It’s always a bit of a culture shock to travel from the Midwest back to my hometown of Philadelphia. Sometimes it feels like I’m not only entering a new time zone but an entirely new world. The people are a little sassier, the streets are a little hillier and life is just a bit quicker. But for my fashion-focused eye, the thing that really gets me is the difference in dress.

This spring break, all of my friends migrated back to Philly for the weekend, and seeing how everyone’s style has adapted to their new college city, whether New York City or Tuscaloosa, was quite the experience. And it reminded me how easy it is to get inspired just from the people around you. So, with the semester winding down and the schoolwork piling up, I figure we could all use a little spring fashion motivation from around the country. Because Midwest is only a state of mind, right?

If you’re interested in channeling a laid-back, bohemian look this spring, take a peek at those spending their time over at the west coast. Arizona State University freshman Morgan Lesage says that many of the ASU students look to the trends coming from the Los Angeles area. Another ASU freshman, Sarah Finley, notes that the west coast has a casual, beachy vibe that isn’t usually found in the Northeast.

To obtain this easy, breezy look, consider investing in a high-low skirt this spring. Pick one up in a light fabric and make sure the hemline isn’t too dramatic. Add a cute fedora and gladiator sandals, and you’ll be looking like you just stepped off the beaches of SoCal.

While it’s nice to throw your hair up into a topknot, slip on your sunnies and pretend you’re lounging in 80-degree weather, the spring can also be the perfect time to channel your inner Southern belle. University of Alabama freshman Rachel Paikoff says that a preppy style reigns down South. She says normal footwear includes Hunter rain boots for girls and classic cowboy boots for both men and women.

But even if you’re not ready to slip on your own set of cowboy boots this spring, there are other simple ways you can indulge in some Southern prep. Try rocking a striped boat-neck tee with a pair of coordinating chinos. This classic look will leave you feeling fresh and polished, and if you’re really feeling girly, throw on a strand of faux pearls and some neon ballet flats. And remember, a little class and SEC spirit never hurt anyone.

Now coming from someone who spent a good portion of her childhood in cities like Philly and NYC, I can say with absolute certainty that if you want your spring outfits to have a Northeast flair, all you have to do is one thing: be bold. No matter what style you’re going for — prep, hipster, artsy or laidback — go for it 100 percent. Feel like rocking a badass, punk look? Grab some fishnet tights, jean shorts and a muscle tank … and then throw on five-inch heeled boots.

Up for welcoming spring, hippie style? Throw on a beautiful maxi dress and also make sure to adorn your hair with flowers and your wrists with enough arm candy to last a lifetime. Looking to perfect that New England nautical vibe? Go all out with an anchor-printed shift dress and an adorable pair of kitten heels. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the Northeast, is that it doesn’t matter how you dress, as long as you commit to it wholeheartedly.

So this spring, put away your fashion magazines and exit out of Tumblr for a bit and instead try looking to your peers to get inspired. With all the different personalities and backgrounds on campus, you’ll never know what sort of style you might find.