A new fall semester has started and so has the shopping season. This is one of the busiest periods of the year, when almost all parents and college students are on the same page. Everyone is searching for notebooks, writing utensils, art supplies, bookbags and most importantly, clothes. 

All boutiques, department stores and malls are advertising deals and sales for months until the rush dies out. With all these options, how do you know what to buy for the year? What comes first: comfort or style? 

For younger kids, the answer is clear. From preschool until the end of middle school, parents do most of the shopping for their children. Playful shirts, airy pants, loose-fitting jeans and sneakers that are easy to wear and easier to clean are often chosen. 

Once high school comes around, kids seize control over finding their style. Teenagers look for clothes that highlight individuality, experimenting with different trends. The older the children grow, the more independent they become in shopping. 

For college students, especially for those with demanding schedules, presentation is everything. It often comes down to worrying about the opinion of future employers. at some point, students want to be taken seriously. 

Danisha Peguero, a senior at Baruch College majoring in public affairs, had a recent change in style from relaxed to professional. “I think when you get older, it feels better,” Peguero said. “I can walk into an office and look like I know where I’m going … Someone can look at you and say, ‘She’s sure of herself.’” 

When it comes to college, schedules can get quite hectic. According to a 2023 survey study conducted by Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse, nearly half of the 3,000 students who responded dedicate one to five hours per week on extracurriculars at their institutions. Keeping their busy days in mind, most students are finding it simpler to focus on comfort. 

Sadia Sultana, a Baruch senior majoring in finance, explains that comfort is her main priority. Although her schedule consists of both classes and work, she is still applying stylistic thoughts to her outfits. “Even when I’m wearing the most basic outfit, like jeans and a t-shirt, I like to add a long trench coat to make it pop,” she said. “Sometimes depending on the mood, I’ll focus more on the fit than comfort but most of the time it’s comfort.”

Fashion is pliable, especially when it comes to going back to school. Playing with style can boost self-esteem in many ways. Try exploring different statement pieces that may be out of your comfort zone, but make sure they work for you.