Perks of Being a College Student That Wears Vintage

from here
While seeing a college student in old vintage style is rare in my town and often brings stares and interesting comments, there are lots of perks to be in college and dressing vintage.  Especially in a student culture of pajama pants, sweats, t-shirts, and messy buns, I stick out quite a bit in my vintage wear.

Of course, there are days when I don't put forth so much effort.  Let's be real, when one is up 'til 2 am and up for an early morning class... perfect victory rolls are not priority.

However, I do make an effort most of the time!  And this effort has paid off in a lot of ways on my college campus, including the perks below!


1.  My look says "in control and responsible" instead of "floundering and frazzled."
Don't get me wrong, like I said above, I understand that sometimes college is frazzling, and sometimes that is expressed in clothing.
However, by scheduling enough time to do my hair and makeup and put on a nice outfit, I'm communicating that I am in control of my schedule.


2. I look original.
Maybe more so because I'm in a smaller town, but people know who I am, even if it's just as "weird hat girl."  I don't blend in namelessly with the crowd, and I am never caught wearing the same thing as someone else!


3. I don't have to replace my "trendy" clothes every few months.
Vintage is oftentimes made of classic, timeless pieces.  Things like blazers, pencil skirts, and blouses are still in style for a reason!


4.  I communicate self-respect.
Not only do I appear more professional in today's world, but the more modest styles of the past help me to communicate self-respect.  In no way do I judge all modern clothing (I do love quite a bit of it!), but a lot of it just shows so much skin for day-to-day wear.  It's entirely possible to be gorgeous and sexy without showing everything.  By covering up a bit more, I'm telling others (*cough* guys) that I am valuable, and they have to earn a special place in my heart before they get to see what I've got.



5.  Dressing vintage is a challenge.
I don't copy look books or fads, and I take the slightly more difficult route.  Vintage requires more research and, in my opinion, creativity.

6.  Vintage can be cheaper than new clothes.
Obviously not all the time, but think about it.  For what it is (tailored, well-made, quality clothing), vintage is oftentimes priced cheaper than new, tailored, well-made, quality clothing.  And there are lots of deals to be found!


6.  Men treat me with more respect.
Like it or not, it's true.  I have more men open doors for me, offer to carry things for me, compliment my appearance, etc. when I'm dressed in ladylike vintage.  And you know what?  I'm okay with that.  Call me old fashioned, but I don't want men to treat me as equals, as a "bro".  I want to be treated better than an equal, like a lady.  Having men treat me the same as they would treat each other is ignoring the fact that I am a woman, not a man.  I'd rather be treated as a woman with the unique talents and gifts that come with that, if you don't mind.
Alright, off my soapbox.


7.  Professors take me more seriously.
When I show up to class in a pencil skirt and blouse, I look ready to learn.  (Even if I'm struggling to stay awake, at least I give myself a leg up!)  Especially when doing presentations and such, dressing in classy vintage comes in handy.  I have scored bonus points on assignments for my professional outfits, in fact.  It works.


8.  People are more likely to accept my words because of my more professional appearance.
When I dress authoritatively, intelligently, confidently, and with pride and dignity, it helps my communication with others.  This vibe gives my words more weight.

from here

11 comments

  1. I wish I had been more into wearing vintage when I was in college! I would have had so much fun. Oh course I was basically dead broke at the time so I think my wardrobe would have been very limited. One of the perks to having a full time job now is that I have a bit more spending money. :)
    I think all of your points are very true. When you dress nice and look professional people really do treat you differently.
    -Emily

    Emily's Vintage Visions

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  2. What an awesomely fabulous post. You are so correct that to stand out in the crowd in an elegant manner means all the difference. I enjoyed your remark about men treating you more with respect. I can see how this is true and very sweet. Dressing in vintage is a challenge but it is so rewarding when you do find beautifully made clothing at rock bottom prices. I just bought a suit yesterday for around $20. I can't believe that one! Even just using the skirt is worth it.

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    1. Wow, a $20 suit?! That's amazing!!! Yep, it's deals like that that make vintage especially amazing. :)

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  3. Love this post, and your entire blog! You're such an inspiration. As a high school student, it's nice to see someone younger dressing vintage. Definitely makes me feel more confident! At the moment I've got a very limited wardrobe, after committing to wearing only things I love. So vintage stuff as been a bit scarce...but I'm building it back up. :) I've definitely been trying to dress up more and be classier on a day to day basis, especially when I'm in class or such. I so agree with your comment about men treating you differently. You expressed everything I think so elegantly. I don't call myself a feminist because while I believe in equal pay and all that, I don't want to be treated like a guy. I'm a girl. I think I should be treated differently because of that.

    Keep posting! I love reading everything you write. :)

    ~Gillian
    youngyankeelady.blogspot.com

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    1. Aw, thanks Gillian! I've been there with the limited wardrobe, especially when I first started to wear vintage and was making the transition. That's really great that you're wanting to look classier on a day to day basis, and I wish you luck!

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  4. What a great post! I also find it helps me to be more motivated and engaged when I dress vintage. If I'm feeling confident and on top of things because of my outfit, then that tends to translate to everything that I do.

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    1. It's so true! Especially when I need to exude confidence and motivation to others (say, for a presentation), then I definitely go for a power outfit!

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  5. This post is full of truths! Each of the points covered here are real reasons to differentiate a woman from a Lady ... I have loved wear vintage when I was younger ... Hooray for you!

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  6. This post is so inspiringly wonderful! I love that you put down on (virtual) paper points that I think ring true for many of us who wear vintage and are at different stages in our lives, too. I've found such to be the case for me - oh, and I'm up there sharing that soap box with you, I feel the same way about that topic.

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. That's good of you to say, Jessica! I don't want to come off as preachy in that area at all, but it is important to me! I always wince a little and squint as I type such things, somewhat expecting angry comments, so this is quite a lovely encouragement! Thanks for the support!

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