Campus Style: How USF Students Express Themselves Through Fashion
By Rhys Cote
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — On weekdays, the walkways of the University of South Florida’s campuses double as fashion runways. Between thrifted pieces, mall staples, and resale-store finds, students at USF Tampa and USF St. Petersburg say their daily outfits are more than clothing — they are part of how they show up to class, interact socially, and navigate college life.
Across both campuses, students describe fashion as a balance of comfort, personal taste, and practicality. Many say what they wear affects how they feel, how they participate in class, and how they move through their day.
“I like to be comfortable, but also kind of cute,” said Kendal Weber, a junior at USF Tampa. “I think I’m very casual, but I can style it up with certain elements. I love my jewelry and denim — and honestly, any excuse to wear boots.”
Weber said most of her wardrobe comes from national retailers like Aritzia, Garage, and Altar’d State at the International Mall in Tampa, though she occasionally shops secondhand. “I don’t know that I prefer national stores,” she said. “But I just feel like it’s easier access for me. If I don’t know that a local retailer exists, then I don’t go there.”
She also said clothing has a noticeable impact on her academic engagement. “If I’m dressed too comfortable for class, I’m not as engaged in learning,” Weber said. “You know that ‘look good, feel good’ saying? If you feel confident in what you’re wearing, you’re more likely to be confident and happy.”
Aesthetic Identity, in Students’ Own Words
At USF St. Petersburg, students say fashion is shaped by the city’s mix of coastal influences, creative communities, and year-round warm weather.
Laura Troyer, a senior digital communications major, described her aesthetic herself. “My style is kind of a little coastal, a little New England — maybe it’s the hair,” she said, laughing. “I get a lot of pieces from Sunshine Thrift in St. Pete, but also from back home in Naples. Naples thrift stores are my favorite because everyone’s old and rich, so they donate their designer clothes.”
Troyer said her favorite clothing pieces are inherited. “This jacket I’m wearing from the 1980s was my mom’s,” she said. “All my scarves are inherited too. Those pieces mean the most.”
She also notices the city’s influence on fashion. “St. Pete has this creative, laid-back feel,” Troyer said. “People mix a lot of influences — beachy, vintage, artsy. It feels authentic.”
Another USFSP student, Emily Lopez, said comfort is at the center of her style.
“I love to be comfy — comfort is key,” Lopez said. “I try to find pieces that are a little more elevated but still comfy. Haley Polk on TikTok is one of my biggest inspirations. She makes comfy look cute with the baggy shirts and graphics.”
Lopez is committed to thrifting. “I never like to buy anything firsthand without trying to find it secondhand,” she said. She regularly shops at Plato’s Closet, Goodwill, Salvation Army, Detox, and Avalon Exchange. “I love to thrift. It’s my favorite form of shopping.”
She also pays attention to fabric and sustainability. “I’ve been really into looking at what clothing is made out of,” she said. “I want pieces that are 100 percent cotton or wool. I don’t want things that will end up in a landfill.”
Lopez added that St. Pete’s climate directly shapes fashion choices. “We have warm weather year-round, so it’s different from places like New York,” she said. “I feel like I have to dress a little more conservatively sometimes, but I love that we get tank tops and dresses almost all year.”
She also sees a connection between clothing and her daily performance. “If I’m uncomfortable in something, I’m not going to be as confident going to class,” she said. “Being comfy but cute helps you put your best foot forward.”
Inside St. Pete’s Fashion Scene
Local fashion professionals say clothing is an integral part of the city’s identity.
Kathryn Eckstine, buying manager at Detox Luxury Resale, said each neighborhood has its own aesthetic. “Beach Drive is more country-club style — Lilly Pulitzer, Zimmerman,” she said. “In the Grand Central District, people are artsy and take risks. They mix up their styles.”
To Eckstine, clothing plays a role in how people express themselves. “Style is an expression of your creativity, your mood, how you carry yourself,” she said. “People notice. Dress for the life you want.”
Jenn Peterson, who has worked in leadership and styling roles at Katie and Hubble, Saltwash, Bobbles and Lace, and DETOX, said St. Pete’s fashion reflects the city’s spirit.
“The style here has this eclectic, coastal, artistic energy,” Peterson said. “People mix textures, colors, and influences from beach culture, streetwear, and vintage pieces. It feels relaxed but expressive.”
Peterson’s own style is what she calls “trendy, comfy, and boho street,” and she shops at a mix of boutiques and national retailers. “Local boutiques offer personality and a curated feel, while national retailers are great for basics,” she said. “I like a balance.”
She also believes clothing impacts mindset. “When I feel comfortable and aligned with my personal style, I’m more confident, focused, and grounded,” she said. “What I wear sets the tone for my day.”
Fashion, Thrifting, and Sustainability
Students and industry professionals agree that St. Petersburg’s fashion culture is shaped heavily by resale and thrift shopping.
“People here care about unique fashion, but also about sustainability,” Peterson said.
Eckstine said the secondhand market has grown significantly, especially among college students. According to ThredUp’s 2024 Resale Report, the U.S. secondhand clothing market is projected to grow 127% by 2026, driven heavily by Gen Z shoppers.
“Students want individuality and affordability,” Eckstine said. “Resale gives them both.”
Lopez said sustainability is a major motivator for her. “I don’t want pieces that end up as waste,” she said. “Quality matters.”
What Fashion Means on USF Campuses
Across USF Tampa and USF St. Petersburg, students say clothing affects their comfort, their confidence, and their sense of identity. Weber said she’s more engaged in class when she feels put together. Lopez said comfortable outfits help her feel more confident in academic settings. Peterson and Eckstine both said fashion is a form of communication.
Together, their perspectives show that for USF students, clothing is more than fabric — it’s expression, sustainability, community identity, and a quiet but meaningful part of how they navigate their education.
Whether students choose denim and boots, inherited vintage pieces, graphic tees, or curated thrift-store finds, their outfits tell a broader story about individuality, community, and the everyday choices that help them feel ready for the day ahead.
Kendal Weber (904-827-34060, kendalweber@yahoo.com) USF Tampa Student
Laura Troyer (ltroyer@usf.edu) USF St. Petersburg Student
Kathryn Eckstine (908-377-5225) Detox Luxury Resale Buying Manager
Emily Lopez (727-804-8530) USF St. Petersburg Student
Jenn Peterson (727-331-4908) Boutique Manager and Retail Worker
https://cf-assets-tup.thredup.com/resale_report/2024/ThredUp_2024_Resale%20Report.pdf This is a link to the Thredup chart that shows predictions for fashion trends and buying habits.
https://www.detoxstpete.com Link to DETOX boutique website
