Earlier this month, the fashion editors at The Oxford Student presented you with their Ultimate University Shopping List. It was a bold and brilliant selection preparing you (the best and brightest!) for the start of term. However, we noticed a one-sidedness to the items put forward. While their tips will be great for guys come a cross-dressing ‘bop’, we felt the lads could do with a similar list to avoid any fashion faux pas come Freshers’ Week. Read on for the Ultimate University Shopping List Part 2 brought to you by two of Oxford’s very own self-proclaimed fashionistas.
MEET THE FASHIONISTAS
1. UNIVERSITY BAG
Kostas: Start as you mean to go on with this military style ASOS satchel (£22) and instil a sense of discipline and panache in to the art of carrying books.
Sam: Despite my dislike for bags, when you’re cycling down Turl Street one-handedly, it is kind of necessary to have a solid bag for all those books and laptops. Since discovering the ASOS barrel bag (£30), I have never looked back.
2. WINTER COAT
Kostas: This Banana Republic trench coat (£175) will keep the chills and water away but radiate flare.
Sam: An absolute staple, opt for Massimo Dutti’s biker puffer jacket (expected retail £150) this winter. Team it with some basic black leather gloves for that refined yet rugged feel … similar to the experience of writing a post-club, pre-tute essay.
3. SHOES
Kostas: You can tell a lot about a man from his shoes, and these ASOS desert suede boots (£40) will certainly let everyone know that you mean business – understated, practical and stylish business.
Sam: According to someone, at some time: “Sometimes comfort doesn’t matter. When a shoe is freakin’ fabulous, it may be worth a subsequent day of misery.” Follow this stellar advice and invest in these Hugo Boss suede monks (£239).
4. ESSENTIAL BLAZER
Kostas: Mature yet classy, this Massimo Dutti dyed twill blazer (£99.95) will instantly add an academic air to any outfit.
Sam: The essential blazer transforms ‘casual’ into ‘smart’. A blazer speaks louder than words at networking events and interviews, so pay close attention to detail. With this Moss Herringbone blazer (£89), you can’t go wrong.
5. GOING OUT SHIRT
Kostas: Simple yet effective, this bar stripe Banana Republic shirt (£49.50) is a sophisticated finishing touch to any club look. Plus, it’s non-iron so can be washed and left to hang before use again, perfect for that lazy morning after the night before.
Sam: My personal preference is this TM Lewin Corduroy shirt (34.95). Corduroy is timeless yet versatile, both casual and killer. In any case, go for something non-iron – no socialite has time to iron anything in Oxford!
6. MATRICULATION OUTFIT
Kostas: This classic Zara structured blazer (£178.99) will keep you feeling super-fly while you have to sit through the barrage of photos and consume copious amounts of alcohol on that oh-so-special day. Add a simple white shirt (£39.50) and a plain white bow tie (£20), and say hello to becoming an official student at Oxford University!
Sam: Once you have matriculated and proceed to drink your way through the day, you must peak at least twice and be sartorially prepared for the challenge. This Moss Zegna suit (£249) is a great investment made from beautiful wool, and should be paired with a simple TM Lewin Herringbone shirt (£34.95).
7. ESSAY CRISIS JUMPER
Kostas: This Woolovers Aran sweater (£37) is the perfect essay crisis companion, giving you a hug akin to that which only a thousand clouds could offer.
Sam: Soon the routine of being burdened with work will prove somewhat overwhelming. What could be better to see you through those moods than a warm winter jumper like this Gap cardigan (£44.95)?
8. TUTORIAL OUTFIT
Kostas: A simple, comfortable and preppy outfit, with Uniqlo chinos (£29.90) and a Super Dry hoodie (£49.99), that will make your tutor happy with its sobriety and you smile because it’s so cosy. Add any shirt or t-shirt of your choosing and remember to stay focused – even if your tute partner can’t stop staring at you!
Sam: Cable knit sweaters are essential during winter and they look great too. Match this Zara sweater (£45.99) with a pair of slim fit Zara jeans, £45.99 and some brogues.
9. ESSENTIAL AUTUMN ACCESSORY
Kostas: Add a sense of ambition and flare to your outfit with this Littlefinger mockingbird pin (£12), making sure everyone knows that you are a key player for the Iron Throne of Westeros.
Sam: A slouched beanie in an autumnal hue will suit anyone. My pretentious knowledge of colours beyond the primary palette aside, this All Saints slouched beanie (£35) gives the impression that despite doing an intense degree at one of the world’s best universities, you are still supremely laid-back.
10. BLACK TIE SUIT
Kostas: A solid tuxedo set (£150) that won’t break the bank, is durable and cut in a classic style ensures you fulfil all of your Brideshead fantasies on Oxford’s electric ball scene. The classic wing collar shirt (£30) and simple self-tie bow tie (£20) adds that extra va-va-voom, while the Ronald Cartier shoes (£89) were made for dancing and romancing!
Sam: Forget notch lapels and shawl lapels. If you want to peak on your night, your lapel choice has to coincide with that – peak lapels are the way to go. This Reiss Tuxedo (£450) will guarantee you a good night.
If you missed the fashion editors’ Ultimately University Shopping List earlier this month, you can still read it here.
If you’re coming to Oxford University this October, make sure you ‘like’ our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with our Freshers’ Week countdown. If you’re interested in joining The Oxford Student’s fashion team either as a writer, a model, a stylist or a photographer, we would love to hear from you! Just drop us a quick email at oxstu.fashion@googlemail.com.
