Looks on Campus: Laura – Gonzaga University
After a fun but busy semester, I’ve gone across the globe from Washington State all the way to Florence, Italy for the Gonzaga-in-Florence study abroad program. So for the next few weeks, I’m trading my Starbucks caramel macchiatos for gelatos and will be delivering you my picks for the best-dressed students at GIF.
One of the main things I was excited for when doing the GIF summer program was to see fashionable American students inspired by European style and culture. While I was dressed in shorts and an embellished tank on this scorching summer day, it was refreshing to see Laura in something a little more unique!
Read on to learn about Laura’s sense of style, where she likes to shop, and her impression of Italian fashion.
Laura 101
Name: Laura
School: Gonzaga University
Year: Senior
Major: Public Relations with minors in Sports Management and Promotions
Hometown: Torrance, California
Hobbies/Interests: “I’m on the volleyball team at Gonzaga so that takes up most of my time, plus it’s my main interest. I also love dancing, and when I’m home I go to the beach a lot.”
Let’s Talk Fashion
Why did you choose this particular outfit? “I noticed that linen pants are one of the big styles in Italy right now – I looked for some in the US but couldn’t find any so I got them here. I like this tank because it’s both loose and tight yet also flattering. Also, I’m trying to blend in with the Europeans so I don’t stick out like a sore thumb.”
Who or what inspires your style? “Well, being an athlete, I definitely like a more sporty style. I like Lululemon for comfortable athletic clothes – it’s the perfect balance of looking good and being comfortable in athletic apparel. As for inspiring celebrities, I like Cameron Diaz. Her everyday style is a balance between sporty and fun, but she can also get dressed up and be flirty and girly.”
Where do you like to shop? “I love Lululemon, Nordstrom Rack, and Forever 21. There are also a lot of boutiques I like to go to in Torrance and Hermosa, California where it’s easy to get good finds that other people won’t have. I really like the boutique Tick Tack.”
What are your favorite trends right now? “I’d have to say linen pants and summer scarves. I also have some vintage pieces that I like to wear in a more modern way. This necklace used to be my grandma’s!”
How has Italian culture and fashion inspired your style so far? “I do like bright colors and in the US, I used to try to find the brightest pieces I could. However, here I see a lot more neutrals, so I’ve been wearing more muted colors. I’ve also seen a lot of oversized tees so I got a couple of those. And I love the collared button down shirts tucked into bottoms. It looks so polite and proper. It’s crazy to think how fashion is so different when you go to different places!”
Elements of Laura’s Style
1. Nana’s Necklace
“My nana gave me this necklace – she got it in Morocco when she was a teenager,” Laura said. The bright orange beads channel one of summer’s hottest colors and provide a great pop of color against the rest of the neutral outfit. Even better, the necklace adds a sentimental touch to the look!
2. White Watch
While white watches have been a hot trend for a while now, I like how this one adds more of a clean, modern feel to Laura’s look – and matches her sandals! The watch also goes nicely with the linen pants, which I have been seeing everywhere in Italy.
3. Cross-Body Bag
Since the place we took photos at was crowded with people, Laura’s cross-body bag was perfect for the occasion, providing functionality and security all while looking fashionable. The zippered pockets allow extra storage for traveling essentials, and the cross-body strap makes the bag comfortable to carry around when you’re out and about all day.
What Do You Think?
Do you like Laura’s style? Are any of you abroad right now? If so, how has the culture inspired your style? I’d love to hear your thoughts with a comment!
 |
Posted on on June 11, 2011 / Filed Under: Looks on Campus / Tags: athletic apparel, Athletics, Bright Colors, Cross Body Bag, Gonzaga University, Italy, linen pants, Looks on Campus, Lululemon, Neutrals, Study Abroad, White watch
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
Milana
That’s a very Italian summer look to me. linen pants are always in style i southern Europe! She looks fresh and comfy! And super pretty :)
Raven
I really like all the pieces she’s wearing but the pieces combined seem a little simple making all these great pieces an ehh avg outfit. Nice smile though.
Marleine
I love the whole outfit,especially the pants.
Nkatha
Nice and relaxed. I love it! :-)
Nikki
go to carreria for gelato on via de benci… it is by far the best in the city. biscotto is my favorite. try it!!
Tarynn
So adorable! Now I want some linen pants!
Abbie
I love this. It is simple and sophisticated. She doesn’t look like she’s trying to hard, but instead looks naturally put together. How European of her.
Liz
I love it…the necklace is super cute, the simpleness of it works perfectly. I also love how it fits, the top isn’t too tight or revealing so she doesn’t look like she’s just wearing a plain tank top.
Alee
i agree. I live in California and I noticed the difference in fashion when i went to england/ireland!
B
Looks like the perfect travel outfit ! I really like it ! thanks for the inspiration!
Ashleigh
Pretty cute. I own a bag like that, except in a pretty dark copper color. I love it. :)
claire
I’m from germany. Does that count as abroad? ;) it is definitely trough that style changes across borders. Even in the Netherlands which is like one or two hours away people dress different. I would be interested in some outfits from native italians.
tia
semangat terus ya . . ..
Suzi
I love linen pants, and she’s right – they’re not the easiest item to find in North America.
Liz
Yeah, my style was influenced after I studied abroad in Spain. Girls there tend to cover up a little more – for example, they’d wear sheer nude tights under a pair of shorts. I saw a lot of women wear sheer nude socks with flats. I was never one to wear sweatpants and a t-shirt, but there’s definitely none of that there!
Destiny
LOVE the bag! It’s a nice update to the cross-body bags I’ve seen.
kelsey
LOVE the linen pants! I’ve been looking everywhere for a pair!
Anelis
Maybe it’s a cultural thing?
In Australia at least, every one who lives on campus is always dressed well. As in a nice skirt, blouse, jacket. If you came to class in sweatpants everyone assumes you’d just gone to the gym.
Margaux
Ehhhh:| Its looks cute but I have to agree with raven.Maybe some outfits by ‘native” Italians!