Style doesn’t take a summer break.
The campus might be quieter this summer, but student fashion is doing anything but slowing down.
From eye-catching colours to effortlessly cool fits, students are turning up the heat this summer with head-turning looks that prove style never takes a break.
From breezy, minimalist fits to bold statement pieces, these looks are full of personality and creativity. And the best part? They’re totally unique to each student.
Whether you’re looking to elevate your summer style or strike the perfect balance between “cute” and “professional” for your next outing, here are some inspiring outfits from Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber students who know how to dress the part and make it their own.
Earthy tones and bold accessories
Wisdom, a public relations student from Humber Lakeshore, landed herself on the North Campus best-dressed list during a short visit and rightfully so.
Wearing a beige midi dress paired with a brown leather bag and unique jewelry from Nigeria, Wisdom is bringing her fashion A-game to campus.
She told us that she loves wearing earthy tones for the summer, however, her day-to-day style is more tomboyish.
Getting most of her inspiration from Pinterest, Wisdom relies on the little details to make her look pop. From her hair to her nails and accessories, everything looks intentional and effortless at the same time.
She also loves experimenting with her hair color, something her friends know her for.
Her fashion advice? “Be as loud as you want, it’s better if you stand out than to blend with everyone else,” Wisdom said.
Classy minimalism
If you need proof that wardrobe staples can save you from the dreaded “I have nothing to wear” spiral (we’ve all been there), meet Thi Van Anh Tran, a culinary management student.
Her style shows that classy, minimalistic, high-quality staples will always have your back during a fashion emergency.
Thi Van Anh rocks a blue striped button-up, a blue denim midi skirt and crisp white Puma sneakers.
While she doesn’t stick to a specific style, much of her wardrobe is from her home country, Vietnam, where the youth gravitate toward elegant yet casual pieces in lightweight fabrics.
She also pulls fashion inspiration from social media.
Comfort meets style
Patterns and textures are another way to make simple outfits pop and Manminder Singh, a plumbing techniques student, knows how to master the mix.
He rocks a short-sleeve polo top, bought at a local market back home, paired with gray cargo jeans from Old Navy.
Look closely and you’ll see how the pieces work together, the polo features subtle knit detailing, while the cargo pants have vertical dark lines, giving them an industrial edge.
Pulling off contrasting patterns with ease takes skill, but Singh makes it look effortless.
His style mantra? “Wear what makes you feel comfortable,” Singh said.
Vintage looks on a student budget
Of course, summer is also the season of bold colors and Roneequa Clarke, a spa management student, is all about her favorite one, yellow!
She describes her style as “feminine casual,” often leaning on big, puffy skirts as a wardrobe go-to.
She finds inspiration on Pinterest, where she pulls elements from vintage looks from the ’70s, ’80s and early 2000s, then creates something uniquely her own.
To achieve her style, she frequently shops at vintage and thrift stores, proving that personal style doesn’t have to break the bank.
Rocker style mixed with K-pop
Brian, a business management financial services student, leans into an edgier aesthetic, with rocker boy with a dash of K-pop influence.
Drawing inspiration from the globally popular band Stray Kids and fashion TikToker Wisdom Kaye, Brian embraces bold, statement-making pieces.
He’s sporting a black Stray Kids merch tee, light grey ripped jeans and classic black Dr. Martens boots.
His favorite places to shop? A mix of accessible staples and unique finds, Plato’s Closet, Muji, Zara and vintage stores.
His advice for anyone struggling to define their style? “Fashion is a form of self-expression. Wear something that defines who you are as a person. Show the world what makes you unique,” Brian said.
Wear what feels right
At the end of the day, fashion is more than just what you wear, it’s how you show up, even on the busiest (or laziest) of days. And these students? They’re showing up with personality, confidence and creativity.
Whether you’re into clean, minimal staples or love to play with colour, texture and trends, there’s no one right way to dress. As long as you feel good in what you’re wearing, you’re doing it right.
So, next time you’re standing in front of your closet thinking, “I have nothing to wear,” just remember: your best outfit might already be waiting for you.
Add your spin, own your vibe and let your style speak for itself!
Feature image courtesy of Tamara Bellis via Unsplash
Want more insights into campus fashion? Check out sustainable fashion around campus!
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