By SHELBY BILBRUCK
Columnist

I’m graduating next week, making this my last column for the Muleskinner. The only idea I could think of to write about for my last article is nothing other than my experience with style evolution and how it doesn’t end after graduation.

Think about freshman year. For me, this was the year I got up an hour or two early so I could straighten or curl my hair, spend awhile doing full-fledged makeup and take my time picking out the perfect outfit.

My style was girly with a bit of edge back then, my hair hit my waist and I could strut around in heels all day.

It’s the end of my senior year now, and I can tell you I’m about the exact opposite now. My hair is cut to my ears, my wardrobe is nearly all black and gray, I prefer sneakers and the longest I take to get ready is 30 minutes.

This may not happen for everyone that goes through college, but for many, your style evolution will grow with you throughout your college experience. Your wardrobe may not do a 180 and be the complete opposite of what it was when you started college, but it probably won’t be the same.

Now the question arises on how to get the style you’ve always wanted. If you’re a freshman or sophomore, there’s still plenty of time to switch out pieces of your wardrobe with new items you really want for your new style.

Think about styles you see on others on campus or celebrities and which ones always draw your attention the most. Then, the next time you go shopping, slowly start to collect new pieces that are the same style you want to have by your senior year.

If you’re already a junior or senior, your wardrobe and style transformation from freshman to senior year may already be complete. Maybe it won’t.

However, your style most likely won’t stay the same after you walk across the stage at graduation.

When you get your first big kid paycheck, you probably won’t be running to blow it all on Forever 21. Your college style might cease to exist five years after graduation.

Style is always evolving, so if you feel the need for change, don’t be scared to go for it. Give new styles a try, and find one that works for you for that moment.