1. Always Listen to the Tags
One of the top 10 most annoying things is taking a white shirt out of the wash and seeing it’s stained dark blue from the jeans you washed it with, or your sweater that slightly shrunk and feels itchy now. Turns out that the fiber tags and care labels are more than just a nuisance that you cut off your T-shirt's neckline. I learned in my Fabric for Fashion class that a fiber tag tells you a lot about the garment—specifically for me, whether the high price is worth the 100% polyester composition. Care labels have also saved my wardrobe time and time again and prevented me from shrinking, staining, burning, and overall ruining my most beloved pieces. Now, these once-annoying tags are what I look to first when buying any new clothing.
2. You’re Not Locked into One Role
Fresh out of high school, I was set on attending LIM, getting my degree, and becoming Rachel Green from Friends, working as a Buyer at Ralph Lauren. What I quickly realized in my first semester at LIM is that I might not be as interested in buying as I’d thought. But what’s really great about the fashion industry is you’re never confined to one role because everything is interconnected. Buyers sometimes do merchandise activities, and event planners are basically marketers. Through the internships I’ve held, I’ve learned a lot about each of the various roles you can have in the fashion business, and the anxiety I felt in freshman year about needing to decide what career I want faded.
3. Vulnerability is a Strength
Yes, confidence matters, but so does the courage to say, “I don’t know.” Being open to asking questions and showing your employers that you are eager to learn from your experiences will set you apart. I try to treat every new opportunity as a learning experience, and I don’t hesitate to ask questions so I can learn as much as I can. I’ve found that in job settings, employers like seeing that I’m interested in learning, and in an educational setting, I’m able to connect with professors and build a valuable relationship.
4. Understanding the Fashion Cycle Is Everything
As a fashion student, I’ve learned to quickly recognize trends, but understanding the fashion cycle takes that awareness further. It allows me to identify why certain styles are gaining popularity and when they are likely to peak or fade. This knowledge helps in making informed design choices, forecasting trends, and avoiding overused ideas. It’s a foundational skill that helps me contribute meaningfully in any area of the industry, from design and styling to merchandising and branding.
5. Networking Is Non-Negotiable
In fashion, relationships matter as much as any skill. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned at LIM is that every encounter, no matter how brief, has the potential to open doors. Whether it’s a quick chat with a visiting lecturer, a peer in class, or someone I meet backstage at a show, each connection can lead to unexpected opportunities. LIM has taught me to treat every connection as valuable. The fashion industry thrives on collaboration, referrals, and reputation, so building authentic, respectful relationships is essential.
These are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned so far—and I know there’s plenty more to come. LIM College isn’t just about textbooks and trend reports. It’s a place where you grow, stretch, and discover parts of yourself you didn’t even know were there. And honestly? That’s the best part.
