Say goodbye to high school trends in the fall. Once on a college campus, things change… Say goodbye to high school trends in the fall. Once on a college campus, things change drastically in the fashion circuit, and new students will find that past trends are less important to their current academic environment.

Certain high school stereotypes extend to the extremes, but in college, they are drastically less prevalent. Students who once found all of their friends wearing polos, sporting spiked hair or only dressing in sweatshirts will find a huge difference on a college campus.

During high school, it’s very easy to get wrapped up in a certain persona. But college is the place to abandon the stereotypes, and come into a real personality that is more original and innate. Your fashion choices can often play a role in that transformation.

On campus, there are fewer distinctions between students. Cliques and groups are less prevalent, creating a more equal social atmosphere. Students tend to wear similar clothing without too many extreme pieces that were popular in high school.

Clothing items like bright, orange pants or a clown-like bow are best left for Halloween. Though certain items may still have a place in your wardrobe, most of them are not appropriate for day-to-day classes.

Instead of buying into the costume-like appearances that some students chose to wear in high school, the college fashion scene values style in a more sophisticated way.

Consider leaving the loud, drastic pieces at home. Though some articles of clothing will have a place in your college closet, you will find that many are not appropriate for the walk to and from campus. Simplicity is the easiest option.

But that’s not to say trends don’t exist. The North Face jacket — a Pittsburgh staple — is a popular choice among students. Because of its simplistic look and warmth, the North Face jacket is an easy choice when it comes to outerwear, and many students gravitate toward it.

Hunter rain boots, another weather-appropriate clothing item, are becoming more popular on campus. They come in a variety of colors, and will keep your feet dry from the Pittsburgh puddles. Add a pair of liners to the boots and they can even transcend into winter boots.

Regardless of the trends, there is still a space for change in style. Students should not expect to remain exactly as they did in the past and have the option to completely reinvent their personalities.

There are certain staples in a college closet that never go out of style and will help to maintain simplicity. Classic T-shirts, jeans and jackets are easy to find and will go with everything. These pieces are good for both male and female wardrobes, and leave ample space to add interesting accessories.

Once you’ve established a base, build off of it with your new look. Incorporate pieces of your past, as well as items you find while living in Pittsburgh. With a simple look, it is much easier to include scarves, earrings and belts, turning the base into an outfit.

But all fashion advice must come with a grain of salt. It isn’t conducive to abandon your past self entirely — there are certain things you will want to keep. Consider the change in situation and how that will affect your wardrobe, but be sure to continue to maintain a sense of self.