One of my favorite parts of my job is seeing the personal growth of our Style Gurus semester over semester. I am not just talking about their strong writing and photography skills. It is super fun to watch their style evolution throughout their time at CollegeFashionista.
Even after our Style Gurus graduate and leave the CollegeFashionista “nest” and enter the “real world,” they continue to define their personal styles. Take Lexi Cross, for example. Lexi was a Style Guru at University of Washington, who loved color and fast-fashion. Flash forward five years and Lexi is living and working in NYC and her style has evolved to reflect this coastal change (hello black and neutrals!).
In honor of #TBT, we caught up with Lexi to discuss how her style has evolved from her Style Guru days to now!
CollegeFashionista: What was your style like in college?
Lexi Cross: I wore a lot of color! Things have definitely changes since moving to New York. As you can imagine, I now wear a lot of black.
CF: Describe your style now.
LC: My style now includes anything I can transition from day to night. All black is easy because it’s classic and sleek. Looks good for the office and after-work drinks! You’ll also catch me in sneakers 99% of the time. I walk too much for heels…
CF: What has changed? What has stayed the same?
LC: My closet used to be packed full of clothing pieces that were less expensive and also lesser quality. Now I tend to invest in fewer items that may be more expensive, but last longer.
CF: How has your relocation from University of Washington to NYC impacted your style choices?
LC: It’s completely changed the way I dress. When I moved to New York I thought I’d need colorful statement necklaces and sky-high heels, I realized that’s definitely not the case. It’s not as flashy as I thought. The people with the most style are often the ones in a neutral sweater, black pants and cool kicks—understated but very well put together. This is more my vibe these days.
CF: What is one trend looking back on it you wish you would have stayed away from?
LC: Ed Hardy tees and hats! I was obsessed… I guess I wouldn’t take it back though. It’s too funny to look back at those pictures and reminisce.
CF: What is one look you think will never go out of style?
LC: Converse. I’ve had my white high-tops since my freshman year of high school… and I still wear them.
CF: What are three things every college student should own.
LC: I can’t speak for every college student but if you end up at the University of Washington like I did, you’ll want a cool back pack, headphones and rain boots. (You can’t escape the rain on the walk to class!)
