Fall fashion is all about renewal and reinventing yourself. This particularly rings true for students starting a brand-new school year. Though being fashion-forward can seem challenging when limited by a student’s budget, rebuilding your fall wardrobe is less about quantity and more about creativity — and the best place to start is with the basics.

Take a look into the closet of an average college student and you’re sure to find jeans, T-shirts, sweaters and jackets — staple items that we all need. Punching up everyday items with vibrant colors, interesting textures or fun patterns is a simple and effective way to show off your style in an understated way.

Once you have those down, diversify the accessories you use each day. Step out of your comfort zone and into some stylish suede, thick-healed booties. Wrap a thick knit scarf around your neck, throw on some eye-catching jewelry — just try looks you haven’t before.

This season is a time of new beginnings for many of us and the chance to build on who we are and what we have. As we go through the day-to-day routine of student life, it can start to get mundane. So though it may seem like a simple choice, throwing on the perfect outfit can help transform your mood, confidence and maybe even your entire outlook on life.

dmodiama@syr.edu