Hi, readers! Okay, so I was recently minding my own business (read: eavesdropping shamelessly) in the Drysdale Building Costa Coffee, when I overheard a conversation between two female students; I gathered that they were going to a party in Shoreditch later in the week and didn’t know what to wear.
I left the café in a hurry when I heard one of the girls say, “It’s going to be cold, so I’ll probably just wear snow boots.” Girls …. Really? Ah, yes, our university may be top-ranked in the league tables and a sparkling asset to our CVs in these dismal economic times, but one thing surely not guaranteed at the gates of Northampton Square is impeccable style. With so many students stringently focused on their academic standings, it is more common to see the women of City roaming the halls in trackies and Converse than, oh, I don’t know … something actually worth looking at.
I’m sorry to sound harsh, ladies, and of course academics should always come first, (we don’t want to waste our student loans, right?! #40kdebt #help), but some of you need to take a good look at your wardrobes and realize it’s 2014. Good style is hardly expensive, and wearing something you put together makes you feel proud, smart and confident — and those three words are key to forging your path toward a bright future. As Karl Lagerfeld (aka the king) says, “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought some sweatpants.”
You might not know who Karl Lagerfeld is, and your subscription to The Economist might be much more important than your subscription to Vogue, but don’t fret! There are a couple of key pieces that will pull your look together and make you look as though you know what you’re doing when you’re really just trying to get through lecture so you can devour a piri piri chicken sandwich at Saddler’s (or is that just me? They’re seriously SO good).
NIKE TRAINERS
Where? Topshop, Office, Nike
How much? £40 and up (okay, the gold ones above are £300, and I want them so much it hurts, but I will never have them — and that hurts even more).
Nike is genius because it makes shoes you can wear from the gym to the classroom to the club without breaking the bank. The Doernbecher Freestyle has proved popular among fashion bloggers and hipsters alike since its launch a couple of years ago, and the shoes come in lots of neon (as well as plain) colours. Pair them with a skirt or dress to look like you made an effort, but not too much of an effort, ya dig? If you’re more #ghettochic (my 2014 aesthetic), try the Air Force or Air Max styles with cuffed boyfriend jeans.
SKINNY SWEATPANTS
Where? Alexander Wang (if you’re looking to splurge, which no student in her right mind is), Topshop, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Primark (my favourite pair is secretly from here, and I PAID £3, which is cheaper than a McDonald’s).
How much? ~£10 and up
The aforementioned quote by Karl Lagerfeld is null here because although he is my king, he is very thin and wealthy and does not understand that sometimes you get stressed and eat too much pasta. Skinny sweatpants are key here. For a casual look, pair black or grey ones with trainers and a smart jumper. For night, choose leather or printed versions with a strappy tank and heeled sandals.
FUR COATS
Where? Topshop, H&M, ASOS, vintage shops (my coat is from Annie’s Vintage in Angel)
How much? £50 and up. You can find much cheaper ones if you look carefully, but as the fur is faux, it’s important to find a quality one. A good (faux) fur coat will never go out of style and will last years, but if it looks as though it’s made of plastic, you’re back to where you started.
Until very recently, fur coats were reserved for women of a certain age. Now, it’s impossible to walk 100 yards without seeing 100 young girls in equally fake fur coats. This is one of the only trends that’s spread from Sloane Square to Shoreditch High Street because the fur coat is easy to dress up or down. Those of you with North or East post codes, thrown on your fur over leggings, trainers and a vintage tee (don’t forget the space buns!). For those of you slumming it in SW3 (I hate you), wear it with a pastel jumper, dark wash jeans and Chelsea boots.
TURTLENECKS
Where? Gap, Marks & Spencer (don’t scoff — Rosie Huntington-Whiteley designs for the brand), American Apparel, Topshop
How much? £25 and up
Another fashion item typically reserved for yummy mummies and grandmummies, the turtleneck has made its way to high-street shops and runways alike. Chances are you’ve already got one in your wardrobe, but they’re perfect because they’re comfy and make you look as though you’re on your way to an important meeting. Pair one with black jeans and boots for a casual yet effortless look, or a sleeveless version with a leather skirt for a night out.
BACKPACKS
Where? Topshop, Primark, American Apparel, vintage shops (try Blitz in Brick Lane or Beyond Retro in Great Marlborough Street)
How much? £20 and up
My clothes are like my children and so it must be immoral to pick favourites, but between you and me, I’ve saved the best for last. Backpacks carry every lipstick, Oyster card, and iPhone charger you could possibly need without placing any strain on your shoulders while keeping your hands free. Black leather ones make you look pulled together yet unusual, but there are lots of fluorescent, sparkly and patterned options for festival season. Also, it’s a backpack, and you’re a student, so you actually need one. A match made in heaven.
Next month: I’ll be doing a special on street style at City University – photos and all! – so if you want your 15 seconds of fame on the Internet, try to look chic. Please. x