What not to wear: campus fashion
Worried you won’t be able to keep up with campus trends at York? Flora Ellettsen and Sophy Welch take you through the style traps you might fall prey to.
University is traditionally the time when people branch out, try something new and embrace their independence. Hand in hand with this new lease of life comes the urge to express yourself in the fashion stakes. However, despite this foray into self representation and discovery, it soon emerges that the vast majority of students fall into one of the following five broad ‘style tribes’.
First and foremost it is inevitable that at some point during your career at York you will encounter the fashion phenomenon that is the Sports Society Member. By day this tribe can be found sporting (no pun intended) their appropriate sport soc merchandise, or “stash”, in the form of hoodies, rugby shirts and various other parephanelia, all suitably emblazoned with society logo and bizarrely acquired nickname. Other than ensuring full tribal membership, this merchandise also has the added bonus of invaluable advertising - how else would the good students of York be alerted to the existence of Extreme Frisbee Soc? This merchandise is, of course, propped up by worn-in jeans and well-loved trainers, the latter must look as though they have actually been used frequently and in suitably muddy conditions, or your tribal status will not be taken seriously.
Fancy dress in all and any form is
perfectly acceptable in Ziggy’s, you do not need a reason
So far all this seems perfectly normal student attire; however, it is by night that this particular tribe really comes into its own. Lacy, florescent pink bras are standard and not gender specific; in fact, it is the sports soc male who tends to prefer this choice. (Whether or not other people would prefer them to is a different matter). This tendency towards pink or glittery articles of clothing is a general theme for this tribe’s night wear. Last term, in an effort to procure a pair of Disney-esque fairy wings, I resorted to asking every rugby player within the general vicinity and the result was very satisfying: white net, in a lovely butterfly design, complete with pink glitter surround. The supporting act to this upper wear is generally a skirt, preferably a pencil one, and leopard print so much the better. Heels really pull the look together, but are only attempted by the very brave, experienced and unfortunately drunk tribal elder: The Sports Soc Captain. The whole beautiful picture is completed by a blonde wig (mismatching chest hair optional) and extra tribal distinction is allocated to those members able to incorporate the society merchandise logo into the nighttime look (especially worked into the chest hair option).
At the other end of the spectrum are those who actually do the work that has earned York its prestigious academic reputation. These ‘Clever Subject People’ (CSPs) are generally to be found in the environs of the library or those dauntingly strange science departments - and they dress the part. Checked shirts of various forms are a staple, short sleeves being an optional preference. These are almost always tucked in (the tucking in of anything being a distinct rarity amongst university students, making them instantly recognisable.) The supporting act to these is the oddly clean jeans or chinos, which appear to be strangely bereft of all rips, holes, mud or duck poo. CSPs have mastered the art of using the treacherous and severely lacking washing machines. Their smart and clean shoes complete the image of academic responsibility and prowess which often leads them to be mistaken for tutors, lecturers and others of academic note. CSPs are rarely found out of tribal dress, but even if this rare sighting does occur, you can be sure to classify them by their disturbingly ‘awake’, ‘alert’, ‘have actually slept in the last 6 months’ appearance, not commonly found amongst other tribes.
Alternatively you have the parallel tribe of the art student, which puts its own stamp on university fashion. Topshop is a feature - a big feature. The uniform of skinny jeans, alternated with denim mini and legging combo, all worn with flat pumps of various colours, is easily obtained on the high street. Horizontal stripes also feature, probably due to the fact that these largely skinny people are among the few individuals who can pull it off. For those select and somewhat unfortunate few who cannot, brightly coloured but clashing t-shirt and cardigan combos are popular. All supporting equipment is transported in an oversized Topshop tote. This equipment is essential for the permanently edgy hair styles and copious amounts of smudgy black eye-liner. The overall aim is to look as individual and arty as possible. The only flaw is that due to a distinct lack of resources a uniform does emerge.
Just remember darlings, black never goes out of fashion!
The heavy black eyeliner can also be translated to a slightly more specialist look: the ‘dungeons and dragons’ soc member. Take The Matrix, add a student budget and velvet and you’re getting close. These guys aim to look spectacular and, in fairness, many do pull it off. It’s just that, when encountered in dark campus corners while mildly inebriated, most other people heed their first and most basic instinct – to run. Black is the major, if not only, staple colour palette, although accents of purple, deep red and royal blue are popular to break-up the look, especially in the form of velvet-lined cloaks, which float atmospherically behind the wearer, adding extra drama. Impossibly high, generally internet obtained and well-sprung black rubber boots are a must, especially if they require half an hour’s intensive labour to lace them up. Accessories also can include broad swords (I swear it’s true!), cross bows, axes and various other forms of weaponry, as well as heavy silver jewellery, generally in form of a medieval crucifix and multiple piercings for the true tribal heavy weight. Just remember darlings, black never goes out of fashion!
The other thing to bear in mind when dressing at York, tribes aside, is location. You may already be aware that York contains three, yes three, glorious nightclubs and each are special and unique. Let’s start at the bottom and work up: The Gallery. While many would argue that Ziggy’s should be here, experience of The Gallery leads me to the conclusion that it falls very much lower down the list. Clientele mainly consists of lost freshers, who have not yet learnt to know better, and locals. Dress should be in keeping with the ‘cattle market’ theme of the layout. Girls: the Gallery is the place to don your shortest skirt, highest heels, and experiment with ‘Croydon’ facelifts – it’s a good look. Various issues to bear in mind when preparing for this expedition are: stairs on the way up, more importantly: stairs on the way down, the namesake ‘gallery.’ Beware, this is where the more predatory and more mature local resides: please note they are not gender specific in their prey.
Moving swiftly on: Ziggy’s. Ziggy’s is a special place, a very special place, and like Marmite: you either love it or you hate it. There is no entry fee; this should be an immediate indicator of the kind of clothing you should wear. Absolutely nothing of any sentimental, emotional or monetary value should be worn. In fact clothing should be kept to a minimum. You will sweat, and sweat a lot. The walls sweat. You may think this is somewhat hyperbolic: just trust us, touch them if you must, but this should be avoided on medical grounds. Do not be under any pretension that you need make any kind of effort when dressing for Ziggy’s; make-up sweats off, clothing is sweated off or else destroyed, again on medical grounds feet should be covered, but heels are not advised due to preponderance of stairs. There are no holds barred on theme of dressing, fancy dress in all and any form is perfectly acceptable, you do not need a reason. Various sightings last year have include: bin liners creatively draped, togas, cheerleaders and superheroes. Be creative, innovative and lose all inhibitions about the wearing of clothes and the covering of body parts you may previously have held.
Toffs is a very different ball game, knowing the difference is essential. Toffs is the only place in York which bears any resemblance to a nightclub you would want to go to. Do make a reasonable effort (although we are students), it can get hot, but unlike Ziggy’s you can venture into jeans every so often. There is also, unusually, a choice of sub-location: the indie room. For the indie room long, unbrushed hair is essential on all genders, and grungy clothes are also a must: think Nirvana, think 90s. For the main room: comfortable on the bottom, attractive on the top is a good rule of thumb, think day wear with a twist, shaken with added make-up and jewellery if a girl.
By the end of Freshers’ Fortnight, you will realise that the majority of the time, the majority of students make minimal effort with their daily wardrobe. Pyjamas ARE acceptable day wear, in fact they are also perfectly at home in the various campus bars: we assure you this has been tried and tested. Consciously or unconsciously you will gravitate towards a style tribe, be it one we have mentioned here, or a brand spanking new one of your own making. Above all be comfortable; you will inevitably spend hours wandering around campus looking in perplexed agitation for that library book/tutor/thing you really need but totally fail to find in Costcutter, and you do not want to be caught off guard in a high-fashion yet completely impractical ensemble. And always remember: this is York, no one really cares what you are wearing anyway, so it is best to dress exactly as you wish and maximise the growth period that is university.
