We received plenty of positive feedback from last Fall’s “Back to Campus in Style” post featuring Alex Wilson. So much, actually, that we decided to bring him back.

I, like many of our readers, appreciate his tasteful, campus (and budget) friendly style.

Here, he gives us a taste of what he’s been wearing this winter in his Junior year at the University of Cincinnati.

Monday

“This outfit is one of my favorites… I really like to mix shades of blue. It’s a safe and flattering color for men.”

Blue is one of those colors that often complements itself (rather than clashing) in different shades.

 ”The shoes were a Christmas gift from my girlfriend. They have easily become my favorite pair.”

Herringbone Blazer by Lands’ End Canvas. V-Neck Sweater by Gap. Button Down Collar Shirt and Pants by J.Crew. Socks by Happy Socks. Shoes by Florsheim (Veblen). 

Tuesday

“Today I was meeting with a classmate over coffee to discuss a project we’re working on.

I usually go with this duffle bag if I don’t need to carry a whole lot. I really like that it’s made from a wool tweed – a classic menswear fabric. It reminds me of a vintage blazer. The best part, it was a thrift find.”

“I used the yellow cardigan to add some life to the winter color scheme. I think that people can get too caught up in the weather, causing their dress, and mood, to be dull.”

Chino Blazer, Herringbone Jeans and Scarf by Gap. Cardigan by Izod (thrifted). Button Down Collar Shirt and Socks by Lands’ End Canvas. V Neck by Hanes. Clark’s Suede Desert Boots. Bag by Pierre Cardin (thrifted). Sunglasses by Urban Outfitters. Bandana Thrifted.

Wednesday

“As a college student, some days can feel really long, especially in the winter, especially in Cincinati. Some days I wake up for class in the dark and by the time I’m heading home, 8-10 hours later, it’s getting dark again.

Today it was raining and especially gloomy. My friend Bill, who photographed this post, nailed it while we were taking pictures in the rain: “Dressing well isn’t just for sunny days”.

When I found these pants at the thrift store they were bell-bottoms and about three inches too long. I paid $3 for them, had them tailored for $20, and now they look like a $100 pair of pants. They also fit me better than anything I’ve bought off the rack.”

Jacket and Button-Down Collar Shirt by Lands’ End Canvas. Shawl Cardigan by Gap. Wool Tie and herringbone trousers Thrifted. Tie bar by TheTieBar. Boots by Lands’ End.

Thursday

“Today the weather was mild and our class had a guest speaker, so I traveled light.

Trying to lighten the mood here again with a little more color – I’m telling you it works.”

I like the cropped shawl collar on this sweater, it shows more shirt collar than a traditional fold-over.

Sweater: Lands’ End Canvas. Button-Down Collared Shirt by J. Crew. Trousers by Unis. Socks by American Apparel. Shoes by Florsheim (Veblen). Watch by Skagen. Hook Bracelet by Miansai.

Friday

An email I get one or twice a week: “SB, I’m in college. I want to dress up, but I don’t want to look too dressed up or like I’m taking myself too seriously – it’s college after all.”

There are plenty of ways to dress “down the middle”; well put-together but not too formal. In my opinion, it’s the ideal way to dress. To be ready for just about any occasion and be relatable/approachable to just about anybody.

This look is a great example. Alex uses the cap and the use of fabric and pattern to turn a traditional “dressy” look into a “casually put together” look. Perfect for a day of classes or drinks at the college pub.

“This wool cap is great because it keeps my head warm and looks casual – but not too casual like a fitted or snapback.”

Wool Hat, Donegal Jacket, Donegal Waistcoat and Button-Down Collar Shirt by Lands’ End/ LEC. Jeans by Levi’s 511. Tie Thrifted. Tie Bar by TheTieBar. Socks Thrifted (had tags on them :) Double Monk Strap Shoes by Hugo Boss. Bandana Thrifted. Bag by Pierre Cardin (Thrifted).

Thanks, as always, for reading and special thanks to Alex for participating.

Yours in style,

SB

Photography by William Mata – www.williammata.com