Locust Walk at the University of Pennsylvania isn’t just a pathway to class; it’s a runway showcasing some seriously inspiring street style. Forget the notion of typical student wardrobes – Penn’s campus is brimming with bold fashion choices, from eye-catching socks to vibrant lipstick, proving grounds for emerging Street Style Trendsetters. We’ve scouted the best looks to dissect what makes them work and how you can incorporate similar elements into your own wardrobe for a next-level style upgrade.
Holly Li: Sparkling Confidence in Pink and Penny Loafers
Holly Li showcases her sparkling street style in pink pants, graphic tee and penny loafers, a trendsetter on Penn's Locust Walk.
We spotted Holly Li, a Wharton student, en route to a midterm, radiating confidence in her sartorial choices. Her outfit formula is simple yet impactful: pink, front-pleat pants paired with a Tokyo culture art graphic tee and classic penny loafers, elevated with playful socks. Holly’s style philosophy revolves around incorporating sparkle into her daily wear, believing it sets the tone for success. The penny loafers, she explains, add a touch of “smartness” to her overall look. To brave the chill, she layers a hunter-green fur-lined jacket, a unique find from a Brooklyn thrift store, adding an element of cool vintage flair.
Recreating Holly’s Trendsetter Look:
- Pink Pants: Embrace bold colors with tailored pink pants. Look for options with a front pleat for a sophisticated touch.
- Graphic Tee: Inject personality with a graphic tee. Opt for art-inspired or culture-themed designs to mirror Holly’s Tokyo vibe.
- Penny Loafers & Socks: Classic penny loafers gain a contemporary edge when styled with socks. Experiment with textures and colors to match your personal style.
- Thrifted Jacket: The key to Holly’s look is the unique thrifted jacket. Explore vintage stores for fur-lined or textured jackets to add a one-of-a-kind layer.
Sabrina Elkassas: Effortless Eclectic with Leather and Layers
Sabrina Elkassas, a street style icon at Penn, masters eclectic fashion with leather pants, a menswear-inspired jacket, and bold red lipstick.
Sabrina Elkassas, another style star on Locust Walk, immediately captivates with her bold red lipstick, a signature element that accentuates her effortlessly cool aesthetic. Sabrina’s strength lies in her masterful mix of textures and statement pieces. Leather is a non-negotiable in her wardrobe – she incorporates it daily. On this occasion, she sported leather pants juxtaposed with white socks peeking from black and red lace-up boots. Her top half showcases her talent for layering: an olive green menswear-inspired jacket-tee under a white knit overcoat. Sabrina draws inspiration from menswear and the thrill of thrifting, skillfully blending oversized and fitted silhouettes. Stylish gold-rimmed glasses serve as the perfect functional and fashionable accessory, completing her trendsetting ensemble.
Channeling Sabrina’s Eclectic Style:
- Leather Pants: Leather pants are a versatile staple for adding edge. Skinny or straight-leg styles in faux or genuine leather offer a similar vibe.
- Menswear-Inspired Top: Borrow from the boys with an olive green or utility-style jacket or shirt. The key is a slightly oversized, relaxed fit.
- Knit Overcoat: A white knit overcoat adds a layer of sophistication and warmth. Look for textured knits for added visual interest.
- Lace-Up Boots: Ground the look with sturdy lace-up boots. Combat boots or hiker-style boots in black or red echo Sabrina’s footwear choice.
- Statement Lipstick: Don’t underestimate the power of a bold red lip. Find a shade that complements your skin tone and make it your signature.
Saagar Asnani: Unconventional Cool in Shorts, Any Season
Saagar Asnani, a Penn street style innovator, confidently rocks shorts in winter paired with corgi socks, showcasing his unique and bold fashion sense.
Saagar Asnani breaks all fashion norms, proving that street style trendsetters don’t adhere to seasonal expectations. His decision to wear shorts in winter, highlighted by adorable corgi socks, is instantly attention-grabbing. For Saagar, pants are simply not an option, regardless of weather. His approach to winter dressing is all about balance: “warm up top, cold on the bottom.” He expertly layers a shirt, sweater, and jacket to comfortably sport shorts even in colder climates. Beyond his signature shorts, Saagar has a passion for hats, boasting a collection to complement every outfit, and he’s an avid sock enthusiast, further cementing his status as a style original.
Adopting Saagar’s Unconventional Style:
- Shorts, All Year Round (Optional!): While not for everyone, Saagar’s commitment to shorts is a testament to personal style. If you’re daring, consider shorts even in cooler months, embracing layering for warmth.
- Statement Socks: Fun socks, like Saagar’s corgi pair, are an easy way to inject personality. Animal motifs, bold patterns, or vibrant colors can elevate any outfit.
- Layered Tops: Master the art of layering with a shirt, sweater, and jacket. This allows for adaptable style and warmth, especially when experimenting with less conventional bottom wear.
- Hats as Accessories: Hats are Saagar’s signature accessory. Experiment with different styles – drivers caps, beanies, fedoras – to find hats that enhance your look and reflect your personal taste.
The students of Penn University are redefining campus style, proving that street style trendsetters can emerge from anywhere, blending personal expression with everyday practicality. Take inspiration from Holly, Sabrina, and Saagar, and consider how you can integrate their bold choices and confident attitudes into your own style narrative. Street style is all about individuality, and these Penn trendsetters are leading the way.
