St Andrean Chic

In 2010 Ines de la Fressange published a style guide entitled ‘La Parisienne’, which came out a year later in English as ‘Parisian Chic’. Obviously, it is only appropriate that St Andrews should follow Paris’ example, so The Stand presents to you a four-part break down of what makes the bubble tres tres chic.

Part 1: Dress Like a St Andrean

Perhaps a general rule to follow in St. Andrews is that when in doubt, wear more (warm) clothes. Weather appropriateness is key to pulling off a look that complements the wearer.

A few good staples to invest in for the winter are an always-warm coat (maybe live on the edge and invest in something other than Barbour), a pair of good shoes (the more leather the better) and a luxuriously soft jumper (or three). Don’t forget warm socks.

St Andrean chic is also about not looking perfectly put together at all times. “Less is more” has been said a million times, and Audrey Hepburn reportedly told her children that it is always better to be under-dressed than over-dressed. When it comes to dressing chic-ly in the bubble, it’s not about trying to be perceived a certain way by others; it’s about suiting yourself. Punny. But really, there are few things more fashionably offensive than someone who seriously over-thought their outfit.

Part 2: Belle (or Beaux) of the Ball

For beauty regimes in St Andrews, there is not a lot of emphasis placed on anything other than grooming. Generally, university girls don’t wear as much make up as college girls, especially during the day. And it shows. Taking time to groom oneself is not only a therapeutic activity, but it is a sign of respect to other people.

Anything extra is up to the individual. Part of the beauty of St Andrean chic is that there are faces from all over the world, so there is no standard routine for looking good in the bubble.

A few recommendations:

Chanel Precision Hydra Beauty Gel Cream is ideal for winter and gives a dewy glow immediately after application before sinking in.

A less expensive but arguably just as effective skincare weapon is Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Moisture with SPF 15. This moisturiser softens the texture of the skin and simultaneously provides protection from the sun (which perhaps isn’t an essential need for Vitamin D deficient St Andreans, but hey, anything to postpone skin cancer).

And, finally, for those among us who find difficulty embracing their pasty-white winter exterior, L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze is good when used sparingly. The bronzer has a moisturising effect and gives off a subtle shimmer. The trick is to be honest with yourself when evaluating your skin tone as the bronzer is produced in different tints. Better working a little pale than sporting fake tanned orange.

Part 3: The St Andrean Home

Ah, flat, sweet flat or hall, sweet hall. What better way to determine the character of a person than by what they have (or rather don’t have) in their bedroom? The chic St Andrean home is kept in clean condition and is never marked by ostentation but by comfortableness and touches of the personality of its owners.

A classic go-to for making a living space home is artwork, or for the university student, five pound posters. Candles are noticeable to visitors and can be a relatively inexpensive addition to the table. Go for incense if you keep it spiritual (and affordable).

If nothing else at all: keep it clean, don’t let it reek.

Part 4: Shopping in Town

Manifesto Classics, 171 South Street

This shop houses mostly men’s, but also women’s clothing and has a good mixture of classic staples including outerwear (shop till you drop, Barbour fiends), as well as other clothes and accessories. Men can anticipate Ralph Lauren, Dockers, Hugo Boss, Pretty Green and Armani Jeans apparel while the ladies can browse through Cheap Monday, Sperry and other younger labels.

 

Pitlochry of Scotland, 2A Bell Street

The Pitlochry is good for one stop holiday shopping as well as purchase of reasonably priced cashmere staples (currently on sale!). Other than cashmere, this shop includes merino wool scarves, not totally cheesy souvenirs, biscuits and a healthy selection of tweed.

 

Renton Oriental Rugs, 72 South Street

If you’re in the market for a carpet that will impress upon every flat visitor that no, they cannot spill red wine on your floor, this is the place to go. Also to be checked out are the more moderately priced and equally stylish home accessories such as mirrors, candles and upholstery.

 

H&M, 137 Market Street

No diagnosis of shopping in St Andrews would be complete without a tribute to (moderately) cheap and cheerful H&M, which provides everything from comfortable basics to outrageous one-time wear things. And if you’re a lady, why not shop in the men’s section? Ines herself makes the same suggestion in Parisian chic.

 

Curiosity, 83 South Street

For the zany or the trying to be quirky among us, Curiosity provides a range of bazaar and irreplaceable objects that will promise to make wherever you live unique.

 

In conclusion, when in St Andrews, do as St Andreans do.

 

Headline image: ©LDN Fashion, Kit Lee Other images: Manifesto Twitter page, shopinstandrews.co.uk, Timeout.com