Want to up the look, but still in college

[JustADude]

I've been really trying to update myself in terms of both body and clothing recently. While I like the white and blue oxford shirts, and the more "business casual" look, as a 20 year old college student, it does seem to come off as a little trying to hard, and looks a little silly. In addition, I go to a school near a beach, so it's generally shorts and short sleeve weather the entire year

Is there any way to really hit this in-between zone of dressing nice but not looking too much like I'm trying too hard to be mature? I know things like polos, and non-cargo shorts, but otherwise I'm kind of clueless.

 

[Frankie22]

I've been really trying to update myself in terms of both body and clothing recently. While I like the white and blue oxford shirts, and the more "business casual" look, as a 20 year old college student, it does seem to come off as a little trying to hard, and looks a little silly. In addition, I go to a school near a beach, so it's generally shorts and short sleeve weather the entire year

Is there any way to really hit this in-between zone of dressing nice but not looking too much like I'm trying too hard to be mature? I know things like polos, and non-cargo shorts, but otherwise I'm kind of clueless.

Light weight sport coat (linen silk blend -- light wool,etc) -- slim fitting denim -- casual button down, tie it together with some nice shoes.

Check out the brand Gant. Will likely fit your needs.

 

[JustADude]

Light weight sport coat (linen silk blend -- light wool,etc) -- slim fitting denim -- casual button down, tie it together with some nice shoes.

Check out the brand Gant. Will likely fit your needs.

Thanks! I like a lot of what I see there, but maybe need a little more help narrowing down what qualifies as a casual button down, (especially on this site ) . I like the look of the Yale Oxford Casual, but without seeing them in person, I'm not sure if they're less casual or not.

Also, as I'm on a students budget, are there any cheaper places? I'll pay for quality, but I feel like $120 a shirt is a little on the upper end.

As for shoes, what would be a good direction to go in?

 

[GBR]

Go with the flow and do not try to set yourself as something above your fellow students. When you get a job is the time to experiment with a broader range of clothes.

 

[JustADude]

Its not that I'm going against the flow, its that I know I can do a little more to be presentable. More mild changes rather than a full-blown, pocket-square wearing fiend

 

[Frankie22]

Thanks! I like a lot of what I see there, but maybe need a little more help narrowing down what qualifies as a casual button down, (especially on this site ) . I like the look of the Yale Oxford Casual, but without seeing them in person, I'm not sure if they're less casual or not.

Also, as I'm on a students budget, are there any cheaper places? I'll pay for quality, but I feel like $120 a shirt is a little on the upper end.

As for shoes, what would be a good direction to go in?

You can try Rugby, H&M, Gap or J Crew.

Any cotton oxford and or casual button down would be fine. Start with staple colors like white and sky blue. Pair those with a navy sport coat and some slim fit Levis 511 jeans. Regular wash is fine.

Shoes? Meermins would be a great option for you. Perhaps a nice oxford in suede.

Here is a sample look for you:
Shoes:http://meermin.es/ficha_articulo.php?id=1927
Jeans: http://us.levi.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11587057&
White Shirt: http://www.hm.com/us/product/98836?article=98836-A

Find yourself a reasonably priced navy sportcoat/blazer for when you go out and you are dressed better than 99% of your peers.

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Emphasize colorful shirt pattens, such as green-on-white checks, to distinguish the look from business casual. Don't wear an odd jacket or blazer unless going to or from a job.