Freshers’ fashion rundown: The ultimate guide to going out attire in Glasgow

University is well and truly back in full swing, and for some of us, it may be the first time discovering a Sports Wednesday. Aside from your actual degree, one of the most coveted aspects of Glasgow Uni life is the ability to justify going out five nights a week.

The packed social calendar comes with its own difficulties, though, with the most important one being what to wear. Whether it’s a chill pub quiz with your flatmates, or a night in Hive dancing until the lights come on, here’s a little breakdown of what freshers are wearing this year and what outfits to expect. Hopefully it’ll give you some inspiration for your next night out in Glasgow.

Jeans and a ‘going out top’

Long gone are the days of the mini dress and painfully high heel combo (RIP prime Juicy Tuesday), the new going out uniform seems to be the trusty jeans, trainers, and nice top combo.

What exactly is a nice top? Low waisted or high waisted? Is it still socially acceptable to wear the crusty Air Force 1s you’ve had since 2019? Who knows! All we can say is that, on the streets of Freshers’ Week, plenty of animal print, lace and backless tops, paired with the infamous baggy denims, were spotted.

The most important thing about this combo is its practicality for all your unhinged dance moves, but it can also be dressed up or down from pub to club.

Extra tip: Try swapping your top options with friends or flatmates – sustainable and saves money – win win!

Mini skirts

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Despite the overwhelming dedication to a good old pair of jeans, the mini skirt remains prominent around Glasgow Uni, as a fun option for those hot and sweaty nights in Hive. Of course, denim minis are a well-loved staple, but we have seen pleated, leather, and frilly options taking hold across the campus, as well as the rise of possibly one of the best inventions ever – the skort.  A simple black or white mini skort, in my opinion, is an essential for the night out wardrobe, giving you the ideal, low-effort option that goes with everything and still allows you to do the splits. Priorities people.

Sunglasses

The sunglasses trend is one you are guaranteed to spot with freshers every year, and it’s a controversial one.

Will we ever find out why people feel the need to wear sunglasses indoors? Probably not, but it continues to prove itself as a popular accessory for a night out, though nobody can say what the intentions are behind those sporting them.

A fun pair of sunglasses can be a great conversation starter; however, do be prepared to fend for your life as people try to snatch them off your head. (PSA to any sunglasses thieves – this is usually not an effective chat-up line).

The ‘going out jacket’

Another absolute staple in the wardrobe of any fresher is the dedicated “going out jacket”. Popular choices include an oversized leather or denim jacket, as this becomes your trusty safety blanket for any night out. Especially in Glasgow, the going out jacket is not to be forgotten… trust me,  you’ll be thankful when it’s time for those 3am group treks back to your accommodation (who can afford Ubers these days?).

Try to avoid taking your prized vintage designer coat though, as the fate of the going out jacket is often either lost in the back of a cloakroom or covered in fluorescent booze.

Palm Angels…

This is one item I can assure you will be spotted in every queue for the GUU/QMU…the infamous Palm Angels shirt.

In fact, on any outing in Glasgow, you are destined to come face to face with a Palm Angels warrior – usually paired with the skinniest possible jeans known to man. In my experience, these overpriced garments are an automatic red flag, and anyone wearing them is most definitely not your soulmate.

However, some wearers are occasionally relatively friendly, and to be fair to them, if I had spent that much on a t-shirt, I too would be wearing it at every possible opportunity.

Animal print

Don’t be alarmed, that’s not a zoo, it’s just a Hive on a Thursday.

As animal print continues to be one of the most popular choices for the going out top, and patterns range from leopard to snake, you are guaranteed to spot some sort of animal-inspired print on your way to the QMU. Surprisingly versatile, a good animal print top can be a fun alternative to a plain black top, and comes in handy for a range of socials.

If you have no idea what to dress up as for at that upcoming pub crawl, pop on some ears and print of choice, and you are sorted. I’m a mouse duh?

Questionable fancy dress

Yet another guaranteed sighting on any night out around campus: The random group wearing some form of fancy dress. Whether it’s GUSA initiations or a society pub crawl, groups of minions, cowboys, and bald caps often roam the unions, so don’t be surprised if a banana approaches you in Beer Bar asking for your number.

On the plus side, fancy dress nights can become some of the funniest and most memorable nights of the year, so don’t be embarrassed and dig out your old Halloween costumes – but let’s maybe leave Pitbull in 2021…

Micro shorts and boots combo

A popular choice this Freshers’ Week was a pair of micro mini shorts and some knee high boots. This combo emerged over the past few summers, but has become a staple for many in the going out wardrobe. Again proving practical and comfy, this combo is great for club nights, or paired with tights and a jumper for those cosy pub nights.

Sequins

One particular trend that was reflected on the dancefloor is sequin EVERYTHING. Tops, bags, skirts, socks? You name it, it was bedazzled.

Reminiscent of a disco ball (in the best way), the sequin trend is prominent across clubs and is guaranteed to catch anyone’s eye.

Sequins prove themselves as a super adaptable and affordable trend to incorporate into your going out wardrobe, perfect for summer holidays and festive parties alike.

The dreaded quarter zip

Last but certainly not least, of course, we couldn’t possibly do a rundown of Glasgow Uni freshers’ fashion without mentioning the legendary quarter zip. Usually accompanied by a side of finance bros or tales of summers in the south of France, the quarter zip archetype is a crucial feature of campus outings.

Whilst most popular among law, business, and/or rugby types, the quarter zip proves itself a reliable option for Sports Wednesdays—just don’t blame us if you accidentally end up at an afters discussing the current social and economic state of the world until 7am.