by Robert Protulis

photos by Alyssa Silvestri  

 

    So, you didn’t grow up in a city.  Maybe you’ve never even set foot in a town where the lights stay on after 10 pm.  But you’ve just gotten into the college of your dreams and you’re about to start life in a glittering, fashion-forward metropolis. Need help blending in? That “street chic” look is not easily thrown together. It requires both planning and great attention to detail.

How you wear the clothes is often more important than what you wear. Pick items that are fitted, but not tight enough to hinder movement. You can often find places that will tailor your clothes inexpensively, but more and more lower end designers have started including more darting in their clothes for better fits. United Colors of Benetton and Zara carry great options to let you look your chicest and frequently have great sales.

The quality of the fabric is also a major part of pulling off this look. Carefully look at seams while you are in the store.  Chances are if it’s already fraying before you bring it home, it’s not going to last. Also, pay attention to ALL of the labels – not just the designer name. Fabrics that are blended with spandex or Lycra will have give. meaning you’ll get a closer fit. You will frequently find cotton blended with these fabrics, especially in dress shirts.

Accessories are really what pulls this look together; it’s all in the details. Make sure all leather pieces (i.e. shoes, bags, belts, etc.) are all polished and clean. If you can afford it, accessories are one place you should spend more money for quality that will really last. Purchase classic pieces you think may be in style for a number of years.  Do not spend a lot on trendy items that could be out at the end of a season.

And, while you don't need the dark, camouflage make-up like in this picture, to really pull off this look, your hair and skin will have to look just as fierce as your killer new outfit (Guys - that means absolutely NO UNIBROWS). Your hair should always have some sort of product in it. Even all of you with long hair will need to put some sort of product in it to minimize any frizzy-ness and split ends. You want to look polished from head to toe to really impress the guys and girls in class. This cosmopolitan look just won’t work if it’s done “half-assed.”

 

 

Photos 1 & 2: Bobby in Zara trench and Paper Denim & Cloth jeans

Photo 3: Bobby in short sleeve, Diesel button down and Seven jeans 

 

Click here to learn how to get this look for less.