Springing into Trends: Semester Abroad Fashion
Written by Annie Mayer
As the holiday season comes to an end, families everywhere say heartfelt goodbyes to their college-aged kids heading abroad for the spring semester. These sentimental goodbyes are filled with tears, long hugs, and of course, the stress of determining what to pack in a small carry-on bag.
College students everywhere face the same question: how do you cut your closet in half for four of the most exciting months of your life?
One spring essential that is commonly packed for study abroad is the classic peacoat. You can’t go wrong with this versatile staple. It is perfect for sightseeing, afternoon lectures, or even dressing up for a nice dinner with friends. A peacoat jacket is lightweight enough to comfortably wear while strolling around all day, yet formal enough to layer over outfits and keep you warm on those early spring days.
Another must-pack item of clothing is a variety of sweaters. Chances are, you will find yourself living in them while abroad. Having a variety of sweaters in different styles, like long sleeve, short sleeve and even three-quarter sleeve will make it easier to layer depending on the weather and the occasion. It is additionally fun to incorporate some color into your wardrobe, so make sure to pack some bright shades and patterns that reflect your adventurous side while abroad. That said, it is still important to include some neutral staples that can be easily mixed and matched with different pants, shoes, and accessories.
One accessory I have been seeing everywhere this spring is sunglasses. Whether you’re somewhere tropical like Australia or just enjoying a sunny afternoon stroll through Florence, sunglasses are the perfect way to elevate your style. With so many shapes and sizes available, from rectangular to circular to even oval frames, the options are endless. Sunglasses are the perfect way to add your own flair of personality to the everyday basics you packed for your trip.
One final way to elevate your style abroad and showcase your personality while saving space in your luggage is through jewelry. While it's always nice to have your everyday pieces with you, studying abroad is the perfect time to experiment with some statement accessories. Mixing and matching metals, lengths, and styles is very on trend right now and offers a fun way to express yourself. Don’t worry if you didn't pack a lot of statement pieces from home; Europe is filled with small markets and boutiques to help build a unique collection. These pieces can become meaningful souvenirs and little reminders of the places you explored and the experiences you had abroad.
When packing for a semester abroad, it is important to remember that while it may feel stressful, everyone's style is different and there is no single “right” way to pack. Whether you choose to focus on versatile basics or lean into the fun European style of mixing colors and patterns, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.
At the end of the day, while fashion can be fun, studying abroad is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The experiences you have and the memories you create will last far longer than anything you packed in your suitcase.
Edited by Isabella Zapata, Avery Charlesworth, Ben Weisse and Leila Ianovici
