• Your one stop for college news and resources!

Dmytro Spilka

Ten Unmissable Considerations to Take When Buying the Perfect First Car

Ten Unmissable Considerations to Take When Buying the Perfect First Car

It’s one of life’s most memorable experiences. Buying our first car and earning that all-important piece of freedom is one of the biggest rites of passage for young adults and college students alike, but it’s important to avoid getting caught up in the excitement and being left with a motor that doesn’t suit your needs. 

Buying your first car may be one of the most enjoyable shopping experiences you can imagine. Whether you’re searching online, visiting showrooms, or stumbling upon a friend who might be willing to sell, getting to grips with a new motor and imagining a future driving it from A to B can be an enthralling feeling. 

However, purchasing the wrong car can come with major financial and even safety risks. With this in mind, let’s explore 10 essential considerations that you should take into account before you buy your first set of wheels:

To Buy New or Used?

Okay, so this first consideration doesn’t actually have a right or wrong answer. While used cars are certainly cheaper than new cars, if you can afford to buy a newer motor, it’s likely that they’ll have better safety features and less wear and tear.

However, the biggest consideration here revolves around your level of experience. As a new and inexperienced driver, you may be more likely to have bumps and scrapes as you get a feel for the roads and your own spatial awareness. This can severely affect the value of a new car, so purchasing a cheaper motor to find your feet in may be a more suitable option. 

Always Look for Dents and Scratches

Always make sure you take a good look at your car in the daytime so that you can clearly see any imperfections on the bodywork. Keep an eye on dents, scratches, and signs of kerbing on the wheels. 

Although minor dents and scratches aren’t usually a big problem for drivers, larger bumps and problems with the bodywork could indicate that the car’s chassis could be weakened, making the vehicle less safe if it experiences a crash. 

You should also keep a lookout for issues like chips and cracks in the windshield that may affect your vision or be liable to become worse over time. If this is the case, it’s worth Googling ‘windshield chip repair near me’ to find out whether the cost to fix the issue is worth embracing. 

Naturally, discovering dents and scratches can be an opportunity to haggle the price of a used car down, so don’t panic if you see a discreet imperfection upon inspection. 

Never Make a Decision Before a Test Drive

It’s imperative that you always test drive a car before you buy it. This is because you get the opportunity to test the motor for any signs that something isn’t right, all while checking to make sure that it lives up to your expectations when on the road. 

To properly test a car, be sure to check the condition of the clutch by looking for the biting point. Also look at how the car accelerates, whether it pulls to one side, or how it handles corners. 

You should also try driving at a high speed on a freeway if you get the opportunity, as this can help to unmask some of the problems that could be hidden when going at low speeds. 

Always Calculate the True Budget You’ll Need

You may know the price of your car, but how much is it set to cost you per month? Different cars can run up different monthly costs based on the type of insurance you get, the miles-per-gallon you can get out of a tank of petrol, and the road tax you’re likely to pay. 

It’s always worth running a check on the mpg of your chosen car before making a purchase and getting an insurance quote from providers. These can help to clarify the true budget you’ll need before you buy a car.

Be Wary of High Mileage

High-mileage cars tend to be far cheaper to buy, but there’s a good reason for this. Cars that have racked up over 100,000 miles tend to require more maintenance through wear and tear over time. While they could be $2,000 cheaper than counterparts with 30,000 miles, any savings could be lost through constant repair work. 

Safety Should be a Priority

You may have passed your test with flying colors and regard yourself as a strong driver. But accidents can always happen because of factors out of your control like poor weather or the incompetence of others. 

Because of this, make sure you check that your car will have fully functioning seat belts, airbags, anti-lock braking (ABS), traction control, and working tire pressure monitors. All of these factors can help to ensure that you’ll stay safe in your new motor. 

Make Sure Your Car Suits Your Personal Requirements

If you’re planning to add a child seat in the back of your car, make sure that the seat belts stretch well enough to fit it. Perhaps you need your car to transport heavy equipment from A to B, and in this case, you should keep boot space in mind. 

Don’t Let Your Heart Rule Your Head

We’ve all been there. It can be easy to fall in love with a car for different reasons. However, it pays to stay level-headed and to avoid becoming infatuated with one single motor when there are alternatives on the market that are more functional, cost-effective, and relevant to your needs. 

Look Out for Inconsistencies

While it can be tempting to buy your perfect car on the spot without having to dive into masses of paperwork, the more administrative aspect of purchasing a car can help to uncover key inconsistencies in its service history. 

Getting to grips with the information supporting your car, like its service record, ownership history, and mileage can be an important way of checking to see if it’s had a high turnover in owners, or if it’s had to undergo major repair work in its lifetime. 

These factors can all point to something not being quite right with the vehicle that requires further investigation. 

Don’t be Afraid to Bring an Expert with You

You may want to take the step of buying your first car on your own, or with friends to accompany you, but it’s worth taking someone who’s experienced with cars who can help you to spot potential problems or areas of concern. 

Whether you know of somebody who took a mechanics course or have a family member who has plenty of experience with cars, it’s certainly worth bringing them with you.  

Having somebody by your side who knows the ropes of used car purchasing can not only help you to find the perfect motor but could also prevent some opportunistic used car dealers from trying to exploit your lack of experience in their sales tactics. 

Although these considerations are important to keep in mind, above all you should remember to enjoy the experience of buying your first car. There aren’t many more liberating moments than getting your first set of wheels, so enjoy! 

SEE ALSO: Prioritizing Cost and Durability: Analyzing the Best Cars for College Students

7 Stylish Summer Fashion Trends Set to Emerge from Wimbledon 2023

7 Stylish Summer Fashion Trends Set to Emerge from Wimbledon 2023

Wimbledon is the oldest tennis championship in the world and is held in Wimbledon, London every year. Regarded as one of the most prestigious events in the world, with both star-studded celebrities and royalty in attendance, Wimbledon is regal and so is the fashion that people in attendance sport. Everyone has their own style at Wimbledon, but they tend to follow an unwritten dress code. There’s no established dress code, but there is something to be said about it being such a prestigious event.

With celebrities and royalty in attendance, new fashion trends are bound to emerge, and here are our predictions for the fashion trends that will emerge from Wimbledon 2023 and into the summer trends.

Pleated skirts have resurfaced in recent years. Known as a staple in tennis wear, it’s become a recent fashion trend due to the resurgence of miniskirts. Pleated skirts are often seen on tennis courts, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them off the courts. With a distinctive pleat and flow, pleated skirts can be paired with just about anything. Hundreds of styles can be adapted to include a pleated skirt. Oftentimes, pleated skirts are paired with polos and classic white runners, which are another predicted style of ours to come out of Wimbledon 2023, but can be paired with absolutely anything. If you’re looking for a statement, try a pleated skirt in a bold colour and a white top, with heels. The heels can either be white or the same colour as the skirt. Don’t forget your sunglasses!

White runners are quite the staple in tennis wear as well – they’re called tennis shoes in the United States for a reason! They’re comfortable and suit the atmosphere of one of the world’s most prestigious tennis matches. We anticipate that white runners, that are clean, will be seen all over Wimbledon. Due to their extensive history at tennis matches, it’s a no-brainer that white runners will be seen long after Wimbledon is over.

Muted tones have been quite popular in the last few years due to designers and celebrities wearing everything from a light tan, to a dark brown, to a cream. Muted tones are perfect for any formal event, as they don’t draw too much attention, but still make one look polished and well put together. We predict that dresses, skirts and suits in muted tones will be in full force in Wimbledon, and from there, into summer trends. 

Light jumpsuits were seen in the crowd at last year’s Wimbledon but with the increasing trend in the flowy, prairie dresses, we can see the two being merged to create a flowy jumpsuit. A flowy jumpsuit is feminine and comfortable and can be made out of a simple, understated pattern or bold colour. It can also be paired with white runners or a simple summer sandal. A sunhat would complete the look, with sunhats being quite the staple in Wimbledon.

Half-zip pullovers are a comfy option. They can be seen all throughout sports, due to their adjustable and loose nature, and tennis is no different. We predict that we’ll see a lot of muted-toned half-zip pullovers after Wimbledon. They can be paired with a pleated skirt, a pair of smart trousers, or a button-down underneath the pullover. It’s a cosy way to embody the sportiness of the design, while also keeping yourself warm on those breezy summer nights.

Baseball caps are a way to keep the sun out of your eyes and to accessorise any summer outfit. Again, they’re a staple in the sporting community, but designers in the last two or three years have included countless baseball caps in their collections in many different styles. Whether they’re bejewelled, bold or simple, baseball caps will definitely become a trend after Wimbledon. They can be paired with your pleated skirt and heels, or your half-zip pullover and layered button-down. 

Lastly, dresses are one of the most common pieces of fashion that appear in Wimbledon. Whether it’s patterned, muted or colourful, dresses are staples of royalty and celebrities. They reappear every year without fail, but we predict that prairie dresses will be quite popular. Known for their long sleeves and billowing body, they’re a flowy, comfortable way to keep yourself cool and covered from the sun. We wouldn’t be surprised to see prairie dresses in summer fashion, paired with gladiator sandals and statement sunglasses.

Wimbledon is known for its regality and prestige, and we can’t wait to see more fashion trends emerge from one of the world’s most-watched events.

SEE ALSO: Saddle-Up Style: Has Cowboy Fashion Hit the Streets?

Prioritizing Cost and Durability: Analyzing the Best Cars for College Students

Prioritizing Cost and Durability: Analyzing the Best Cars for College Students

College life can provide a great many students with the opportunity to experience true freedom, but this can be a little difficult without having the right car that’s safe, efficient, and won’t break the bank to drive. 

While there are plenty of cars out there, finding the right one to suit the needs of college students can be tricky. This is because college life can be tricky to budget, and a little chaotic to say the least. 

Although no two students have the same wants and needs when it comes to cars, factors like value for money and durability are likely to rank high when guiding students through their college years. With this in mind, let’s have a look at seven motors that can fit the bill for the tricky test of college life: 

Chevrolet Spark

The Chevrolet Spark is one of the cheapest options available on our list and offers excellent fuel economy for students, making those trips to the pump less frequent. With 30 miles-per-gallon in city environments and 38mpg on the freeway, you’ll be able to get from A to B throughout semesters without having to constantly spend big. 

While the car has a strong four-cylinder engine, the 98 horsepower on show can be a little restrictive if you’re looking to take regular long journeys home between semesters.

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius will top a great many lists when it comes to cost-efficient driving. The hybrid motor has delivered a fuel economy of 48mpg, making it extremely cheap to drive.

Furthermore, the model has been named as a Top Safety Pick from IIHS for both 2012 and 2013, and a TSP+ for 2014-2015.

With more recent Prius models offering safety features like pre-collision systems and lane-keeping assists, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a safer and cheaper-to-run motor. However, the costs of buying a Prius can be relatively steep in comparison to some of the cheaper cars listed.

Honda CR-V

Depending on your studies, sometimes it’s worth investing in an SUV to haul larger objects like musical instruments or sports equipment into college. If you’re looking for a larger car to do the trick, the Honda CR-V could be the perfect low-cost option to fit the bill. 

The car also has useful features like all-wheel drive should conditions become slippery, and lane-departure warnings to help keep you in control of your vehicle at all times. 

Mazda3

The Mazda3 is a beautiful motor that can be bought used for a fair price. The car itself can be very versatile, and comes in both sedan or hatchback models, with the latter offering a great compact option for students. 

For the right price, the Mazda3 can be a great sporty option for college students, and the car comes with a six-speed manual transmission for stick drivers. 

The car also features a smart key fob that provides handy keyless entry to the car, which can be great when rushing with luggage between classes. Don’t worry if your key ever gets lost amidst the chaos of student life, replacing your car key can be easy with auto locksmiths on-hand to reprogram smart keys. 

Toyota Corolla

There aren’t many cars that have exerted the staying power of the Toyota Corolla. With a history that’s spanned more than 50 years, students can embrace decades of engineering quality when choosing this car. 

Taking the form of a subcompact car that offers both sedan and hatchback versions, the Corolla’s more recent editions boast safety features like pre-collision deterrence, automatic high beams, and lane departure alerts. 

While newer Toyota Corollas can extend to the higher reaches of student budgets, there are many great older versions that can perform admirably when it comes to getting students safely from A to B throughout their semesters. 

KIA Soul

No matter what your taste is in cars, there’s no doubt that the KIA Soul is striking in appearance. Box-like in appearance, the Soul will certainly help you to stand out from the crowd on campus. 

Due to its unusual shape, the Soul offers a healthy level of storage space despite its small appearance. The motor overall is a strong budget option for students, though its possible lack of aerodynamics might be a contributing factor to its weaker gas mileage, which doesn’t measure up as well as some of the other options on this list. 

Honda Fit

To conclude our list, we have another Japanese option for student drivers. Although Honda stopped selling the Fit hatchback in recent years in the US, it’s still proving to be a popular motor for student drivers. 

The car features strong safety ratings and plenty of efficiency for drivers, and its 33mpg city and 40mpg highway fuel consumption is credible in comparison to other options on this list. 

Honda’s Fit model also packs a relative punch, with a 130-horsepower engine that outstrips some of the other small hatchback options available on the market. 

Although student life can be difficult to navigate at the best of times, finding the right car that’s dependable and cost-effective can be a great way of getting the most out of your experience at college. 

When searching for the right car, always draw up your expected budgets and draw comparisons between the initial cost and fuel consumption costs that can be associated with your purchase. In finding the right vehicle to suit your budget, getting from A to B will have never felt so easy. 

SEE ALSO: Packing For College: Essential Move-In Tips & Tricks

Ten Ways to Look Hot While Staying Cool This Summer

Ten Ways to Look Hot While Staying Cool This Summer

As we jump into the summer season, warm weather is just around the corner. Whether you’re planning a beach day or a European city break, the last thing you want to do is overheat.

Not only does protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays carry enormous health benefits, but keeping cool in high temperatures makes it easier to spend more time having fun outside. 

However, if you’re still hoping to catch a tan and enjoy the heat, we’ve got you covered. Here are ten ways to still look hot while keeping cool this summer. 

Woven clutches

We’re also excited to see woven bags back in style this summer. Designed to be lightweight and breathable, woven-style bags are the perfect beach accessory.

Better still, why not cry a woven clutch on your next European mini-break. As the perfect accompaniment to a flowing maxi dress and roman style sandals, get ready to enjoy your evening Aperol Spritz like one of the locals.

Long-line linen 

If you’re searching for an all-year-round fabric, look no further than linen. As one of the most breathable materials on the planet, you’ll be sure to stay cool while still looking hot this summer.

Why not pair some long-line linen trousers with a simple crop top and a straw hat. Finish the look off with some Parisian-style loafers, and you’ll be rocking summertime chic with next to no effort. 

Oversized sunnies 

For those of you excited for lazy days basking in the sunshine, there’s no better way to rock up to the seaside than with your very own pair of shades for the beach. Not only will these protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they make tucking into your favourite book that bit easier. Here’s a great list of options if you’re looking for a new pair.

2023 is the year of oversized sunnies. If you want to embrace your inner Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian, investing in a pair of oversized glamour frames will see you soaking up the sun in style.

Smock dresses

Don’t forget a smock dress in your list of holiday essentials. Not only do these flowy numbers act as a perfect swimwear cover-up, but smock dresses are perfect for keeping cool in the hot sun.

Why not search for vibrant colours that scream summer, such as burnt orange and hot pink. If you’re looking to make a statement, this all-in-one outfit will have you looking hot while keeping you cool. 

Block colour bucket hats

This ’90s essential is well and truly back. Bucket hats may be a staple of Britain’s summertime past, but in a range of bold colours, they are back and better than ever. 

If you’re planning on heading to a festival or spending long hours out in the heat, investing in one of these could save you from sunstroke while adding a pop of colour to your outfit.

Glamourous cat eyes

If you’re looking to embrace your inner Audrey Hepburn this summer look no further. Cat eye sunglasses never go out of style, making them the perfect glamorous accessory to add to your seasonal lookbook.

Not only will these shades protect your eyes from the sun, but you’ll effortlessly give off vintage vibes in this ’60s chic look. 

Straw hats

Who says you can’t stay cool in style? Like woven bags, straw and crochet-style hats have become Gen Z’s hottest trend in 2023. Whether you opt for a classic floppy design with a wide brim and a bowknot ribbon or embrace Cochella’s cowboy style, straw hats are excellent partners for a sunny day out. 

Why not opt for natural colours such as beige and tan that pair effortlessly with sunshine orange and cobalt blue?

Breathable bikini coverups

For those of you heading to an all-inclusive resort, bikini cover-ups are essential. As you make your way from the pool to the bar, a lightweight coverup allows you to ditch the beach towel and make a style statement with ease.

The key here is to choose a lightweight fabric. We’re talking viscose or cotton for a comfortable, breathable once piece that shades you from the sun. Why not get experimental and play around with sheer fabrics too, especially if you’re excited to show off your newest swimwear. 

Crochet crop tops

If you haven’t seen crochet creeping back onto the high street, have you been living under a rock? From jumpers to handbags, crochet patterns are quickly bringing the 60s couture back into style this summer. 

The best thing about crochet designs is breathability. Using woven structures that naturally let your skin breathe, it has become the go-to summer style for crop tops and seasonal dresses. 

All in one tote bag

Last but not least, if you’re heading on your next summer adventure, don’t forget your all-in-one tote bag. As a lightweight essential, fit to carry all of your cooling clothing, you won’t regret the purchase.

Better still, why not customise your tote bag with funny patterns and colours. This is a perfect way to bring a neutral outfit to life and add some personality to your summer lookbook of 2023.

SEE ALSO: The Final Stretch: Five Steps To Take Before Graduation

Saddle-Up Style: Has Cowboy Fashion Hit the Streets?

Saddle-Up Style: Has Cowboy Fashion Hit the Streets?

Cowboy fashion is one of those styles that will never go away. Due to the way it’s embedded in Western culture, there will always be revivals and pieces of Western wear that are infused into modern culture. Whether it’s a new take on denim-on-denim, new floral or paisley patterns on prairie dresses, the infamous cowboy boot, or the classic appeal of a fringed, Western-style jacket – the unique style of the 19th century Wild West is here to stay. Because of the popularity of Western movies in the 1900s, the style has been established as an American classic.

Let’s have a look at a few of the most popular cowboy fashion styles.

Denim-on-denim

Known as one of the most apparent staples of cowboy fashion, the infamous denim-on-denim has become a streetwear staple in recent years. The variations that exist within denim-on-denim can consist of different shades of denim, sometimes adding denim shirts underneath denim jackets, using light wash and dark wash, or light-wash head to toe. Created by Levi Strauss for manual labourers in the West of the United States in the late 1800s, one of the most iconic pieces of denim-on-denim fashion is the denim jacket. But, the denim-on-denim style is no longer just for manual labourers – supermodels like Emrata and Gigi Hadid have added denim-on-denim to their everyday wardrobes. If you’re new to denim-on-denim, try and use two different washes, a light wash on top and a dark wash on the bottom. Don’t worry about adding the denim button-up until you’re ready.

‘Western Jackets’

Jackets are essential to bringing a look together, and it’s the same for cowboy fashion. Especially with the flamboyance of fringe and the rustic appeal of dark brown suede, ‘Western Jackets’ are staples in the Wild West fashion. One of the most apparent features of this style is the ‘wear and tear’ that can be seen on the jacket. If suede or leather, the essence of the Western style is captured in the distressed material, linking back to the idea of Western fashion being made for the working class. Whether these jackets are made from leather, suede, or snakeskin, with or without fringe, or cropped, ‘Western Jackets’ is a customizable type of Western fashion. If fringe on a jacket makes you nervous, go for a dark brown suede or leather jacket. But to really embody cowboy fashion, fringe is a must.

The Cowboy Boot

The cowboy boot is a cultural relic of the USA. Originally crafted to help cowboys stay in place in their stirrups, the cowboy boot was an item of clothing that was born out of necessity. Now, the cowboy boot is offered in different ‘exotic’ skins – alligator, snake, boar, elk, and more. Known for its boxed-off pointed-toe, stitching and heels, the cowboy boot is easily distinguishable from any other boot. Often, the boot comes up to the midcalf. The cowboy boot is incredibly versatile. They’re meant to be comfortable, hence why they regularly appear at Coachella and other festivals, and they look cute. You can style the cowboy boot with a pair of boot-cut or flare jeans, a cute mini skirt or summer dress, a prairie dress, with a denim jacket
 the options are endless. 

A Praire Dress

One of the most distinct pieces of cowboy fashion is the long, flowing dress. Often categorised by the pattern, whether it be paisley or floral, a prairie dress is a staple in the cottage-core aesthetic. Characterised by ‘voluminous sleeves’ and ‘a billowing body’ (Vogue), the prairie dress is iconic in both the cottage-core aesthetic and cowboy fashion. Originally sewn for women living in the prairies (obviously), it’s a delicate dress, breathable for the sun-stricken days, allowing movement when the winds would pick up on the dry afternoons. It’s perfect for hot days and cooler nights. Try pairing it with a denim jacket and some sandals on a sunset date night, or pair it with a popular but classic pair of sunglasses and a hat on a sunny day.

For everyday fashion, the key is doing what you feel comfortable with. If you want to embrace cowboy fashion head-on, just do it! Wear a linen or cotton prairie dress, a pair of neutral cowboy boots, or a similar coloured ‘Western jacket’, or pair it with a big Wild West-style belt. Stick to similar shades of accessories, it keeps the outfit cohesive. If you’re feeling a bit nervous by the idea of looking like you stepped out of a Western film, simply add cowboy boots to a cute, summer dress, or rock it with a classic denim jacket on a night out. The possibilities with cowboy fashion are endless. 

SEE ALSO: Has Emily in Paris Inspired a New Era of Parisian Fashion?

Has Emily in Paris Inspired a New Era of Parisian Fashion?

Has Emily in Paris Inspired a New Era of Parisian Fashion?

Emily in Paris continues to make statements across the globe. Whether it be for its humorous drama, famous Parisian sights or trend-setting fashion, the Netflix show knows how to get its audience talking.

As we follow the life of Emily Cooper on her adventures in Paris, actress Lily Collins continues to dress to impress. From bold colours and neon hues to quirky accessories, season 3 has not disappointed when it comes to bringing Parisian style into the limelight.

In fact, to celebrate the premiere of the newest installment of American-French drama, Dubai gave the show a warm welcome with an exclusive Emily In Paris runway, filled with show-inspired signature looks by designers like Nadine Kanso and Ilyes Ouali.

According to the shows leading costume designer, Marylin Fitoussi, the newest season’s looks have certainly started conversations amongst Gen Z and Millennial viewers. 

“If 50 per cent of the people loved the show and 50 per cent hated it, that means we provoked some kind of a reaction. What I did was not neutral. You can like it or hate it, but it was a real statement,” said Fitoussi.

The question is, has Emily In Paris bought french fashion back into the mainstream? Let’s have a closer look into the defining style statements of season 3 and reveal what this could mean for the fashion scene in 2023. 

An Era of Expression

This season of Emily In Paris was all about expression. Rather than dressing to impress, we saw the characters dressing to express their emotions throughout the episodes. 

A prime example of this comes from Emily herself in the first episode of the latest instalment. During her nightmare on the top of the Eiffel Tower, we see Emily say goodbye to her hot pink feather frock and hello to a more sophisticated silhouette as she moves from her old agency to Sylivie’s new Agence Grateau.

Her dramatic fall in pink represents the “death of old Emily and her style”, says season 3 costume designer Fitoussi. “It’s saying goodbye to pink, a way of saying ‘let’s go with another colour now.”

In fact, the whole season sees a shift in style expression. From Sylvie’s Dior numbers to Alfie’s signature sunglasses that you can order online from Eyeglasses.com – they have a big selection to choose from. As the characters develop, their styles continually evolve to represent their current positions on the show. 

Using fashion as a form of character expression is something the show does well, especially when it comes to inspiring viewers to do the same, according to Nadine Kanso, founder of Bil Arabi, a Dubai jewellery brand.

“Lily Collins’ character, Emily, breaks away from the conventions. Confidence is vital, and more so when it comes to fashion as you are showing your character, especially if it is bold and unapologetic,” she comments. “When it comes to Emily, her style has a great variety on the show, so one can choose what resonates for them.”

Is Parisian Style Back in Fashion?

Emily’s signature looks have also soared on social media. The question is, have they brought french fashion back into the mainstream?

Social media has been responsible for bringing Parisian style back onto the runway in the last decade. From Brenton stripes to the newest French it-girls, Caroline de Maigret and Ines de la Fressange, Parisian pieces are most definitely in.

Emily In Paris has only sped up the adoption of french fashion amongst Gen Z. On TikTok alone, #frenchgirlstyle has surpassed over 47 million views since the release of season one. 

“Emily in Paris is colourful, bold and a lot of fun. The looks are not only on top of the trends but also extremely wearable, especially if you like to go all out,” says Farhana Bodi, star of Netflix’s Dubai Bling. “It has made a lot of impact on the younger girls, particularly Gen Z. They love experimenting with bold colours, mixing prints and statement accessories.”

Inspiring a Future of Upcycling & Accessible Fashion

One thing Emily In Paris did trial in season 3 was an introduction to retro fashion. As Gen Z and millennial viewers move towards a more environmental future of fashion, the hit show continues to inspire a future of upcycling, according to costume designer Marylin Fitoussi.

“For the past seven years, I’ve been pushing upcycling and recycling. We only buy new if something is needed the next day and can’t be delivered in time,” Fitoussi states. “For Season 2, I decided my challenge would be to combine a couture piece, Dior or Balmain, with a young designer, with a vintage piece, with something you would find at a store like H&M or Zara.”

With this style guide in mind, Emily In Paris promotes fashion that is accessible to its viewers, which could be why it’s become so popular. Using their platform to prove that high fashion doesn’t need to cost the earth is a great way to get an audience to recreate the show’s signature looks.

The question is, what signature styles could we see make an appearance in season 4? We’ve had Emily’s Hepburn-inspired bangs and Sylvie’s classic elegance, but could the next season be time to open up conversations about the male fashions scene?

SEE ALSO: You’ve Been Framed: The 10 Most Famous Glasses in TV & Film

You've Been Framed: The 10 Most Famous Glasses in TV & Film

You’ve Been Framed: The 10 Most Famous Glasses in TV & Film

Our favorite movies and TV shows have been shaping our sense of style for over a century now, and there’s nothing that can beat a great look on the silver screen. Over the years, both TV and cinema have conjured some unmistakable styles and inspired brand new fashion trends single-handedly. 

Although it can be a daunting task to pick out a collection of the most iconic eyewear that we’ve seen throughout the world of TV and film, it’s certainly worth looking deeper into 10 styles that have had the biggest impact and largest influence over viewers. 

With this in mind, let’s explore the 10 most famous glasses in TV and film:

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

In arguably the epitome of 60s chic, the opening shots of the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s are unmistakable. Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn, walks the streets of New York in a pair of striking thick-framed sunglasses before stopping to peer into the window of Tiffany’s. 

The glasses themselves are designed by Oliver Goldsmith, and have become a timeless classic in the world of fashion. Impressively, the eyewear is still available to buy from Goldsmith.

Top Gun (1986)

If there was ever a film that single-handedly made a style of sunglasses more fashionable, it has to be Top Gun.

The aviators adorned by lead character, Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, have become a timeless vestige of coolness with a wide array of fans today–including US President Joe Biden.

In the movie, the iconic shades were a pair of Ray-Bans. The reason for this is that the company were the very first to produce aviators back in the 1930s as a means of helping pilots to keep their eyes protected from the glare of the sun.

The recent return of Top Gun: Maverick only contributed to cementing the aviators as a cinematic classic, and there are no signs of the fashion trend crash landing any time soon.

The Matrix (1999)

The craze for Matrix glasses never seems to want to fade away. Even after repeatedly failing to live up to the box office smash hit of The Matrix in the quadrilogy’s follow-ups, the demand for everything Matrix is continually infiltrating fashion.

Along with striking black frames and unconventional shapes, the art of Matrix fashion dictates that black and leather are the classic cool look. For the film’s far-reaching cult following, the kung-fu moves featured throughout the motion picture may be a stretch too far, but the fashion within the movie is highly accessible.

Lolita (1962)

Unsurprisingly, the 1960s reemerge as a key decade for fashion, and in this case, it’s the eyewear worn by Sue Lyon as the lead character, Lolita, in the Stanley Kubrick comedy of the same name.

Starring in a bold pair of brightly colored heart-shaped glasses, Lolita casts a striking impression in a movie that’s only become more popular throughout the ages.

Superman (1978 – )

Although superheroes aren’t usually known for their eyewear, it’s fair to say that Clark Kent wasn’t a traditional superhero when hiding his alter ego, Superman, from the world.

Playing a mild-mannered reporter, Clark Kent can often be found throughout the Superman cinematic history wearing thick black frames as a means of ensuring that his true identity isn’t discovered.

We’ve seen these iconic thick black frames throughout the eyewear industry and today perhaps the most effective to order online would be Burberry’s range of understated retro-inspired glasses.

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)

No list of famous TV and film styles could possibly be complete without Marilyn Monroe, and her eyewear in the 1953 romantic comedy, How to Marry a Millionaire shows off a golden age of style.

Monroe plays Pola Debevoise, who wears a pair of glitzy cat eye style glasses as a key wardrobe accompaniment to help win over a wealthy partner.

The cat eye style of eyewear has rarely left the inner circles of womens fashion, and style icons like Marilyn Monroe can certainly be thanked for their role in making the choice of frames a leading wardrobe choice.

The Blues Brothers (1980)

The Blues Brothers had the privilege of combining blues music with a look that oozes coolness. Brothers Jake and Elwood Blues, played by John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd, opted to complete their look using unmistakable Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

As some of the most popular forms of eyewear in the decades that followed The Blues Brothers’ 1980 release, it’s fair to say that the Wayfarer is still performing admirably well off the back of the work of some of the film industry’s most famous brothers.

Harry Potter (2001-2011)

Okay, so the look hasn’t quite caught on in the world of fashion, but it’s fair to say that Harry Potter, played by Daniel Radcliffe, has the most famous pair of glasses in 21st Century cinema.

The circular lenses may have been popularized by the likes of John Lennon in The Beatles some decades earlier, but today we far more readily associate rounded glasses with the world’s most famous wizard.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

While it’s unclear whether his attorney advised him to wear these eye-catching Ray-Ban RB 3138 Shooter Aviator sunglasses with yellow tinted lenses or not, Hunter S Thompson, played by Johnny Depp, inspired one of the most colorful cult looks in cinema with his role in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Inspired by the renowned gonzo journalist’s semi-autobiographical account of a drug-addled few weeks in 1971.

Interestingly, the lenses themselves were picked for the real Hunter S Thompson in the movie by Terry Gilliam, of Monty Python fame.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Yep, it’s another appearance for Aviator glasses, and this time as a tool in casting a strong anti-hero style adopted by Travis Bickle, played by Robert de Niro, in the Martin Scorsese film, Taxi Driver.

Unlike our more traditional perception of the Aviator sunglasses, Bickle wears smaller lenses that aren’t too dissimilar in style to Ray-Ban’s Blaze Generals.

Whether you’re a hero or anti-hero, some of the styles that have graced the silver screen over the decades have carried a profound influence on the fashion that followed.

While Ray-Bans and Aviators have been among the leading brands and styles that have dominated Hollywood over the years, there’s been plenty of room for less conventional styles to emerge to become cult favorites over time.

It’s certainly going to be interesting to see the future of films create brand new looks that are replicated by fans over years to come.

SEE ALSO: Rihanna to Headline 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show