CAMPUS COUTURE

So it's that time again, back to university for the masses. I've unfortunately been there and done that so I don't quite have that reason to justify any desperate need for a whole new wardrobe. But I couldn't let you university-goers have all the fun.

My sister left today for her second term of university. She's currently in her first year so obviously her main focus rests on what to wear. I remember this dilemma all too well. Late nights that blur into early mornings that lead all too quickly into the mad rush to make your lecture/seminar on time. And during this whole fiasco we're supposed to look not just presentable but fashionable too? This is no small feat.

I know there's the standard uniform of leggings, jumper, uggs or maybe it's Nike blazers/air/some other trainer type right now, but this uniform of ease appeals very little to me. So let's talk about rectifying this issue of duplication. I think a good place to begin would be with Gossip Girl, a programme based on the fashion elite of the upper east side who just so happen to be in school, cue multiple inspiration shots.

Now, I'm not saying that everyone should don tartan kilts and blazers and the headband should probably remain Blair Waldorf's trademark, but there's something about the put-togetherness of their outfits, the polished finish, the air of sophistication they carry with them, the shiny hair, the dewy skin… - I really could go on - that we can all strive for, or at least long, to attain.

So lets begin.

Blair, the queen B, in her tailored skirt suits and ruffled shirts, her knee high socks and the colour blocking that defines her style, channelling the delicacy and elegance characteristic of Grace Kelly and the preppy, elfin quality of Audrey Hepburn. Going from a rather stuffy (but nonetheless fashionable) school girl into a refined lady with undeniable fashion gumption, Blair's fashion serves as a direct contrast to her scheming and often bitchy character. I can attest that at 9am Monday morning I probably wouldn't be able to reach that level of perfection, but I like the idea of looking like you give a damn, like you took time or at least looked in a mirror before stumbling out of the door.

 

 Serena embodies a sexiness that is almost palpable and is only accentuated through her clothing. The plunging necklines, the body hugging herve leger dresses, the killer heels all mixed with that bohemian edge of I-don't-care, serve to make Serena my favourite character. 

     

Throughout all the jet-setting, partying, supposed killing, back stabbing, man eating, and school days, Serena always looks totally at ease with herself. An avid lover of thigh skimming hemlines, trousers are obviously not her thing and this is a 'thing' I admire. Imagine how different life would be, freed from the confines of your pantaloons. Handstands might be off limits but nothing sums up care-free like a full-skirted twirl (and I don't know about you but I'd try anything to inspire some semblance of happiness for a mentally exhausting, I mean stimulating, 9am lecture!) Another characteristic of Serena's wardrobe that's worth a mention, is her penchant for semi-precious jewellery and lots of it at that. When all else fails stick to basics and load up on accessories, the more elaborate the better. Fashion is important but so is an extra 15 minutes in bed!

Moving on from Gossip Girl, another college-goer I'd like to highlight is Nora Clark from the dance film 'Step Up'. If I'm honest I couldn't remember her name but what I did remember was her functional yet fashionable wardrobe. (Needless to say I had no problem remembering Channing Tatum's character…) In my opinion Nora doesn't have any spectacular fashion moments in the film, even her finale outfit is an underwhelming mixture of mossy greens and browns. 

However, Nora's outfits are impeccably put together, enabling her to go from dance lesson, to lecture hall to after school canoodling (pause for obligatory Channing Tatum appreciation). You already know my thoughts on leggings (see previous post), however Nora's ensembles prove that leggings can be used tastefully. Her mid-length skirts billow beautifully over her mandatory spandex leggings as she flits from class to class, layering all-in-ones underneath ballet skirts exemplifying a delicacy rarely seen on campus. Uni dressing should be all about ease and comfort, plus dodgy air conditioning/heating, long walks to and from school plus the ever-changing British weather, make perfecting the skill of layering an imperative for every fashion conscious, comfort obsessive. 

And lastly my final two inspirations are probably best reserved for Monday mornings and the morning after the night before so I do warn, use with care! Cher Horowitz ('Clueless') and Elle Wood ('Legally Blonde') need no introduction and in my mind are true fashion gurus. 

Granted their styles are extreme, flamboyant, excessive and border on costume but my God, don't they look like they're having fun?! On those dreary days when you're hangover or you just can't be bothered, bear these two in mind and I guarantee you'll be instantly uplifted. If the world's getting me down, I over compensate with my outfit -bright red wedges just to go to the corner shop, my fuzzy pink jumper to walk the dog or my cadbury's purple overcoat to detract from a bad hair day. Maybe you don't want to walk out in a bright yellow plaid kilt and matching jacket combo a la Cher Horowitz but the essence of playfulness is something that should be commended. 

 

 There's even a scene where Cher and Dion actually mock each others outfits, highlighting the sometimes ridiculousness of fashion but also the fun that can be had with it. I don't suggest wearing a fluorescent pink pill box hat Elle style (I can imagine it being quite a distraction to the people sat behind you) but cheer up those crap days with a cheeky slogan tee or a rainbow hued coat. The day might be glum but your outfit doesn't have to be.

 (P.s There's somewhat of a 'Clueless' revival happening at the moment - not that it ever really went out of fashion - check it out @ModernClueless)

(None of the above photos are my own and I do not take credit for any of them.)