Before moving to New York, I had always enjoyed fashion. I liked putting outfits together, experimenting with different combinations, and finding pieces that reflected my personality. It was something I genuinely enjoyed long before college, so when I moved to the city, that part of me did not disappear. If anything, New York encouraged it even more.
One of the things I noticed almost immediately was that nobody dressed the same. Walking to class every morning felt like watching hundreds of different stories pass by. Some people wore vintage clothing, others dressed almost entirely in black, while some looked like they had just stepped off a fashion runway. Every neighborhood had its own personality, and every person seemed comfortable expressing themselves in a different way.
Seeing that made me appreciate something I had never really thought about before. Fashion does not have to fit into one category. There is no single style that everyone should follow, especially in a city like New York. Instead of feeling pressure to dress like everyone else, I found myself becoming even more comfortable with my own style.
Over time, I also realized that personal style changes naturally as life changes. The clothes I wore during my first semester are different from what I wear now. Not because I was trying to become someone else, but because my interests have grown along with me. Sometimes I prefer simple outfits that feel comfortable during long days on campus. Other times I enjoy putting together something more creative when I have the time. My wardrobe has changed, just as I have changed throughout college.
One thing I enjoy most about fashion is that it allows people to express themselves without saying anything at all. You can often notice little details that reflect someone’s personality—a favorite color, a unique accessory, or a style they wear consistently. It reminds me that everyone has their own story, even if we never hear it.
Living in New York has also made me much more open-minded. I have seen people confidently wear things that I probably never would have imagined before moving here. Instead of thinking something looks unusual, I have learned to appreciate the creativity behind it. Fashion became less about following trends and more about celebrating individuality.
College itself is a time when many people discover new interests, meet people from different backgrounds, and experience things they never expected. I think personal style naturally becomes part of that journey. It grows alongside your experiences without you even realizing it. Looking back, I don’t think I reinvented myself after moving to New York. Instead, I became more comfortable showing the person I had always been.
One of my favorite parts of living in the city is simply observing people as I walk through neighborhoods like SoHo or around campus. Fashion has become part of what makes New York feel alive. Every outfit tells a different story, and every person adds something unique to the streets around them. That diversity reminds me that there is no right or wrong way to express yourself.
Looking back, I am grateful that I never felt like I had to completely change who I was after moving here. New York did not give me a new identity—it gave me the confidence to embrace the one I already had. Fashion remained something I loved, but it also became a reminder that the most authentic style is the one that feels natural to you.
Takeaway
Moving to a new city does not mean leaving your identity behind. College is a time of growth, and your interests and personal style will naturally evolve with new experiences. Instead of trying to fit into someone else’s idea of who you should be, allow yourself to grow while staying true to the things that already make you who you are.
By Polina Makarova
Polina Makarova is an English Literature major at Pace University and a Publishing Intern at Campus Clipper. Originally from Russia, she writes about student life, wellness, fashion, and personal growth while navigating college life in New York City.
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Tags: college life, Fashion, mental health, New York City