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Introduction
I’m going to be unapologetically specific for this article. Partly because many of you are students, and it is therefore relevant, and partly because students also seem to be some of the worse dressed people I have ever encountered.
As my time at university comes to an unfortunate close, I can take time to reflect on what I’ve learnt and how I, personally, have developed over the past three years. But I can also watch those that follow take their first, faltering steps into the world and make astute judgements of their dress sense.
Of course, I’m not THAT much of a fashion fascist – I don’t walk around campus judging the clothes on everyone I see. But there does appear to be a discouraging trend among students at universities across the country to not really give a damn about how they look, or to have absolutely no clue as to what to wear.
Granted, those just beginning their uni lives usually still have a lot of growing up to do (I did an awful lot of this) and their perception of style is still locked in a kind of twisted other dimension that contains just them and their friends – but it doesn’t hurt to make some effort.
Developing Your Personal Style
Style, or at least a sense of personal style, develops slowly. You have to play the long game, but uni is the perfect place to start working on it. No longer will you be dragged around the underwear department of M&S by your mother and no more shall you wear horrible shirts because “ooh, that looks nice”, you are completely free to make your own decisions and spend all of your student loan in the first three weeks of term!
The time spent at university and (more specifically) on campus is a fantastic proving ground for your own experimentation and helps provide an excellent source of inspiration. With so many young people grouped together it becomes a huge melting pot of styles, trends and ideas that you can learn from, if you’re willing to put in the work.
Beginning the process whilst studying gives you time to experiment, push your boundaries and find what’s right for YOU. Standing out from the crowd, not because you’re the idiot that wears a onesie every day but because you’re the one that is consistently well dressed at every lecture, every seminar and every workshop is a brilliant achievement and will set you in good stead for the years to follow.
Believe me when I say this: dressing well really will make a huge difference to how people perceive you, how people talk to you, how people react to you, how they treat you and whether they’ll sleep wit-. The guy that looks well turned out will be the one that sticks in peoples’ minds – whether you are handing out CVs or making new friends.
How To Look Good: On Campus
However, whilst we would all like to spend huge sums of money on expensive clothes, eating does usually take priority and drinking HAS to take priority over eating. My bank account usually contains nothing more than the couple of quid that I saved by not buying chips the previous night.
So to help those of you with more cobwebs than cash, I’ve restricted myself to the cheaper end of the market when choosing product picks and lookbook items for this article. You CAN dress well on a budget and you don’t necessarily need to invest in brands, just look around for the pieces that work best for you.
Look 1 – The Urban Safari
We took a look at the field jacket a couple of weeks ago and it’s definitely a great investment. With our unreliable weather it’s a versatile piece of outerwear that you can layer up without overheating.
A pair of slim jeans and boots (jeans rolled up, not tucked in) is a fashion forward pairing, whilst a simple plaid shirt and sweater combination will keep the chill off the bones.
When we talk about field jackets a lot of people immediately think Barbour but you can find loads of cheaper alternatives in any number of high street stores. I’ve been rocking a green field-esque jacket from H&M for the last five years and it only cost me £30.
- Topman Tartan Check Long Sleeve Shirt
- Uniqlo Men Cotton V Neck Sweater
- Khaki Lightweight Jacket
- Asos Slim Indigo Jean
- Brown Textured Contrast Strap Satchel
- Asos Workboots In Leather
Alternative Lookbook Inspiration
Look 2 – The Classic Biker
We talk about a leather jacket being an investment piece; one that you need to spend good money on so that you get the most out of it. Very true, but when on a budget spending £300+ on one item is often a stretch too far.
There are reasonably good quality, cheap leathers available, you just need to shop around. Avoid anything with a hood and don’t be tempted by ‘leather look’ – vintage shops are once again a great ally.
The classic biker look doesn’t require much thought – pair it with a plain tee, jeans and a pair of boots. In this instance, desert boots.
An old school duffle bag is a great way to add individuality, keep the overall aesthetic masculine and give it an edge whilst still allowing you to carry around all your work. Throw it over one shoulder and you’re good to go:
- Basic V-neck T-shirt
- Asos Leather Biker Jacket
- Topman Mid Wash Vintage Slim Jeans
- Spitfire Wayfarer Sunglasses
- French Connection Forrest Cotton Duffel Bag
- Aldo Reinbald Desert Boots
Alternative Lookbook Inspiration
Look 3 – A Preppy Take
Any consideration of university outfits wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the preppy looks of America. Collegiate style is the perfect mix of smart and casual and it’s so easy to wear – throw on a pair of chinos, an Oxford shirt and a chunky cardigan and you’re good to go.
Suede shoes will retain the casual edge and a denim jacket is another versatile addition to your outerwear arsenal. Finish off with some classic sunglasses and a stand out bag:
- River Island Rolled Sleeve Oxford Shirt
- Asos Cardigan
- Allsaints Bloomsbury Denim Jacket
- Asos Slim Chino
- Camouflage Bowling Bag
- Topman Robri Suede Desert Shoes
Alternative Lookbook Inspiration
Look 4 – Mixed Aesthetics
Following on from the prep inspired look above, mixing aesthetics is another way to showcase your fashion forward tendencies whilst ensuring you remain refined and stylish. A pair of tailored trousers and structured loafers covers the smart, whilst a denim shirt (in almost any wash you fancy) will take care of the casual.
Throw on a lightweight trench or pea coat and carry your books in an on point tote. You can then wile away the hours in the library knowing that you’re probably the best dressed person in there.
- French Connection Enforcement Denim Shirt
- Allsaints Cabanel Pea Coat
- Asos Slim Fit Smart Trousers In Dogstooth
- French Connection Woven Linnaeus Belt
- Fred Perry Tote Bag
- H By Hudson Tyskatu Shoes – Stone
Alternative Lookbook Inspiration
Look 5 – Sports Luxe
Whether you like it or not sportswear/hipsters etc. are here to stay – and I personally welcome it. Sift through the looks worn by the vast majority and you can find some really nice ideas: clever use of textures, interesting patterns and great colour mixtures. You just have to make sure you don’t end up looking like everyone else.
Whether you go for a different t-shirt, opt for a worker inspired jacket instead of a bomber or you choose to wear colourful socks instead of hideous white tube socks, make sure you put your own unique twist on your outfit:
- Floral T-shirt
- Topman Bellfield Togo Jacket
- Topman Black Denim Acid Wash Backpack
- Asos Skinny Jeans With Black Coating
- Asos Waffle Socks
- New Balance Exclusive To Asos 574 Yacht Club Trainers
Alternative Lookbook Inspiration
Final Word
As young and increasingly image conscious young people, students are arguably at the fore-front of developing fashion. They consume the latest trends, push boundaries and exist in a world that is constantly providing inspiration and new ideas.
Yet some (in fact many) still don’t seem to understand the difference between being interested in how you look and being able to dress yourself well. You don’t need loads of money, you just need to put in some work.
As always, I want to know what you think. How do people at your university dress? Could they do with a bit of an education?
Let me know in the comments section below…
Will
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I started dressing well in 2nd year of uni. Man that improved life. Women checking me out!? But it did take a good £1,500. Thank God for that second job…
Cracking article as always, over the past week I’ve read through just about every single article on this website!
I think the ‘Mod’ look would be a good addition to this. All the clothing can be picked up cheap in vintage shops and it’s always pretty cool, especially for me, being a Brightonian!
Well I live in Germany and fashion on my campus or in general is far away. That is no matter of money. Much more a lack of lazyness. I begun to dress well when I travelled to Skandinavien countries and GB. There was istantly an average dressed well people, which inspired me. Today on campus I try to be a good example of creativity in style, and age-appropriate dressing.
Even if the Germans often confuse being well dressed with being conceited, dressing your age, and dressing good changes your perception, and how you are treated.
Start on campus, and you will have an advantage of it.
I do wish I had discovered a more refined timeless style in University. I wasted a lot of money on passing fads, one off graphic t-shirts etc etc.
If I had been investing wisely since the 1st Year of University I would be flying now! We live and learn!
Great article as always Will.
I fully agree. I am actually in my last year of high school and have already started dressing like this. It has gotten me a few compliments, but most peolple just dont recognize dressing well.
The same thing happened with my last year of sixth form. This girl said i dressed weird, i asked what was weird she said my shoes. I looked down at my brown loafers and was so confused as to what the problem was. At that moment i think i remember wearing khaki chinos, a short sleeved blue and white striped shirt and those brown loafers.
I started reading fashion beans about 2011 towards the end of first year sixth form, since then ive had positive and negative comments, but what ive noticed is that the negative comments come when A. Your trying too hard B. People can’t handle anything different in fear of their friends C. Haters be hating.
Most people respond positively though and notice but subtly. The key is to confident and not try too hard to change as your style should reflect your best attributes and the deflect the negatives. Good luck and well done for trying.
You are seriously right!
On the campus you can see so (too) many, horrible dressed guys.
And me, with a simple-casual style (chino’s, shirt, cardigan) looks like an outsider!
But you can see the crowd see it, realize and thinking about it.
bene. germany.
Great article!… im out of uni a couple of years now and cringe when i remember some of my first year outfits, it really does take a few years out of school to get the ‘ less is more’ philosophy ingrained.
I go to college in the States where it’s hot nine months out of the year, do you have any advice on how I could dress well in the heat?
to Max. I suggest looking for Linen and Seersucker. Even Madras can add some flair to your outfit during the hot weapons. Just something I’ve learned last summer.
Max, it may sound obvious but perhaps try looking at short sleeved shirts, thin cardigans, more formal shorts, loafers (sockless) etc.
Check out these articles:
http://www.fashionbeans.com/2012/mens-fashion-basics-mens-shorts/
http://www.fashionbeans.com/2013/mens-fashion-trend-tailored-shorts-suits/
Hope that helps.
I go to a University in Southern California, and I’ve kind of turned into the fashion advisor/community wardrobe. One brilliant thing about living in close quarters with people your age is the availability of other people’s wardrobes. I don’t have a whole lot of clothes, but I borrow what I need and lend out my statement pieces when I’ve over worn them. Then I borrow a good shirt or jacket from a hall mate, and it’s a whole new ball game. Make use of your friends, we’re all in this together!
I study the univ. In mexico, in a little city called leon, i started to be counsious of being well dresed 1 year ago and it’s incredible how people change his percieve of you, it was a great thing for me. but for bad most of the times the people of ower age here in mexico and specilly in my city dosent know how to dress properly, you can only see the trends and for bad always the tshirt’s with a cartoon stamped, it’s hard to find a guy with a really good style or well dressed.
Great article!
Fabian, leon gto, México.
I guess i’m not the only one who notices how badly dressed most students are, but thank goodness i discovered fashionbeans in 2nd year. I’ve been rocking the prep and alternative for a while, now i’m tempted to buy a field jacket!
Great article, I’m in my second year of Uni now and have transformed the way I dress. I agree with one of the previous comments though many people don’t understand what is dressing well is and people think it’s a lot more ‘cool’ I suppose to not care how you dress and wear sporting clothes ETC. all the time.
I like the way you rescued me from my embarrassment about the M&S incident by mentioning your own denim and tailoring combo.
Nice article, the top right pic on the mixed aesthetics lookbook of Mr. Gandy shows a nice colour of chino that i think would be great all year round.
The problem I have is finding a practical (waterproof) bag that could carry both tailoring kit, fabric and gym kit. The largest part of my tailoring kit is the pattern master (a ruler with dimentions 40cm by 20cm).
Most fashionable bags are too small so I currently use my Berghaus 24/7 backpack in black. I thought of getting a large leather barrel bag but they come with a single strap and that will be strenuous on the back with a 1 1/2 hour commute, any help?
I go to highschool, and I would say I dress really well. Most of my school/classmates dress decently well. But it really does effect how you are treated and peoples perception of you. Imagine a that has ripped jeans, dark makeup, wearing all-black you automatically think shes on drugs, is dumb etc(even though its a bad thing, its human nature to judge) and someone dressed as a prep who is the dumbest person in the world, one might think he/she is the best student in the school and head of student body. Although men fashion is pretty expensive. I dont spend that much money becuz most of the expensive clothes are handme downs like a lot of my burberrys, which adds a unique twist to your modern style
I think this article is spot on and it’s great to have some budget options too. At my campus I’ve noticed everyone’s go to clothing is Jack Wills stuff, although they don’t do anything particularly bad, it just seems more like a uniform for university, it’s like their trail of thought is ‘well they call themselves university outfitters, so i should wear that’ regardless of the price and look.
Also I highly recommend signing up to Unidays I’ve saved 20-40% on orders because of that site!
I am currently in third year of university in Athens, Greece. Students here are also badly dressed. The vast majority of them have 2 options for their outfit the casual (trainers sweatpants and hoodie ) and the, what they believe, more formal one (trainers jeans and t-shirt). I really can’t believe that there are people who think that their 2 sizes bigger sport outfit is cool, i thought this was happening only in high school.
Personally i have changed my style, with help from sites like fashionbeans, from my 1st year of the university, and i keep the sweatpants only for the gym.
I’m 18 and at sixth form now. I changed schools when going into sixth form, joining a non-uniform mixed school coming from a boys grammar. I felt some style was needed as I went into an environment with girls.
I thought everyone would be the height of fashion and so I trawled through various sites before finding this, which generally catered to my tastes. Being unemployed and without a student loan I went into matalan/primark/charity shops.. The former two being rather unromantic, but I got my core items sorted and have been building on them since then.
Recently, with new glasses and bringing my hair up to speed in-line with my clothes, aesthetically I’ve been set me above my peers who seem content in shapeless blue jeans and a hoodie, while I’m there in a bow tie, cardigan and brogues.
Perhaps not the height of fashion but it reflects my personality which I feel is important. Why wear someone else on your sleeve when you could be yourself, eh?
FashionBeans, I commend you. Your guidance has made my life smoother and far prettier. Thank you!
My uni has turned into a bit of a fashion competition tbh. People are resorting to dressing as though they are off to play sports after the lecture or on their way to the gym as they can’t be bothered to compete with some of extremely fashion conscious types at my uni. If I ever attempted to keep up with the fashion trends I would need to take up a job earning £100 a week to help me cover the costs.
I love fashion, and try to dress well even at Uni, although most people judge me and think i’m gay. It definitly bothers me that just because im not wearing jeans, some ugly shirt and converse that i get called gay, not that im against gay people…I actually think gay people have some of the best fashion senses. It is just annoying that people in Australia have no idea about fashion and wats good and wats bad. Great site by the way!! really good for inspiration :)