If you wear any of these outfits on Notts’ campus then you need to sort yourself out

Just because everyone else is wearing it, doesn’t mean you should

2 years ago

What constitutes as fashion is subjective and whilst it can be a way to freely express individuality, some people potentially take this freedom a little too far. Students are known to push the boundaries with clothing and what can be found on Notts’ campus is no exception.

From those familiar green jumpers, to tote bags and tracksuit bottoms, uni student fashion is unlike anything else you will come across. Maybe it’s down to coming straight from strict sixth form formalwear, growing up in school uniforms, or the threat of future workplace clothing that encourages some of the rogue clothing choices on campus.

Either way, here is a list of some of the most questionable things students wear and maybe a hint to try something new.

The North Face puffer

Let’s start with the most obvious. North Face puffers have been a thing for years, and while they may never stop being ‘cool’, they are undoubtably overdone. These completely overpriced coats cover campus and often are accompanied by what I have dubbed the ‘puffer personality’.

Perhaps you should rethink if you’re planning on asking for one of these coats this Christmas and put the money towards paying the energy bills instead. And if you’re in need of a drinking game to get you Ocean ready, a shot for every North Face coat you see on campus is an obvious choice.

Sliders without socks

Sliders are amazing, most people probably wouldn’t survive first year accommodation without them. Perfect to escape the fire alarm, to run and try not to trip on the way to brunch which ends in two minutes, and to avoid standing on something sticky or hairy in the communal kitchens.

The issue then is when people do all of these things without socks on. When you’re hungover in the queue for food, spending your meal card at Spar on a Sunday, or even worse, at a 9am lecture, the last thing you want to see is bushy toes or someone’s violently long toenails.

Short shorts

This one is aimed at the guys, mainly Rugby ones. Whilst there is an undeniable appeal about a guy in a sports kit, there’s something off-putting about those super short shorts. When they bend over to tie a shoelace or swing their leg over a bench at dinner, almost nothing is left to the imagination.

Lanyards

Whether you’re repping the uni with your official lanyard, using one you happened to get from a past work experience, or are one of the few with a special yellow one that all medics get gifted in first year, it should arguably be the same rule for all. Don’t actually wear it.

Having your worldly belongings: keys, AirPods, student card, all in one place in the hope to not lose your card again and have to fork out for another one, is one thing. But wearing it proudly round your neck like a school teacher so everyone can hear you walking up the Monny P stairs is perhaps too far. Just leave it in your pocket.

Old school sports uniform

This was something I was not warned about before coming to uni. Within the first few days of freshers, however, I had already seen more school skorts and full sports kit with old logos worn proudly by ex-students than at any secondary sport competitions I’d been to.

Although originally confusing, it soon became clear this was a way for many people to find mutuals on campus. Perhaps controversial, but maybe the old school uniforms should be left in the good old days.

Signet rings

Notts is known for the stereotype of attracting wealthy private school southerners. With this comes signet rings, stamped with the family crest. This may be a little exaggerated, but generally, they are not rare on campus and with the signet ring often comes certain preconceived expectations about the person.

So maybe if you want people to stop making jokes about “daddy’s money”, asking about private school or making the occasional “rah” reference, you should leave the signet rings at home.

Heels

People who wear heels to campus are a different breed. Half respect, half disgust is commonly expressed towards people who actively choose to endure the pain of heels, especially for trekking up and down the steep hills and braving the slippery Portland steps. Can we collectively agree that heels are for special occasions only: first year formals, cocktail nights out and graduation?

Leavers’ hoodies

This one speaks for itself. No one wants to walk behind someone, forced to read every name of a stranger’s year 11 class or see a cringy school nickname that absolutely no one actually called them. The only thing these randomly coloured jumpers are good for is hinting how old a sneaky crush is. The old leavers’ hoodie is to be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.