Sarah Jane, Chloe Edwards, and Kayla Collins look radiant in their chic sense of style. Photo Courtesy of Chloe Edwards.
The University of Tampa (UTampa) students love to showcase their unique styles on campus, around Tampa, and around the world.
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By Elijah L. Conley
TAMPA, Fla. — “Am I chopped? Or am I not chopped?” A question that has run through the minds of many since fashion became a form of expression. College students, tiptoeing the line between teenager and adult, battle with this as every outfit can make or break someone’s day, week, or semester. Thankfully, UTampa has a fashion club to help navigate your closet.
Gianna M. Van Valkenburg, senior at UTampa, is the founder and president of the fashion club on campus, but that doesn’t tie her down to a certain look.
“I don’t really have a specific style,” said Van Valkenburg. “It’s always changing depending on my mood, where I’m going, or the weather.”
Gianna M. Van Valkenburg showcasing a stylistic, “beachy vibe” inspired outfit that could come straight out of a Hollister ad. Photo Courtesy of Gianna M. Van Valkenburg.
Van Valkenburg walks her own runway, merging the 2000s and modern trends, but opting out of wearing makeup for a daily look. But when she goes out, Charlotte Tilbury is her go-to.
Her love for old trends is only matched by her usage of a secondhand best friend.
“Vintage is my best friend,” she said.
Besides thrifting and using Depop, an independent shopping site, Van Valkenburg is also shopping at With Jéan, Revolve, and Brandy Melville.
“I think almost every girl, and maybe even guys, [in] Tampa can say they love Brandy Melville,” said Van Valkenburg.
It doesn’t require you to be the president of a fashion club to put together an outfit. You can even be a chemist. For Chloe Edwards, senior, a statement piece is all she needs to take on the town.
“I feel like UTampa has a chic going-out vibe,” said Edwards.
Edwards focuses on a sleek, clean-cut look when preparing for her nights out. She credits the early 2000s and TikTok shop as her main inspirations and source of her outfits. Edwards begins her process with her statement piece and builds from there to create a balanced outfit.
“My makeup routine is all over the place, but right now I’m obsessed with Fenty Bronzer,” said Edwards.
A chic orange and denim combo brought together by Chloe Edwards, taking the town in a sleek outfit. Photo Courtesy of Chloe Edwards.
Van Valkenburg’s process involves her checking the weather and then referring to the popular inspiration app, Pinterest. After finding the perfect outfit, she begins bringing it to life in her closet, which can be on the first try or could “take hours.”
Seniors are not the only ones with style who can offer guidance to others; some freshmen come in with an already curated vibe, idea, and plan of execution. Isabella Kolenberg, a freshman at UTampa, has been stepping into college with boots that weren’t just made for walking.
“I honestly never really was truly inspired by anyone’s style…[I] like the idea of taking little elements I found to make my own,” said Kolenberg.
Kolenberg credits her sister’s love of shopping and trends as the start of her fashion journey. Her pieces range from Zara to Aritzia, focusing on dresses in the warmer weather. Kolenberg’s time in Tampa has drawn her to more creative outfits and wearing them throughout the week. As a musical theatre major, the importance of your outfit choice can make or break your auditions in the professional world. Fashion is not just a tool she utilizes in her personal life, but also in her career.
“I always first look at what I have in my closet…,” Kolenberg said. “I’ll look at Pinterest or call my sister…”
Pinterest seems to be a campus go-to, which would explain the “UTampa look.” The “UTampa look” usually consists of mini skirts, black boots, and a cute top.
Kolenberg views this as the typical going-out outfit for freshmen. With the temperatures dropping, the typical going-out outfit might need to be modified for some.
Gasparilla is not just a time to showcase Tampa pride but your own take on pirate garb, like Isabella Kolenberg and Chloe Carson turning “arg” to “yas.” Photo Courtesy of Isabella Kolenberg.
Edwards, originally from Philadelphia, is used to the cold weather and is willing to put the outfit over comfort.
“I get hyper fixated on my statement piece and make whatever sacrifices I need to make it happen,” said Edwards.
It seems that is the mindset for all these next few months.
“Nothing a jacket won’t fix,” said Van Valkenburg in reference to how the weather has affected her ability to go out. Koldenberg’s experience from living in Connecticut has prepared her for layering an outfit together.
“I think this cold weather is definitely different for Florida,” said Kolenberg. “It hasn’t affected me going out because I just add elements to my outfits that I would have at home!”
UTampa’s campus, location, and student body offer a diverse, rare, and uniquely Spartan experience that can reflect down to the clothes. Whether you’re a Brandy girl, or boy, or a common thrifter, showcase your best outfit that shows you off, or ask for help. One thing about a Spartan, we know how to have a good time and look great while doing it.