In a school of roughly 40,000 students, you may feel a certain pressure to fit in or stand out.

It’s no secret Penn State students are smart, but are they stylish?

As college students, it seems like a keen fashion sense is the least of our priorities, yet when asked: “Why is style or fashion important to you?”, the seven individuals featured below all seemed to agree that appearance can actually influence a person’s perception of who you are.

In my opinion, style isn’t about sporting the latest, most popular brands, but its working with what you have and carrying it with confidence. If it makes you happy – rock it. If you’re feeling repetitive — mix it up. Be bold, be brave, and continue to try new looks until you find your own personal swagger!

Seven students particularly caught my attention this week, turning heads with their uniquely self-expressive “State Swag”.

Meet Lauren H., a freshman who describes her style as “easy-going and comfortable”. This edgy rocker chick keeps it cool, calm, and collective in an unbuttoned long sleeve; combining a pair of combat boots with a classic plain white t.

Eli B., a 2nd year grad student pursuing a PhD in philosophy, takes a unique approach; mixing and matching a form-fitted Ralph Lauren Polo with a pair of gray athletic sneaks. His red back-pack adds the perfect pop of color to a simple, reserved look.

Uptown girl, Jessica G., gleams under an autumn-afternoon sun; color coordinating a pink pastel top with a pair of camouflage green, cargo pants. Jessica enhances her image with several accessories; sporting some open-toed sandals, stud earrings, and wayfarer shades.

Photographer and Penn State undergrad, Ateeq A., dresses to impress; matching a preppy, pin-striped button down with some maroon trousers and a pair of bright-white tennis shoes. Rocking a chic, bohemian wrist watch and some oversized headphones, Ateeq adds an authentic, modernized touch to his “iconic” attire.

Senior Mira K., a biochemistry and molecular biology major, stuns from head to toe in a sleek, sophisticated ensemble. Mira completes her “business-casual” look with a pair of neutral-colored flats and a patent leather hand bag.

Modern, clean, and unconventional, freshman Sahar A., makes waves pairing an elegant hijab with a geometric-patterned blouse, gold-tinted watch, and white skinny jeans.

3rd year grad student, Julia D., shines on the corner of College Avenue and S. Allen Street, modeling a pair of mainstream flats, black leggings, and a tight-wasted, floral tunic. She radiates authenticity and self-confidence,  completing her “fun and flirty, feminine look” with one of her favorite accessories: a retro, mint-green bicycle.

If you would like to jump on board with “The Natty Nittany”, submit your own personal images with the hashtag “#StateSwag” to our twitter account @onwardstate. Have fun with it and remember that parodic snapshots are always encouraged!