Student Special: Fashion - "College is the best place to take inspiration from what people are wearing, to experiment – and decide what you like"

As a student, I found one of the biggest influences on my style was walking around campus and taking a look at the varying personal styles of my peers. Online trends don’t always make it to the outside world, so looking at what people are wearing on campus is a realistic way to find inspiration.

Trends change very quickly, whether they’re from social media, real life, or ones that have made their way from the screen to the streets. Trends will never lead you to your personal look, but college is the best place to take inspiration from what people are wearing, to experiment – and decide what you like.

There are always some classic statement and investment pieces that are reworked into contemporary trends every few years. Some functional, classic styles never go out of fashion, and you can wear them no matter the year. All that said, here are a few staple pieces that have enjoyed a recent resurgence…

Trench Coat

An elegant coat that works great for the autumn season is something you can throw over any outfit. It’s more an ’80/’90s classic that’s stood the test of time rather than being just a trend or fad. You’ll see lots of students sporting some sort of long coat this semester. Remember where you read it first!

Photo: Vlada Karpovich

Vintage or Vegan Leather Shoe

A good sturdy pair of leather shoes – preferably vegan or vintage/second hand leather for a more sustainable and ethical choice. It’s necessary to note that not all vegan leather is made from sustainable materials, and the vast majority of vegans would not purchase second-hand leather.

A staple pair of shoes – whether loafers, Doc Martens, ballet flats, Mules or boots – are a worthy investment and a huge part of personal style. They’re a useful tool for elevating an outfit, my own personal favourite being a square-toe loafer.

Shoulder Bag

A shoulder or laptop bag that suits your lifestyle, and can be used again and again, is an absolute college classic. Indeed, using fashion components for their functionality and getting full use from them is very chic.

Classic Blue Jeans

I’m not telling you to just buy a pair of blue jeans, as I’m sure you already have a pair. However, finding a pair with the right cut and style is a rite of passage. When you find the jeans, you’ll wear them to death, as you should. The best approach is always thrifting or going vintage.

However, there are plenty of jeans you can get first hand, as many retailers know everyone needs their signature pair. Take a look around campus and you’ll know when someone is wearing their everyday jeans, achieving an effortless look in tune with their personal style.

Photo: NEOSiAM 2024+

Long Sleeve White Tops

I’ve been seeing a lot of basic long sleeves lately – Autumn’s answer to the classic white tee. They’re bound to make an appearance on college campuses, as they’re very versatile and work for a casual look – a trend set to grow as people retreat from 2020s maximalism.

Honourable Mentions:

Headbands

A headband or headscarf is something I’m seeing a lot recently, particularly the latter, as both bonnet-style head covering for rain and statement piece. Lace headbands or scarves are also a really nice feature that I think could be seen more on college campuses this year.

A striped or patterned top

Again, people are going back to basics, and while a patterned top with a simple outfit to tie it together is not a new invention, I think you’ll see them a lot on your college campus.

A bonnet or waterproof jacket

A essential when going to college in Ireland. Bonnets made a resurgence a few years ago and have actually stood the test of time, unlike many fleeting trends.

A waterproof jacket is essential in Ireland during the winter, but many of them look the same or can be frumpy. I suggest finding one that aligns with your personal style and that you actually like wearing, because you might have to reach for it more often than you think.

Photo: Matt Hardy

Read the full Student Special in the current issue of Hot Press – in shops now, and available to order online below: