Fedor Deichmann and Sophia Chen have not only defied relationship odds by staying happy together since freshman year, but they’ve also successfully continued to care about self-styling, avoiding the amotivational style syndrome many committed couples fall into. They maintain clean-cut, fashionable, cosmopolitan looks that mesh well together but remain a far cry from those his/her outfits your mom insisted that you and your brother wear until you were twelve.

Let’s start with Sophia. Red outerwear is really in right now. Actually red outwear is pretty much always in. It’s attention grabbing, it’s fun and red is generally a flattering color. It looks especially great when you wear white and black, like Sophia is in this picture, because the red adds a pop of color to the look and it helps the two extremes (white and black) come together. The black and white pieces that Sophia is wearing are both from Forever 21 and blend so nicely that they look like one piece. I love how she isn’t afraid to incorporate what some might consider “dressier pieces” into her everyday wear.

And the same goes for Fedor. As long as you’re not wearing a tuxedo to class, there is no reason why an outfit like his should be met with the question, “What are you so dressed up for?” He looks put together but in a laid-back, approachable way. This is accomplished through his color choices and tailored fits. While I usually dislike colored shirts with white collars, Fedor’s orange and white Brooks Brothers oxford button-up manages to complement his navy pants. The brown belt makes everything look less business-like, as does the fact that his jacket (Hugo Boss) and pants (Brooks Brothers) are different colors. The pants also have a tighter fit while the shirt hangs a little more loosely, giving off a more casual vibe.

Fedor and Sophia’s have individual yet complementary style, which is why they are best dressed as a couple. It shouldn’t ever be about compromising your own look to blend better with your significant other, or about letting yourself go because you don’t have to “try” anymore. We should always be trying, if not for anyone else, for ourselves.