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The GW Hatchet

AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904

The GW Hatchet

Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet

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Officials name senior vice president, chief of staff
By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor • March 26, 2024

Styles to bring along and fashion trends to leave home

Yonah Bromberg-Gaber | Graphics Eidtor

The District has often been classified as a fashionless city. The area is teeming with politicians and business professionals who wear suits and dresses absent of bright colors and bold patterns.

But as a newcomer to D.C., don’t let this quiet your inner fashionista. You’re sure to see familiar fashion trends from your hometown and find inspiration to spice up your new city style.

Most of these trends are for women, but men shouldn’t let that deter them from expressing themselves through fashion. Here are a few tips for what you should leave at home and what you should stuff in your suitcase when you pack for college.

Pacific Northwest

Yes, the rumors are true. Cities like Portland and Seattle still believe they are living in the ‘90s, and that grunge fashion is all the rave. You’ll find that even amidst the strict business attire in D.C., edgy accessories prevail after office hours.

Love it: Chokers
Chokers are an easy way to add a little edge to an ensemble. And with D.C.’s unpredictable weather, this is one accessory that works with any temperature.

Leave it: Rain boots
The District gets its fair share of rain, but it’s nothing like what you’ve seen on the West Coast. Leave your glossy rain boots at home and bring those cute suede booties instead.

Midwest

It’s all about making comfort look classy in the Midwest. Find your inner casual chic in the bustling streets of D.C. with these essential items.

Love it: Lightweight blazer
Lightweight blazers are perfect for classes and internships, and transition well from day to night. With a light blazer, there’s no need to run back to your dorm for a wardrobe change when you have a busy day ahead.

Leave it: Distressed denim shorts
Tiny denim shorts with holes all over are definitely on trend this summer, but you may want to consider leaving them at home when you make your move to the District. Ripped jeans might be edgy, but they don’t scream “professional” during office hours and you’ll stand out like a newcomer – or even worse, a tourist – among D.C. professionals.

South

Bring that southern charm to the District with a few staple items for your closet, while keeping it professional.

Love it: Pastel jeans
Pastel jeans will give your outfit a pop of color without being too obnoxious. Colored denim is the perfect way to amp up any boring tee shirt when you’re late to class and need a quick but cute outfit.

Leave it: Overalls
In the humid summer and fall months in D.C., confining denim is the last thing you want to imprison your sweat. Lightweight rompers are a good alternative to stay cool and look classy.

Northeast

Though you’re not far from our nation’s capital, breaking into the fashion scene in D.C. might seem intimidating. Stick with the classics and be sure to pack East Coast favorites for the fall.

Love it: Oversized tote bag
This bag is both practical and stylish and a leather option will make you feel more mature than lugging around a heavy backpack. It will give you plenty of room for your statistics textbook, a spare cardigan and a bagel from the Deli.

Leave it: White denim
White denim only has a short window of when it can be worn seasonally, and is hard to keep clean. In a bustling city, the last thing you want to worry about are dirt stains on your new white pants.

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