A pop of color in an outfit goes a long way, especially with the right accessory.

Senior textiles, apparel and merchandising major, Daryan Ross was spotted with his creative style at Wirtz Hall. I admire his outfit, which incorporated layers with a touch of pastel, welcoming the spring season.

Ross wore a blue, purple and cream scarf from H&M, a cream blazer, a multi-colored H&M sweater layered over an American Eagle Outfitters denim shirt, blue pants from H&M, black Dr. Marten shoes form Akira and glasses from Aldo.

He gets his outfit inspirations from music videos that combine pop culture, particularly ones from artists like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. He is also inspired by high fashion editorials in magazines like GQ and Vogue.

“Make the world your runway,” Ross said.

NIU has a long way to go for students to make it their runway, but fashion is still out there.

Ross’s outfit was inspired by his scarf. The colors of the scarf allow him to show off his multi-colored sweater and mathching blue pants.

“I don’t like to look like the normal,” Ross said.

According to Antonio Centeno from ArtofManliness.com, most men are baffled as to how to properly wear a scarf and may feel that it isn’t masculine.

However, it is quite the opposite, and men, including military soldiers, have worn scarves throughout history. Both sexes are meant to wear this style and stay warm.

A thick wool scarf can keep your neck warm during the cold winter and lightweight linen is more comfortable on chilly spring days.

Scarves can add a strong element of style, especially when they embrace color, like Ross’s scarf. Centeno said it is also a good rule of thumb to keep the rest of the outfit simple so it isn’t competing with the scarf for attention,

There are many ways to wear a scarf for men and women. Some ways include draping it across the shoulders, tying it into one knot, wrapping the scarf once or twice around the neck and the well-known “European knot.” Centeno demonstrates the “European knot” by folding the scarf in half, looping the loose end through the bent end and pulling it snug, adjusting as needed.

Wearing a scarf with your outerwear makes your outfit look very put-together in a nonchalant way. However you choose to wear you scarf, wear it with confidence and embrace your warmth and style.