25 Style Tips for College Guys (Quick and Easy)

Are you a college guy looking for quick and easy style tips to look your best? Then you’re in the right place.

As a guy in college, there are a few simple style tricks that you can do to elevate your personal style. Whether it’s for walking around campus, hanging out in your dorm room, attending lectures or going to parties, looking your best will make you feel confident.

Many guys in college won’t put a lot of effort into their style and the way they look. This is a mistake!

By following these fashion tips, you’ll look better than the other college guys and will surely standout on campus.

In this post, I share 25 practical and style tips for guys in college. You’ll also learn some style mistakes college guys should avoid make and how to upgrade your style.

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25 Style Tips For College guys

1. Invest in the Basics

Investing in basic pieces for your wardrobe is the first step to levelling up your personal style. It’s important to have a few fashion basics that fit nicely and are trendy year over year.

Having a few basic items for your wardrobe will make your college life so much easier. A nice pair of jeans, a few sweaters, nice shoes and t-shirts are fashion basics that every guy should have.

If you’re a college student on a budget, you can find all of these clothing items at stores like H&M, ZARA, and Uniqlo. Your fashion basics don’t have to be expensive, they just have to be versatile and have a nice fit.

2. Focus On Versatility

Trust me, I know how it feels to be a college student on a budget. However, versatile pieces can actually save you money. By building a versatile wardrobe, you’ll be able to create many outfits and looks for different occasions.

These are some great versatile basics that will get you through the semester.

When you’re shopping for a pair of jeans, shirts, or shoes, it’s essential for them to be versatile. That way, you can wear the same pants, shirts and shoes to college classes, around campus and to parties.

For example, a pair of blue denim jeans, a pair of black joggers, a pack of white t-shirts, a couple of crewnecks or sweaters are clothing items that can mix and match. When it comes to shoes, black or white shoes are great for everyday wear and parties.

When you’re buying your versatile clothing, try to choose clothes in neutral colors. Neutral colors are more versatile and it will make putting a nice outfit together easier.

Building a versatile wardrobe is a serious game changer and it will make it easier than ever for you to dress nicely.

3. Layer Your Outfits

If you want to take your outfits and personal style to the next level, there’s a little known trick that most guys don’t know! All you need to do is layer your outfits.

As a college guy, wearing a white t-shirt or graphic t-shirt is pretty basic. Wearing these tops will have you looking like every other college student who puts minimal effort into their outfits.

Instead, you are going to want to wear a t-shirt with a sweater on top. A knit sweater, cardigan sweater, half-zip or crewneck sweater, all look very nice. Accessorizing your look by wearing a bag (backpacks and cross-body bags are great), scarf, and a watch or other jewelry.

If you live in a cold weather climate, be sure to layer your outfits for both style and function. Winter and Fall are two seasons where you can really elevate your personal style be layering your outfits.

Try wearing puffer jackets, leather jackets, bomber jackets, or peacoat on top of your outfit. Don’t forget your hat, gloves and a scarf!

Related: 12 Best Backpacks For College Guys

4. Always Try on New Clothing

As a college guy, I know it can be easy to purchasing clothing without trying it on. If you’re like most men, then you want to get your shopping over with as soon as possible. However, this is a really bad idea.

When you buy clothes without trying it on, you are taking a huge gamble. It’s so important to try on your clothes, to make sure that it fits your body type the right way.

Next time you go shopping, try on your clothes first and make sure it fits your body type the way you like.

Something that many guys don’t realize is that every clothing brand has it’s own unique fit. This means, that if a shirt is a size medium, it may fit like a size large. Pants, jeans and suits also all have a different fit, even if you’re used to buying the same brand.

Whether you shop online or in stores, be sure to try your outfit (with the proper shoes) to make sure it works for you. You can do this at home if you prefer not to wait in line at the changing rooms at the mall.

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5. Wear Timeless Clothing

Sure, wearing the latest fashion trends is a great way to fit in. However, fashion trends come and go, so it’s better to purchase timeless clothing styles.

In my first year of college, I made the mistake of buying clothing that was too trendy. Sure, the clothes look good for a semester. However, by the next semester that clothes was out of style and it looked tacky.

Not only did I need to get new clothes, but I was annoyed that I wasted money on fashion trends instead of classics.

After that experience, I focused on getting clothing with a timeless look. This way, I can keep the same clothes for years and I can always have a stylish look.

Related: Best Fast Fashion Brands – How to Be Stylish on a Budget

6. Do Your Hair

A mistake a lot of guys make is not doing their hair when they go to class or hang out with friends.

In college, a lot of students that will wear hats around college campus because it’s convenient. I’d be lying if I said that I never wore hats to class.

However, if you’re trying to level up your personal style, then style your hair every day. Having a fresh haircut and styling your hair is a very easy way to improve your look and always look well groomed.

Styling your hair is the one of the easiest ways to have a classy look and to be that guy that always looks good.

7. Invest In a Good Backpack

Investing in a good backpack is something every single college student should do. When you’re in college, your backpack is an extension of you.

You will be wearing your backpack to lectures, around campus and your dorm. It’s important that you have the right backpack for your personal needs and a backpack that is stylish.

If you want a backpack that is nice, check out leather backpacks. Leather backpacks have an elegant and classy look. When you wear a leather backpack, it makes it seem as if you have a good fashion sense.

If you need a new backpack, check out this article: 12 Best Backpacks For College Guys – By a Recent Graduate

8. Experiment with Different Styles

College is a great time to experiment with different looks and take your style game to the next level. Wearing the latest fast fashion trends may seem cool, but then you will look like everyone else.

It’s important to experiment with different styles, so you can develop your own personal style. When you’re putting together your casual outfits, experiment with different colors, materials and patterns.

Typically, the people in college with great style are the ones who are not afraid to be different. For example, you can incorporate some skater boy graphic t-shirts into your style.

If you want to try different styles, but you’re not sure where to start, check out your local thrift shop. The thrift store has plenty of retro clothing and different styles that can look very cool.

Right now, thrifting is very popular among college students who want to have their own unique style.

9. Always Wear Clean Clothes

A style mistake that some guys will make in college, is wearing dirty clothes. This is a bad idea for obvious reasons, but it happens.

Never wear clothing that’s stained or wrinkled, as it will reflect on you.

It’s important to have clean clothing for everyday of the week. It can be hard to do the laundry in college, but it is impossible to look stylish while wearing dirty clothing.

You also want to make sure that your clothes does not smell. It’s important to use laundry detergent and dryer sheets so your clothes smells fresh and clean. A little bit of cologne will help as well.

Related: 12 Best Colognes for College Guys (That Girls Love)

10. Pay Attention to Details

One of the keys to looking better in college, is to pay attention to details. When you’re putting together an outfit, make sure your top and pants look good together. You can take this a step further by pairing up your shoes with the rest of you outfit.

Other details to look out for is the color of your belt, the color of your shoe laces, matching your accessories and incorporating different materials into your outfits.

It may seem overwhelming at first, but paying attention to details will make a huge difference. The small details can turn an average looking outfit, into a stylish outfit.

Related: 12 Best Sneaker Brands this Year (Running Shoes, Luxury Shoes, Casual Shoes)

11. Workout

College is a great time to become the best version of yourself. By working out, not only will your clothing fit better, but you will feel more confident.

Working out is a priceless style tip as it has so many benefits. Your arms, chest and shoulders will look stronger and more muscular, which will enhance your overall appearance.

Consider going to the school gym with a friend and working out. You can also join a sports team or swimming club. Being physically active will even help you with your social life and relieve some of the stress of college life and academics.

Related: How to Make Friends in College – By a Recent Graduate

12. Spend Money on Quality Clothing

Spending money on quality clothing can actually be a very good investment in college. When I put together my outfits, I always try to save money on the basics and invest in the focal points of my outfit.

For example, I will buy cheap pants and plain t-shirts because they are the base layers of my outfit. I will spend more money on a nice sweater, a polo shirt, and a pair shoes because they are the first thing somebody will notice when they look at my outfit.

Buying high quality sweaters from Lacoste, Polo Ralph Lauren and Hugo Boss is a good idea. The quality is very good, they are recognizable brands and they will last for a long time.

Related: 50 Genius Style Tips for Skinny Guys to Look More Attractive

Fashion Mistakes College Guys Should Avoid

13. Wearing Damage Clothing

If your clothing has holes or rips in it, it’s time to throw it away (except for ripped jeans!). I know, it sucks when your clothes gets a hole, but it just doesn’t look good once it’s ripped.

14. Ignoring the Dress Code

In college, you may have a dress code or some basic rules that every student is supposed to follow. There is nothing cool about being rebellious and not following the dress code.

It’s pretty simple, just follow the dress code and wear nice outfits. If you’re wearing nice clothes while other students are trying to break the rules, you will look better.

15. Not Grooming

Not grooming is one of the biggest fashion mistakes any college guy can make. If you have a nice outfit and you have messy hair and an overgrown beard, you won’t look good.

It doesn’t cost a lot of money or take a lot of time to be well groomed, and it makes a huge difference. So take the time to get a haircut and to shave regularly.

16. Skinny Jeans

At one time, skinny jeans were extremely popular. However, nowadays skinny jeans just aren’t cool anymore. Instead of wearing skinny jeans, try wearing a pair of slim-fit or relaxed jeans.

The Levi’s 510’s are a great option that is very popular among college students this year.

17. Wearing Dirty Clothes

Dirty clothes can be worn around your dorm room, but they should never be worn around campus. Wearing dirty clothes will make you look sloppy and it is a huge style mistake.

Instead, get in the habit of doing your laundry and plan your outfits out in advance.

Related: 20 Popular Board Games For College Students

How College Guys Can Upgrade Their Style

18. Focus on Your Shoes

When somebody meets you for the first time, one of the first things they will notice is your shoes. It’s important to have a stylish and clean pair of shoes.

A new or clean pair of shoes will upgrade your style and improve the way your outfits look.

If you’re looking for a new pair of shoes, check out this article: 20 Best Shoes College Guys Should Wear (by a College Student)

19. Use Cologne

Using cologne is a great way to smell better and upgrade your style. Most guys think style only has to do with the clothes on their body, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Smelling good is an essential part to being stylish. You can wear all the stylish clothing in the world, but smelling nice will really take your outfits to the next level.

Related: 12 Most Popular Colognes for College Guys

20. Accessorize Your Outfits

A great way to upgrade your style is by accessorizing your outfits. In college, wearing an outfit that isn’t accessorized, just won’t cut it.

Here are some ways you can accessorize your outfit in college:

• Watch
• Necklace
• Rings
• Bag
• Hat (for outdoors)
• Scarf
• Chains

21. Hang Your Clothes

Hanging your clothes will make it easier to choose your outfits, it saves storage space in your dorm room and it reduces wrinkles. Getting in the habit of hanging your clothes will pay huge dividends, as it will extend the lifespan of your clothing.

Related: 20 College Dorm Decorations for Guys

22. Incorporate Patterns

Wearing neutral colors is a great way to put together versatile outfits. However, incorporating patterns is a great way to develop your own unique style and to enhance your look.

Stripes, plaid and textured fabrics are a great way to incorporate patterns into your personal style.

23. Try Different Footwear

Every college student should have a pair of running shoes for daily wear. However, experimenting with different footwear styles like loafers, leather shoes, and dress shoes, is also a good idea.

In college, every student wears the same types of shoes. Whether it’s a pair of Nike Air Force 1’s, Nike Dunks, Nike Blazers, Adidas Stan Smiths or New Balance 550’s, all of these shoes have a different look.

Consider trying a different style of shoes, so you can stand out from the rest of the guys in college.

Related: 9 Types of Shoes Every Guy Should Own

24. Keep Up with the Latest Trends

In college, keeping up with the latest trends can be very challenging. If you want to keep up with the latest fashion trends follow fashion blogs like mine, watch YouTube videos and use Instagram and TikTok for inspiration.

Keeping up with the latest fashion trends is a great way to look stylish and to upgrade your personal style. These items don’t have to be expensive, but they will help to keep you looking up to date and in style.

25. Iron Your Clothing

Ironing your clothing will make a big difference and instantly improve the way you look. Wearing shirts and sweaters that are wrinkled makes you look very sloppy.

When you’re in college, your outfit will directly reflect who you are. It’s no longer like high school, where you can wear whatever you want to school. It’s important that your outfits are well put together and look clean.

Invest in a small iron or clothes steamer that you can use in your dorm room. An iron will come in handy and it will take all the creases out of your tops and pants.

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• Best College Party Outfits for Guys (by a college student)
• Best College Party Shoes For Girls & Guys – Complete Guide
• 15 Proven Ways to Make Your Teacher Like You in College

Final Thoughts on Style Tips For College Guys

Upgrading your style as a college guy is a great way to make a positive impression and look your best. By following these style tips, you will become more confident and look more stylish than ever.

Applying all of these style tips at once might be overwhelming. So don’t be afraid to apply these style hacks slowly and to ask other for their feedback on your wardrobe.

In this post, I shared tons of easy and quick style tips for college guys, style mistakes college guys should avoid and a few ways guys can upgrade their style.