While most college students opt for casual outfits, fashion school students often dress more stylishly for class than for any other activity. This is part of their journey to explore personal style and shape the future of the fashion industry. As they study fashion design, merchandising, advertising, and more, these students push the boundaries of campus fashion.
“I love going to fashion school because you can wear anything you want,” says Gianna Caldera, a second-year fashion marketing student at LIM College and online creator. She explains that students often draw inspiration from each other, constantly evolving their personal styles.
“Anything goes,” agrees Skye Andrews, a third-year advertising and marketing communications major at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). “People take risks, have fun, and wear anything and everything. It makes you think twice about your own closet. Fashion school really brings you out of your comfort zone.”
Fashion students occupy a unique space in the fashion world. Despite having limited budgets, their knowledge of design and style is advanced, allowing them to make thoughtful clothing choices. “I look at the inside of garments to see the finishes and stitches used,” says Iris Riddle, a third-year fashion design student at Parsons School of Design. “I can tell if a piece is durable just by looking at it.”
To ensure quality and fit, many fashion students prefer in-person shopping over online stores, often opting for secondhand items. “The majority of my closet is secondhand,” says Andrews. “It’s cost-effective, sustainable, and you can find some of the coolest, most unique pieces that way.” Thrifting also serves as a relaxing hobby for some students, offering a chance to unwind while discovering inspiration. “The thrill of the hunt is fun,” says Kieva Brady, a senior fashion design student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). “It’s exciting to find something that has been loved before and now I get to cherish it.”
Popular secondhand and vintage stores in New York City include Select Vintage and Second Street, while students across the U.S. shop on platforms like Depop, Poshmark, and eBay. They also attend sample sales and support local businesses that prioritize sustainability. “My go-to online retailers are Ssense and The RealReal,” says Maddy Osborne, a junior fashion design student at SCAD Atlanta. “Back in New Orleans, I support small, women-owned shops with unique vintage items, like Century Girl and Blue Dream.”
When items don’t fit perfectly, fashion students often tailor them themselves. “Being a fashion major means I can buy things to upcycle and make them more functional,” says Van Le, a senior at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. “Learning how to knit and create things from scratch is really fun.”
Thrifting, upcycling, and designing clothes not only help students express individuality but also allow them to avoid the harmful effects of fast fashion. “Socially, fast fashion is shunned,” says Andrews of the FIT student body. “People are becoming more aware of its negative impact, and it’s no longer acceptable.”
Fast fashion’s environmental and social consequences are key topics in many fashion school curriculums. However, students acknowledge that fast fashion can be an accessible option for young people, including themselves.
“At first, fast fashion is your entry point to fashion,” says Imani Woodard, a third-year FIT student studying entrepreneurship for fashion and design. “But fashion school opened me up to a whole new world of fashion.”
Woodard now approaches trends more thoughtfully. “I understand the difference between quality and quantity,” she explains. “When you’re a teenager, it’s easy to follow trends without understanding their impact. But now, I invest in high-quality pieces that I’ll wear for years, even after trends fade.”
For those looking to build a sustainable wardrobe, students emphasize the importance of understanding personal style. “If people invest time in knowing themselves, shopping will be more enjoyable,” Woodard says. “Instead of chasing trends, focus on creating a wardrobe you love.”
Patience is key when curating a wardrobe, according to fashion students. “I spent the whole summer searching for the perfect pair of capri pants,” says Riddle. “If you rush into purchases, you often settle for something less than what you really want.”
“I’m trying to slow down how often I buy clothes and wait longer between purchases so I can invest in something that will last,” says Hollis Maxson, a senior fashion design student at SCAD.
However, not everyone can afford to avoid fast fashion. “Not everyone has the privilege to skip fast fashion,” says Erin Bond, a fourth-year fashion design student at Otis College. “Unless we create quality, affordable fashion for people with limited budgets, fast fashion will always exist.”
Students encourage consumers to buy secondhand when possible. “Even if it’s not 100% sustainable, buying secondhand means you’re not contributing to the waste issue,” Caldera advises. “Platforms like Depop help you make more conscious choices.”
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