It is undeniable that the St Andrews female student body is committed to studying in style. You step one foot outside and from the bold looks and striking silhouettes, it is clear students are transforming fashion into the cornerstone of an otherwise small Scottish golf town. Everyone is engaging in it, talking about it, and finding ways to explore it. Whether it be through everyday life or the town’s student-led fashion shows, which have students lining up at the door in their best outfits, style holds a particular significance at our university.
Before you dismiss fashion as a trivial element of the female student body— it should come as no surprise that women from around the world who have come to St Andrews to pursue their passions, get their degrees, and self-discover are breaking rules and capturing their identity with their outfits. Throughout history, society has been taught to think of masculinity, particularly masculine dress, as the visual code of power. For example, according to Business Insider, women who dress more masculinely are perceived as being better leaders. This perception demonstrates fashion’s crucial role in both upholding and breaking gender norms. Style is all about self expression, pushing boundaries, creating change, and redefining power. In the words of designer Coco Chanel “fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Therefore, it’s no shock St Andrews women are showcasing their style around town.
So forget your pinterest boards and take a look at what the St Andrews girls are wearing! While there are clear trends for fall, including cozy dressing and bright pops of color, I had the privilege of talking to many people about their style, and found that in spite of the clear trends, everyone had a unique way of defining their look.
This fall is all about bags with funky patterns and textures.
In the summer, the woven bag became one of the most coveted summer accessories along with knotted flats and sandals. The surge in woven accessories has only continued into fall, with Vogue writer Selene Olivia proclaiming “the versatile tuck-and-go shoulder bag […] will deliver sartorial elegance all year round.” Not only have woven bags dominated summer fashion, but bags with unique textures, patterns, and colors are becoming even more quintessential to fall fashion. In St Andrews, textured bags from suede to leather to beaded (particularly those fit to carry a chunky laptop) are a hallmark accessory.
Leather Boots from Cowboy to Fry are Closet Staples.
Leather boots, whether they be thigh-high or ankle boots, are a timeless fall classic. This fall, Cowboy Boots and Fry boots in particular can be observed all across town. Although the rise of Cowboy Boots in St Andrews is interesting considering its distinctly Southern American past and aesthetic, as British Vogue writer Joy Montogmery notes in her article on the constant rise and fall of this iconic boot, its embrace by a variety of figures throughout history from Dolly Parton to presidents has ensured it is here to stay as a versatile closet staple.
- Polka Dots are Everywhere
This summer polka dots rose to the forefront, with celebrities such as Olivia Rodrigo, Hailey Bieber, and Rihanna embracing the trend with their summer dresses, capris, and shorts. While possibly a passing fad resurgent from the 1920s, girls all over St Andrews have mastered the art of styling polka dots, using the pattern as a way to liven and personalize their look.
Layering is the key to fall fashion.
The art of layering coats, scarves, and sweaters to create a unique blend of colors, patterns, and textures is truly the key to fall fashion mastered only by those who live in towns and cities where being subjected to strong gusts of wind and rain is a guarantee. While every student has a unique way of layering their chunky leather jackets or long faux fur coats with scarves and sweaters, there is no doubt stand-out coats and scarves are St Andrews closet essentials.
The Ugg Reboot and St Andrews Love of Cozy Fall Fashion
As demonstrated by what Vogue has nicknamed the UGG reboot, the understated look of cozy shoes like uggs and Birkenstock clogs paired with socks alongside soft sweaters and cozy pants are beloved by students. Not only do these items keep you cozy and warm throughout all of fall, but they also demonstrate fashion prowess. Students are constantly finding ways to elevate cozy and simple looks to create stunning outfits.
