By Toma Lynn Smith
Just because funds are low right now, it does not mean your looks have to suffer. Many college students let their appearance slide as their budgets tighten and work loads increase.
“Don’t let college get to you, don’t let the 8:00 classes [get to you], just keep yourself up,” said freshman Nykol Cabrera, whose major is undecided. Cabrera believes college students feel less pressure to stay in style than they did as high schoolers.
“It’s not the same social atmosphere as high school where everybody is judging you,” Cabrera said. “It’s more free in college, you don’t have as many people looking at you, so it’s easier to let yourself go.”
Jay White, owner/sole proprietor of Jay’s Campus Cuts, located next to Gray’s College Bookstore, said he sees a big difference in appearance between the lower and upper classmen. The freshman are dressed more nicely, whereas the junior and seniors are more lax with their appearance.
White said that one of the easiest ways to look your best is with a good hairstyle.
“People make statements by their hair and it’s for everyone,” he said.
James Doaty, a senior exercise science major who gets his haircut weekly at Jay’s, said every guy should own and use a hairbrush.
“If you are letting your hair grow out, don’t let it get to a rat’s nest, get it trim or shaped up,” White said. “At least keep it neat around the edges.”
Kristina Giles, licensed cosmetologist and makeup artist for New Attitude hair salon, said there are two things a woman should not leave the house without: lip gloss and mascara. Giles said the eyes and lips are the first two things people notice about a face so it’s important to make them stand out.
Chuck Hezekiah, Maybelline’s makeup artist, agrees. However, he advised students not to splurge on mascara because it should be thrown away every three months due to bacteria growth. He uses and recommends Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara. Walgreens sells it for less than $5 a tube.
Fashion is another important element of a maintaining a good appearance. Meghan Langley, a biology graduate student assistant, remembers sacrificing style during her undergrad years. “I hardly ever shopped for clothes while I was an [undergrad],” she said. Her clothes were mainly hand-me-downs and when she did shop it was mostly at thrift stores.
However, there are a few clothing stores in town where students say they can shop for stylish clothes on a limited budget.
Doaty said Guess is a good place for students to find quality, comfortable clothing.
Cabrera does her shopping at Burlington Coat Factory, Marshall’s and Value City. “I like wearing name brand clothes, but I don’t like paying the name brand price,” she said.
Doaty still follows some advice his mother gave him early in life: staying well groomed is worth the time and effort.
“I would hate to say it, but that’s just how life is. You have a better a opportunity if you’re clean cut and if you present yourself well from the beginning,” Doaty said. “I think it kind of opens up the door.”
Toma Lynn Smith is junior majoring in English. E-mail her at features@louisvillecardinal.com.
