Fashion
We return to the grind of life in Oxford and just as we switch gears from relaxation mode to work mode, our approach to fashion must change as well.
Some of us have spent the past six weeks in sweats and slippers in the cold of an English winter. Others have been using the extra time to put that additional bit of effort into our ensembles. The luckiest among us have been lounging abroad wearing nothing but bathing suits and caftans.
Bikinis, however, are not best suited for Oxford Januaries and sweats are only meant to be worn while languishing or at the gym. Yet between lectures, tutes, OLIS, Law Soc, Q.I., Ben's Cookies, and drunken nights at Thirst, who can find time to be fashionable? The time we spend at Oxford is distinct from vacation time in that, essentially, we have no time.
The simple solution would be to accept that being fashionable during term is too ambitious a thought and to come to terms with being an unstylish university.
But fear not, your inner fashionista need no longer be suppressed with the commencement of collections. Keep the following tips in mind, so that the next time you find yourself running to Exam Schools for a lecture, you'll be looking good.
To begin, limit the amount of clothes you bring with you per term - let's be honest, you don't wear half of it anyway. If you don't have too much stuff, the debate of what to wear diminishes greatly.
When putting together your outfits, try to not go overboard with trendyness. Too many simultaneous trends look tacky and can easily clash. It's often a fine line between fashion brilliance and fashion failure. Since you do not have the proper amount of time to try outfits out, it is easier to avoid a trend mishap by sticking to one dominant trend at a time. Keep the rest of the outfit basic while you add one strategic, trendy item, such as a poncho or a brooch.
Accessorising is a very simple way to add that extra something to an outfit - one flat cap or long, striped scarf can go a long way in making a very basic, solid outfit look amazing; jeans and a t-shirt for example.
Most importantly, keep your outfits comfortable. If you are pedalling to labs in stiletto heels, it is understandable for you to quickly get fed up with fashion altogether - moccasins or Pumas offer comfortable, yet equally trendy alternatives. Make fashion easy for yourself and, consequently, it will not be difficult to maintain looking good through to eighth week.
Being fashionable during term time only requires a slight change in your approach to fashion. Keep it simple. Efficiency is key - you cannot afford to be overzealous. Consider this your fashion call to arms.
Tweed is one of the words most commonly associated with Oxford University. While wearing tweed has been a trend in Oxford for over a century, people all over the world have been pulling out their tweed in full force this season. To avoid looking rather plain and fellow-like, choose from the colourful, fitted tweeds available at high street shops, or alternatively, update more classic, conservative pieces with colourful shirts or accessories. And tweed need not be limited to jackets and trousers-tweed shoes, bags and hats offer fun alternatives to the traditional items.
This green tweed jacket is modernised by its fitted cut, military buttons, and fashionable flower. It is available at ZARA and currently costs £19
Thomas Ward
Oriel
Jacket from
Robinson's Bank
(California)
Lorna Stevenson
Hertford
Coat from H & M
Jaime Gabbarelli
Corpus Christi
Trousers from Sisley
13th Jan 2005