Ask Angie: What to wear at university?

kittyandbear

It is my first year at university and want to look fashionable. I was wondering if these jeans: http://imgur.com/a/pJfZ4 would work with any of these blouses: http://imgur.com/a/96Mlu and this trench http://i.imgur.com/RDvD0dA.png and these shoes http://i.imgur.com/UGdRVRm.png
or are the jeans too casual and the blouses too elegant to work together! HELP!

10 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from ladyjules

Lucy

Veteran

I think the jeans are great and the blouses look lovely - people tend to dress quite differently on campus so there is not "one look" to follow. If you like this kind of blouse, you should get a lot of pleasure out of wearing them.
I work on an Australian campus, so I'm not sure of the situation in the states. But here almost no one wears heels, and especially not high heels. I am unusual that I wear low heels, but that is because IM quite short and I can't see over the lecturn in some classrooms, lol! You see heels on newbies in the first week of semester and then never again. You will find you do a lot of walking on campus, and quite a bit of standing so even the best dressed go to flats. Boots, vans, sandals and flip flops are the main shoes.
Hope this helps. And enjoy!

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations on beginning school!

I work and study on a Canadian campus and I would agree with Lucy. There is no "one look" that predominates. Casual dress is typical, with jeans being a mainstay, but there's quite a variation in the details. A lot will depend on your climate.

I like the juxtaposition of a dressy blouse with denim, so if it fits your style aesthetic, go for it. You can always change your top pretty easily the next day if you feel out of place.

As for heels, Lucy also makes a good point. They can be tricky on campus. But some people do wear them anyway. I would judge by your own comfort level.

10 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds like you've received great advice already. Congrats and have fun at school.

10 years ago

Cococat

Veteran

I work in an Australian university too and I agree, there is no one look. It's pretty much anything goes. Like Lucy said, most students dress pretty casually and heels are rare, even with the academics...I'm actually one of the few who wears them.

Jeans are a great idea and comfortable shoes are important. You will find yourself walking up and down stairs a lot, even in the lecture theatres to get to your seat.

Have fun!

10 years ago

Eva

Member

Hi Kitty, less advice and more reassurance; In my experience with different unis, most of the time a campus is treated as judgement free zone in terms of fashion. Everything above sweatpants and crocs counts as 'reasonably well dressed' in most places, and even those are hardly eyebrow-raising (unless you're, say, meeting with your advisor or holding a presentation maybe).

Business or (pre-)law people tend to be a bit more professional looking, but if that applies to you you're still on the right track with what you posted.

Just relax. Dress for confidence & comfort, and you'll be fine. (and don't be surprised if you come across someone in an elaborate period costume, actual pyjamas, or something that's not pj's but they still appear to have slept in. Expect the last one during finals.)

10 years ago

Liz

Member

Hey! College/Uni is such a fun time!
I'm a senior now (or on my last year) and my time here has been fun, stress, and fashion experimental. I've gone through different fashion phases and it's a great time to just switch things up!

Usually Uni is quite casual like the other say. I go to a business school, so we dress it up a bit

This top from zara is cute, I noticed you like frilly lacy blouses
http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....09055.html

Or this simple pleated top:
http://www.zara.com/us/en/woma.....76295.html

And pair with this marble tassel necklace:
http://101ideasny.com/collecti.....l-necklace

Your shoes look great with any outfit btw
Good luck!

10 years ago

ladyjules

Active Member

When I think university, I think casual. I would prefer a mid-heel instead of those shoes. I wore navy converse and simple boots during uni a lot. The trenchcoat looks great but again I would rather have a simple trenchcoat in another neutral color, such as beige/camel or navy.
Here are some outfits I'd go for:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/346003183848581613/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/346003183849139759/
and something more feminine: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/346003183847528796/

Just my 2 cents, tho'. Wear what you want.:)

10 years ago

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