It’s back and better than ever: Welcome to Fashion in the Forum, Freshers’ Week edition

Lockdowns are finally behind us (we think) and so it’s about time we revert from Looks in Lockdown back to our beloved Fashion in the Forum. The academic year has just started and people are actually making an effort with what they wear to campus. We anticipate the trackies will reappear by the end of next week, and so wanted to make the most of it whilst it lasts. These are your Freshers’ Week fits, found in the forum.

Dan, Third year, Film and TV (@danmcka.y)

How has your style changed since being at uni? Coming to uni and having less wardrobe space has forced me to condense my clothes down to a few staples. I try to find things that suit me and demonstrate what I’m trying to express but are also comfortable for lectures and being on campus.

Favourite brand/place to get clothes? Charity shops mostly. I like Doc Martins, traditional Fred Perry polos and remakes of archived stuff – such as original 50s style polos that are remade with a modern look. I like Lucy and Yak as well.

What is your favourite element of the outfit? The top is my favourite because it really suits the style that I’m going for but I got it dead cheap at a kilo sale – it’s done by weight, so I got a lot of things for not much money.

Ciara, First year, Human Geography (@ciaralbarton)

Where is everything you’re wearing from? Everything I’m wearing comes from various charity shops, aside from my black high-top Air Forces which are Nike. All of my jewellery is either antique or stolen from my mum.

What is your go-to brand or place to buy clothes? Various charity shops and Depop, because they’re super cheap as well as sustainable.

As a fresher, have you found yourself thinking more about what you’re wearing this week than usual? Probably a bit more because it’s the first week, you need to make a good impression! It will soon all go to shit though I’m sure.

Lulu, Second year, Psychology, and Johnny, Fourth year, Spanish (@luluphilips_), (@johnny_shanahan00)

Where is everything you’re wearing from? I’m wearing a Brandy Melville crop top with a midi skirt from a Depop seller. My shoes are New Balance and you can’t see them at all but my socks have Miffy on them. My tote bag is the classic Tiger one and my favourite thing I’m wearing is my necklace, which was handmade by one of my best mates.

How has your style changed since being at uni? Being at uni, I’ve tried thrifting out!! And that’s been super fun. Coming from a predominantly arts uni before Exeter, I’m constantly developing my sense of personal style. I love bold pastels like lilac and baby pink with creams and off whites. Recently I’ve taken a lot of inspo from celebrities like Zoë Kravitz and FKA Twigs, and I really love the Japanese FRUiTS magazine series from the 90s-00s.

Aran, Second year, English (@xarantal) and Carrig, Second year, Psychology

Aran:

How has your style changed since being at uni? Since uni I’ve become more into high fashion and the art of fashion. Since the summer, especially with the return of live music, I’ve been greatly inspired by the fashionable people at gigs and in bands. I’d say mine and Carrig’s styles have developed with each other and we’re both dressing more like each other each day.

Favourite brand/place to get clothes? 

Though I don’t actually own any, Rick Owens is one of my favourite designers. I love his post apocalyptic, sci-fi, sexual approach to the unconventional. As well as this, eBay is probably my favourite place to buy clothes. If you search hard enough you’ll find some incredible bargains on great pieces.

Carrig: 

Where is everything you’re wearing from? My top is Issey Miyake, my trousers are Dickies and my sandals are Birckenstocks.

How has your style changed since being at uni? Since going to uni, I have tried to find the nuanced differences between myself and the rest of Exeter, as lots of people wear vintage. This is how I would have differentiated myself in London. I try to wear more silhouettes inspired by high fashion or high fashion pieces.

Favourite brand/place to get clothes? In an ideal world I would shop at Dover Street Market all the time but it is far too expensive, so I go to this great vintage designer place in Notting Hill. My favourite brand is Acne Studios.

Lucy, First year, Human Geography, (@lucypollitt)

Where is everything you’re wearing from?  My cargo trousers are Urban Outfitters, my shoes are Adidas, my mesh top is Primark, t-shirt Brandy Melville,  and my bag is Urban Outfitters.

Favourite brand/place to get clothes? Urban Outfitters because it’s super versatile.

Have you found yourself thinking more about what you’re wearing this week than usual? I haven’t been planning outfits because my room is so messy – I just pick up what’s on the floor!

Fiona, Second year, Drama (@fiona.winning)

Where is everything you’re wearing from? My t-shirt is Urban, my dungarees are PIECES, trainers are VEJA, earrings are First Light, Abersoch.

How has your style changed since being at uni? Uni has definitely made me bolder with my outfit choices as I love getting inspiration from seeing people on campus. It has also made my style more sustainable as Exeter is one of the best places to charity shop, which I try to do as much as possible.

Favourite brand/place to get clothes? My favourite is a small independent boutique in Abersoch, North Wales @firstlightabersoch – I go every summer and they always have the coolest individual pieces!

Hannah, Third year, English and Drama (@hannah__florence)

Where is everything you’re wearing from? My top and trousers are both from Zara, the top is from the men’s section.

How has your style changed since being at uni? I dress a lot more for myself now and worry less about following trends. I just wear what I like and what feels good. Uni and living on my own has really helped me see that.

Favourite brand/place to get clothes? I love Zara and charity shops mostly, but a lot of my clothes are from Urban Outfitters too.