeans
Slouchy boyfriend jeans with rips and a college sweatshirt or flannel tied at the waist creates an effortlessly chill look. Go for relaxed appeal from head to toe.
Jean Jackets
A vintage washed jean jacket covered in iron-on patches gives off edgy vibes over ripped jeans. Contrast with a girly floral blouse or cropped cami.
Layered Tanks
Show some skin by layering cropped tanks under an unbuttoned ripped denim shirt or over ripped skinny jeans. Opt for tanks with college logos or themes.
Cuffed Sleeves
Cuffing the sleeves of a button-down or plaid flannel shirts styled with ripped jeans makes the look feel fresh. Play with single or double cuffs.
Band Tees
Vintage rock and band t-shirts always complement well-worn ripped jeans. Tuck in the tee or tie it up. Finish with boots or Chucks.
Athletic Wear
Sporty college sweatpants or joggers with sneakers and a logo tee or sweatshirt balance out edgy ripped denim. Go for a casual athletic vibe.
Tied Button-Downs
For preppy appeal, tie an oversized collared or denim button-down around your waist over a plain cropped tee and ripped light wash jeans.
Neutral Turtlenecks
A fitted neutral or white turtleneck under an open plaid flannel with ripped jeans just screams 90’s grunge. Keep accessories minimal.
Statement Jewelry
Make ripped distressed jeans evening-ready by pairing them with heels, a silky cami and layered statement necklaces in metals and stones. Dramatic accessories glam the look up.
Leather Jackets
Top ripped skinnies and a simple white tee with a moto leather or faux leather jacket for downtown edge. Choose black, gray, burgundy or bold colors.
High-Top Sneakers
Old school high-top Chucks, Vans or Converse add a pop of color and retro vibes to ripped jeans. Keep the denim light for high contrast.
Whatever your personal style, you can make ripped jeans feel cool and current by pairing them with college tees, hoodies, flannels and more. Distressed denim combined with university gear equals effortless casual style.
Merge Trends With a Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets are one of those timeless wardrobe staples that work with pretty much anything. Their versatility makes them perfect for layering over college gear to merge comfort with style. University of Dayton and MCLA University students often use bomber jackets to elevate basics like sweatshirts and tees. Read on for 15 ways to merge this classic jacket style with your university apparel.
Oversized Styles
Look for an oversized bomber in a cool material like leather, satin or metallic to layer over hoodies, dresses, and other college gear. Oversized bombers add instant edge.
Cropped Length
Cropped bomber jackets are super flattering for pairing with high-waisted jeans or leggings. Choose cropped satin bombers or retro athletic styles. Showing a sliver of midriff keeps the vibe cute.
Varsity Styles
Varsity bomber jackets with leather sleeves or contrast panels merge athletic and edgy. Layer them over college tees, tanks and sweats for a sporty downtown vibe.
Silky Finishes
Satin or silk bomber jackets lend luxury vibes, especially in unique jewel tones or black. Contrast the luxe finish with casual tees, joggers and sneakers.
Statement Graphics
Bombers with colorful prints, maps, florals or graffiti-style art elevate relaxed college apparel into wearable art. Seek graphic printed styles to make your gear pop.
Neutral Basics
A black, olive green, gray or tan bomber jacket complements any combination of university gear. Keep the jacket neutral to let shirts, sweatshirts or accessories shine.
Athleisure Appeal
For sporty style, pair an athletic nylon bomber with college sweatpants, leggings or yoga pants, plus sneakers. Contrast the jacket texture with soft knits.
Girly Touches
Feminize tomboyish college pieces like hoodies and joggers by topping them with a pastel pink or powder blue bomber. Floral bomber prints also lend dainty style.
Luxe Layers
Layer a velvet bomber over dressy tops or crewnecks for nights out. Velvet makes tees and tanks feel instantly luxe. Just add heels or booties.
Cropped Tops
Pair a cropped hoodie, tee or wrap top with high-waisted jeans and a bomber jacket on top. A hint of skin between the two layers is so chic.
Cinched Waists
Define the waist of an oversized bomber layered over a dress or baggy sweatshirt by belting it. Cinch it with any wide belt.
Monochrome
Style head-to-toe looks in one color balanced with a bomber jacket. For example, pair a yellow bomber with yellow jeans and college tee.
Downtown Cool
Clash an edgy moto jacket with feminine skirts, dresses and blouses. Leather or faux leather bombers add instant attitude.
Cropped Bottoms
Bombers elongate cropped wide leg pants, jeans and skirts. Try cuffing and rolling pants hems to contrast the cropped lengths.
The bomber jacket’s versatility makes it perfect for merging athleisure college wear with chic style. Layer this classic over tees, hoodies, sweats and more to elevate your look.
Go for an Oversized Fit
Let’s be honest – college gear isn’t always designed with flattering fits in mind. University sweatshirts, tees and hoodies tend to run pretty oversized for ultimate comfort. But students at schools like University of Dayton and MCLA University have gotten creative, styling those slouchy oversized pieces in cool ways. Keep reading for 15 tips to make oversized college apparel work for you.
Crop It
Cropping an oversized college sweatshirt instantly makes it feel fresh and fun. Go for raw chopped hems or neat folds. Cropped crewnecks and hoodies pair perfectly with high-waisted bottoms.
Cinch the Waist
Define the waist of an oversized tee, hoodie or button-down by belting it. Use leather, fabric or braided belts. This balances the loose top with a flattering shape.
Roll the Sleeves
Make those long oversized sleeves feel more versatile by rolling them up. Roll sweatshirt and flannel sleeves to 3/4 length for casual cool. Use multiple rolls for extra volume.
Tie It Up
For a DIY cropped effect, tie up the hem of an oversized university tee or sweatshirt. Make a neat knot or let the ends hang loose. This shows some skin and personalizes ill-fitting gear.
Layer It
Layer an oversized button-down or flannel over a fitted turtleneck or tank. Balance the loose top with a slim bottom half like leggings or skinny jeans.
Tuck It In
Tuck oversized tees and tanks into jeans, skirts or shorts to give them more structure. High-waisted bottoms keep the tucked top in place. Add a belt too.
Shrink It
Shrink an oversized cotton sweatshirt to fit better by washing it in hot water and drying on high heat. This shrinks it up a bit for a more tailored look and feel.
DIY Tailor It
Make an oversized college tee or flannel fit better by taking in the sides yourself. Sew simple tucks or darts to cinch in extra fabric at the waist or shoulders.
Let It Fall Off One Shoulder
Style an oversized sweatshirt, tee or button-down so it drapes off one shoulder for relaxed allure. Wear it over tanks and let one strap peek through.
Work the Half Tuck
Only tuck the front half of an oversized tee, blouse or button-down into pants. This defines your shape while keeping the casual flow.
Embrace the Bulk
If oversized fits are your jam, rock them proudly! Layer oversized crewnecks over baggy vintage jeans or leggings for a street style vibe.
Make a Knotted Crop
Knot the front hem of an oversized tee into a crop for a quick no-sew DIY style fix. Twist, tie and tuck the ends in. So cute!
Cuff the Sleeves and Hem
Cuffing oversized sleeves and hems adds structure and a bit of retro flair. Use multiple rolls for volume. Cuff jeans too!
Don’t hide inside shapeless oversized college wear – style it with tailoring tricks, layers and letting those cute cropped lengths peek through. Make the oversized look work for you!
Cuff the Sleeves
Simple button-downs, flannels, sweatshirts and tees make up so many college wardrobes. But plain long sleeves can use some sprucing up. One easy styling trick students at University of Dayton, MCLA University and beyond rely on is cuffing their sleeves. Rolling and cuffing sleeves adds structure and makes relaxed apparel feel fresh. Read on for 15 creative ways to cuff sleeves on college gear.
Double Cuff Button-Downs
Cuff button-down dress shirts neatly twice so the contrasting interior fabric peeks out. This gives a refined finish when layered under sweaters or blazers.
Scrunchie Sleeves
For extra volume, scrunch up sleeves before cuffing them. The fabric will billow out from the cuffs in a bubbled effect. So cute with sweaters!
varsity Cuffs
Cuff long striped rugby or baseball tees to show school pride. Keep the cuffs chunky for athletic flair. This works on raglan sleeve tees too.
Get Crafty With Pins
Decorate plain cuffs by attaching cute pins like animals, flowers or abstract shapes. Affix them to the outer side so they pop against the inner cuff color.
Crisp Casual Cuffs
Neatly cuffing an Oxford or denim button-down gives it a bit more polish. Contrast it with distressed denim and sneakers.
Match Sleeves to Collars
Choose button-downs with contrasting interior print or colors on the cuffs and collar to coordinate when rolled. Play up the pairings.
sweatshirt Couture
Cuffing oversized college crewneck or hoodie sleeves lends an unexpected touch. Keep the cuffs chunky and let them peak out under jackets.
Cropped and Cuffed
Roll up the sleeves and bottoms of an oversized button-down or sweater for a relaxed cropped look. The double cuffs add balance.
DIY Cutoffs
Make cut-off sleeve tees by rolling up sleeves and cutting across the fabric. Fraying gives off a vintage vibe. Pair with denim.
Go Full 80s
Scrunch sleeves to the max and secure with snaps or pins for an extreme pouf. Wear your cuffs loud and proud!
Cuff Beanies Too
Roll up beanies to coordinate cuffed sleeves for colder months. Go for a clean roll rather than overbunching.
Three-Quarter Length
For a subtle take, cuff sleeves to just below the elbow. This works on tees, button-downs, sweatshirts and more for retro attitude.
DIY Designs
Make plain sleeves pop by painting or tying colorful designs on the cuffs. Try stripes, patterns, flowers and shapes using fabric paint.
Stack Your Bangles
Show off stacked bracelets and wrist candy by pairing them with neatly cuffed sleeves. Contrast metals and textures.
Cuffing up sleeves is an effortless way to make casual college apparel feel a little more stylish. Roll up button-downs, sweatshirts, tees and more for a cute detail that shows off your wrist accessories!
Add Some Bling
Let’s be real – basic college gear can veer towards boring. Plain tees, sweatshirts and hats are practical staples for campus life but sometimes need a little razzle dazzle. One easy way University of Dayton and MCLA University students inject personality into their apparel is by adding some bling! A bit of sparkle elevates university style from dull to darling. Read on for 15 ideas to make your college wardrobe shine.
Rhinestone Letters
Glitz up college sweatshirts and tees by ironing on rhinestone letters. Spell out your name, sorority, fun words or phrases! Rhinestones make any garment feel fab.
Crystal Collars
Take a collarless basic tee from boring to beautiful by embellishing the neckline with crystals or rhinestones. Use hot-fix adhesives to attach them into chic designs.
Shiny Pins
Jazz up jackets, bags, hats and more with decorative pins adorned in jewels, pearls, chains, and sparkly accents. Affix them with pin backs or fabric glue.
Blinged-Out Badges
Make staff lanyards, keychains and badge reels more fun by covering badges in gemstones and glitter. Bedazzle the plastic coating for some shine.
Chains and Pendants
Layer necklaces and chains over college athletic jerseys, dresses and tees. Let long pendants drape over logos for luxe flair. Mix metals for extra edge.
Crystal Crowns
Transform ordinary baseball caps into glamorous gilded crowns by hot-gluing rhinestones and crystals across the front panels. Bling out your school spirit!
Glam Sneakers
Upgrade casual sneakers by decorating the sides with glitter, rhinestones, studs and charms. Use fabric glue to make designs sparkle.
Sequined Trim
Sew or iron strips of sequin trim onto sweaters, jacket collars and cardigan necklines. Choose colors that pop against the garment.
Glitter Prints
Make heathered hoodies and tees shine by painting or printing glittery designs across them. Use stencils or freehand sparkly shapes.
Jeweled Buttons
Replace plain buttons on cardigans, blazers and denim with colorful bejeweled and vintage glass styles. Scour second-hand shops for gems.
Embellished Patches
Sew studded, beaded and sequined iron-on patches onto jackets, backpacks, hats and more. Kitschy patches lend eclectic shine.
Blingy Belt Buckles
Swap boring belt buckles for ones adorned in jewels, pearls, chains and 3D embellishments. Look for antique, vintage and statement buckles.
Crystal Phone Cases
Bling out boring tech accessories! Adhere rhinestones and crystals to phone cases, laptop sleeves, and earbud cases.
Go bold and make your college style shine by adding opulent accents. Rhinestones, glitter, jewelry and more amp up the glam factor of everyday apparel.
Sport Your School Colors
Showing college spirit through wearing your school colors never goes out of style. But sometimes sporting university apparel and shades can feel uninspired. Students at schools like University of Dayton and MCLA University have found creative ways to rep their red, blue, green or yellow beyond just logo tees. Read on for 15 inventive ideas to wear your school’s signature hues in style.
Monochrome Looks
Rock your college’s color palette from head to toe! Coordinate jackets, tops, bottoms and accessories all within that color family. This creates a chic, modern vibe.
Bold Stripes
Look for tees, sweaters and sweatshirts with thick varsity stripes in your school colors. Rugby and baseball tees often feature bold striped trim and details.
Retro Tracksuits
Bring on the school spirit with vintage tracksuits featuring striped jackets and pants in your signature shades. Go for a retro athletic look.
Color Blocking
Layer different colored garments from your university’s palette for unique color-blocked style. For example, a red hoodie over a blue collared shirt.
Geometric Prints
Graphic prints featuring your college colors in geometric or abstract shapes give apparel an artistic vibe. Seek tees and sweatshirts with cool graphics.
Plaid Pieces
Incorporate preppy plaids that contain your school’s primary shades, like yellow and navy or red and black. Plaid button-downs, scarves and jackets rep colors with polish.
Statement Sneakers
Make your kicks pop by choosing vibrantly colored retro sneakers that match your college gear. Custom paint old white Converse or Vans if needed.
Striped Knee Socks
Slide into striped crew or knee socks sporting your signature shades. Pair with college tee and shorts combos.
One-Color Outfits
Style head-to-toe single color outfits using various pieces in different shades and textures within your school’s color scheme.
Pattern Pairing
Mix and match printed pieces like floral, tie-dye, plaid and striped that contain your college’s colors. Clash away with fun colors and patterns!
Colorful Conversations
Start a conversation about your alma mater by wearing conversation-starting garments in your signature shades. Others are bound to ask if you went there!
Caps and Hair Accessories
Top any look off with a baseball hat or headband in your college’s colors. Quick hair accessories show school spirit.
Manicure Madness
Paint your nails school colors or embellish with tiny decals. DIY nail art displays your university pride in a fun way.
Show your school colors creatively by coordinating athletic wear, retro pieces, prints, accessories and more. Rep those signature hues with flair from head to toe!
DIY Bleach Designs
Plain college gear could definitely use some sprucing up. While logo tees and hoodies are comfy staples, they can get a bit boring. One easy DIY hack to transform basic university apparel is bleaching! Students at University of Dayton, MCLA University and beyond have gotten creative with splatter patterns, ombre dips, and stenciled designs that make gear uniquely theirs. Read on for 15 tips to DIY bleach university clothes.
Ombre Dyeing
Dip dye the hems or sleeves of shirts and hoodies using diluted bleach to create an ombre fade effect. This also looks cool on backpacks and hats!
Abstract Art
Make one-of-a-kind pieces by splattering or splashing diluted bleach onto tees and sweatshirts. Watch unique prints appear before your eyes.
Bleachedgraphics
Keep logos intact but bleach around them to make them pop against colorful designs. Use stencils to create geometric shapes and lines.
Fade to White
For an extreme bleached look, soak solid black or dark pieces entirely in bleach diluted with water. They’ll fade to super distressed white.
Off-Center Designs
Bleach an asymmetrical graphic on a tee or hoodie, like a phrase across the shoulder or an abstract shape on the side. Embrace imperfection.
Oversized Art
Use large stencils to create big bleached out motifs and designs on oversized sweatshirts and tees. Think pandas, flowers, dinosaurs!
Doodles
Draw and doodle bleach designs freehand to give gear one-of-a-kind flair. Let your creativity shine through with original art.
Spot Bleach
Dot tees and hoodies with splatters of bleach using an old toothbrush for a cool distressed effect. It’s like reverse tie-dye.
Bleached Cutoffs
Chop sweatshirts and tees into cropped lengths, then splatter the cut edges with bleach. Fraying and splattering create grunge appeal.
Stripes
Wrap elastic bands around sleeves, hems and collars before bleaching to create a striped effect. Use thick and thin bands for contrast.
Textured Touch
Add bleach through stencils with holes, netting, doilies or lace overtop to imprint cool distressed textures and patterns onto tees.
Statement Backs
Bleach bold graphics or phrases onto the back panel of shirts, hoodies and jackets for eye-catching designs.
Rep Your Crew
Bleach customized phrases like “Jones Hall Crew” or your group of friends’ names onto shirts and sweatshirts to rep your squad.
Bleached Denim
Transform plain denim jackets and jeans with unique bleached designs. They’ll stand out from the crowd.
Unleash your inner artist and give tired college apparel new life through the magic of bleach. DIY ombre, splatters, graphics and more!
Get Creative With Cutoffs
Cutting up old college tees and sweatshirts to make your own cropped tops and unique pieces is a super fun way to refresh your university wardrobe. Students at University of Dayton, MCLA University and campuses nationwide are getting creative with cutoff DIY projects that transform oversized or dated apparel into stylish new looks. Read on for 15 ways to innovatively cut up, DIY and style cutoff college gear.
The Classic Tee
Crop boxy t-shirts to show off high-waisted bottoms, a toned tummy or belly button piercing. Chop longer tees into squared-off cropped lengths.
The Twist Knot
For a flirty take, twist up an oversized tee and knot it to create a draped open back with a cropped front hem. Fun and flirty for leggings.
The One-Shoulder
Cut tee sleeves short and slash the neckline wide to create a cool one-shoulder asymmetrical look. Style with jeans for weekend vibes.
The Backless Top
Cut out the entire back panel of a loose tee, leaving just the neckline intact to make a daring open-back shirt. Revealing yet artsy.
The Tank Chop
Make a razorback by cutting a standard crew neck tank top down the center. Slice off sleeves to make a muscle shirt. Simple but statement-making.
The Fringed Hoodie
Chop long hoodie sleeves short and leave raw unfinished edges. Cut the hemline into fringe for a grungy cropped look with attitude.
The Knotted Midriff
Tie a college tee into a midriff-baring crop top. Gather and knot the fabric just under your chest. Flaunt that fab waistline.
The Shirttail Hem
Leave extended tails hanging when you crop a button-down or plaid flannel shirt. Tie the tails into knots for an edgy DIY detail.
The Side-Tie
Tie tee or sweatshirt hems into knots at your waist for improvised crop tops. Let the ends hang out to show some skin.
The Laced Up Sweater
Slice up an old oversized sweater then lace up the front with ribbon. Sexy peek-a-boo vibes and totally customizable.
The Scarf Top
Shred up old tees by making strategic slices to create DIY scarf halter or bandeau tops. Rock boho beach goddess vibes.
The Braided Strand
Braid together strips of fabric from old tees to make textured bracelets, headbands and chokers. Repurpose every scrap.
The Fashionable Fringe
Cut long fringe into tank tops, sweatshirts, or sleeves for a boho vibe. The more fringe flutter, the better.
The Lettuce Trim
Snip all hems into zig-zagged lettuce edging. It looks totally fresh and fun on crops, sleeves and necklines.
With some strategic snipping and creative knotting, the wardrobe possibilities are endless for cut-off college gear DIY projects. Cut, tie and style for custom pieces!
Channel ’90s Nostalgia
The 90s are back in a big way when it comes to fashion. From crop tops to chokers to mom jeans, college students love paying homage to the funky decades of their childhood. And styling college gear with nostalgic ’90s pieces is an easy way to refresh your look. Students at University of Dayton, MCLA University and more are reinventing their sweats and tees by pairing them with iconic retro accessories and silhouettes. Keep reading for 15 ideas to make your university apparel channel the best of the 90s.
Scrunchies
Top off a ponytail with a big satin scrunchie for a blast from the past. Coordinate it with your college colors for perfect throwback style.
Windbreakers
Windbreakers were athleisure staples in the 90s. Snag one from a vintage shop to layer over hoodies and tees.
Chokers
Chokers create such a cool contrast layered over crew neck sweatshirts. Look for dainty velvet or tattoo style chokers.
Mom Jeans
High-waisted light wash denim is so on trend again. Cuff the bottoms and style mom jeans with cropped sweatshirts.
Logo Tees
Nobody did logo tees better than the 90s. Find vintage printed tees at secondhand shops to layer under overalls or plaid shirts.
Bandanas
Use paisley and graphic print bandanas from the 90s as face masks, headbands, tops, and more. Totally versatile throwback accessory.
Fanny Packs
Fanny packs are back – style them around your waist or across your chest like the 90s! Useful and nostalgic.
Slip Dresses
Layer a silky 90s-style slip dress over a plain college tee. The contrast is so chic.
Jelly Sandals
Every 90s girl had these rubbery jelly sandals. Grab a pair to finish relaxed athletic looks.
Overalls
Denim overalls were such a staple. Find vintage high-waisted styles to pair with cropped tees and sneakers.
Tattoos
90s-style temporary tattoos are fun flair for music festivals or parties. Place them on your cheek or shoulder.
Scrunch Socks
Scrunched white sport socks were central to 90s style. Pair them with Birkenstocks or sneakers.
Plaid Flannels
Grunge up relaxed college tees and leggings by tying oversized plaid flannel shirts around your waist.
Chunky Shoes
Massive platform sneakers and sandals are so 90s. Style them with leggings, mini skirts and bike shorts.
Have fun with fashion by merging college gear staples with iconic retro pieces. Scrunchies, logo tees, overalls and more bring back fabulous 90s style!
Have Fun With Your Style
College is the perfect time to take fashion risks and show off your unique personal style. While university apparel and athleisure staples are comfy go-tos, don’t be afraid to get creative! Students at University of Dayton, MCLA University and campuses across the country are proving you can have fun with your college style while still repping school pride. Read on for 15 tips to make your university gear uniquely you.
Experiment With Patterns
Mix and match prints like florals, stripes, tie-dye, camo and polka dots to create eclectic patterned style. Clash colors and prints with confidence!
Accessorize Boldly
Make any college outfit more playful by piling on funky accessories. Try colorful shoes, chunky statement jewels, bags with character.
Be Yourself
Show off your interests and personality through your clothing and accessories. Rep bands, sports teams, causes or quirky phrases you love.
Thrift for Vintage
Skip the mall and go thrifting for rare vintage treasures and unique retro finds. Second-hand pieces make college style pop.
DIY Your Denim
Make denim entirely your own by distressing, tie-dyeing, bleaching, embroidering, and decorating thrift store finds.
Layer Creatively
Have fun mixing textures, silhouettes and proportions. Try an oversized button-down over leggings, a cropped hoodie with a midi skirt.
Customize Your Kicks
Make average sneakers the star of your outfit by getting creative with paint, markers, patches and bling. DIY shoe makeovers are so rad.
Don’t Be Afraid of Color
Brighten up your university gear with vibrant colors and eye-catching rainbow combos. Rainbows really do go with everything!
Tape And Pin For Unique Details
Make simple clothing more interesting by taping, pinning or clipping on unique touches like brooches, patches, pins or fabric pieces.
Just Go For It!
Wear what makes you happy, whether it’s crazy prints, wild colors, dress-over-pants or clashing eras. Confidence is the best accessory.
DIY Bleach Artwork
Make boring college gear uniquely yours by splattering, tie-dyeing or drawing designs with bleach. Totally customizable flair.
Design Your Own
For full creative control, design your own prints and graphics on sites like Zazzle and Redbubble to apply to clothing and accessories.
Customize With Patches
Make jackets, bags, hats and more uniquely you by creatively placing cool iron-on patches. So many options!
College is the time to take fashion from bland to bold. Have fun with prints, colors, layers and accessories to show off your personal style on campus!