Fashion trends on college campuses constantly evolve, but at GHC, there is no single defining style. Instead, students embrace a mix of comfort, personal expression and nostalgic influences from past decades.

Cartersville campus Dean Leslie Johnson, said comfort is the priority for most students. “I see a lot of sweatpants, hoodies and sneakers,” Johnson said. “Even people who dress up a little usually keep it casual.”

Emily Harris, an organizational leadership major, says her personal style revolves around ease and practicality.

“Definitely comfort. A 10 out of 10 on comfort,” Harris said. “And recently, I’ve leaned more towards athletic wear.”

While past generations often followed a more unified fashion trend, today’s students take an individual approach. Harris said there is no overarching “fashion vibe” at GHC.

“There’s no theme,” she said. “I think it’s highly focused on individualism and everyone’s personal taste. You know, you were showing me pictures of people from the ’70s—there’s a consistency in their looks. But nowadays, it’s not really like that anymore.”

Johnson agreed, adding that even among different campuses, there is no dominant trend.

“It really depends on the person,” she said. “Some students dress up a little more, but most just wear whatever’s easiest.”

Looking back to the 1970s and 1980s, fashion on college campuses was a reflection of the social movements and cultural shifts of the times. During the 1970s, students embraced bohemian styles that included bell-bottom jeans, colorful patterns, denim jackets and free-flowing tops.

Harris, who gravitates toward vintage pieces, appreciates these styles for their laid-back yet expressive vibe.

“The bell bottoms, the patterns, the denim—those were definitely iconic,” Harris said. “The ‘70s had such a unique free-spirited look. If I have the money to go thrifting, I definitely lean towards that era. TV shows like Almost Famous and Daisy Jones & The Six perfectly capture that vibe.”

The 1980s saw a shift toward bold, sometimes exaggerated fashion. Bright colors, oversized clothing, and athletic wear became staples. College students at the time embraced power dressing, with women sporting shoulder pads, and men opting for more tailored, formal styles.

Today, social media is shaping fashion trends, but not always in a way that aligns with students’ budgets. Harris observed that many online trends emphasize name-brand athletic wear that students cannot always afford.

“It’s all just a call to these same brands that are unachievable for students,” she said. “A lot of social media is leaning towards athletic wear. Popular brands like Nike and Adidas both put an emphasis on that.”

Johnson said online trends influence younger students but do not dictate what everyone wears. “I think some people care about trends, but most don’t really follow them too closely,” she said.

Though nostalgia plays a role, Harris also noted that today’s fashion is more about comfort and convenience than self-expression.

“No, I do not think students use fashion as a form of self-expression,” she said. “I think they use fashion out of a sense of comfort and convenience. Back then, students had more going on—wars, Vietnam, the women’s movement. Fashion then made a statement. Nowadays, you just get up, throw on a pair of sweatpants, and get on with your day.”

However, some outfits still manage to spark conversation on campus. Harris recently wore a ‘90s-inspired look that turned heads.

“This actually happened last week,” she said. “I went to campus and wore a long-sleeve white shirt under a black silk velvet dress—very Rachel Green, ‘90s—and I had so many people come up to me and say, ‘I love your outfit.’”

While today’s fashion is undeniably casual and individualistic, it still reflects the ongoing influence of past decades. If Harris could bring back one trend from the 1970s, ‘80s, or ‘90s, it would be the denim look of the ‘70s.

Ultimately, fashion at GHC is as diverse as the students who attend, with comfort, nostalgia and individuality leading the way.