Freshman fashion - college cool on a budget

CONGRATULATIONS, you’re going to college.

Now that you’ve registered for the new term, found somewhere to live and have a fair idea of how to get around campus — you’re more or less sorted, right?

Not exactly. It’s one thing to show up in class; it’s another to look like a class act. Given you’ve spent the past five years in a school uniform, some freshman fashion tips are in order.

So, what’s on the syllabus? If the autumn/winter 13 runways are any indication, houndstooth scarves, tweed jackets, cable knits and preppy plaid are all hot subjects. Collegiate chic, if you will. Unless you’ve got an Ivy League trust fund to bank roll a designer wardrobe, a crash course in fashion math will help greatly.

Basics

The fundamental principle underpinning any campus trousseau is comfort: the absence of which limits your ability to do most activities; be it sprinting to a Beowulf lecture or sprinting to the college bar for happy hour.

Consider yourself warned. With this, the first purchase should be some hardwearing jeans. Luckily, Penneys has launched a new ‘techno-stretch’ denim range which prevents the dreaded ‘saggy and baggy’ look. Handy if you fancy an extra wear (or three) until laundry day and just €17 a pair.

Feet should, likewise, bear the hallmarks of the stylishly sensible. High heels are strictly for amateurs. There’s nothing chic about slipping on cobblestones or having to trek a half mile across the concourse on six-inch platforms. Physicists at the Institute of Physics in London have devised a formula based on Pythagoras’ theorem to ascertain an individual’s maximum heel height. If quantum mechanics, aren’t exactly your field of endeavour; it’s best to flat foot it in a pair of Chelsea boots. These multi-taskers are a bit like tofu in that they assume the flavour of that which is added to them. Make like Alexa Chung in a ditzy dress and oversized parka or rock it out a la Ms Moss with a plaid shirt and off duty skinnies. Better yet, reference the runway with a pair with a chunky knit and full circle skirt. Order a pocket-friendly pair online at Asos.com for €52.05 with free shipping as standard.

Trending still are luxe trainers for the sportier and ever fashion-forward. Designer Isabel Marant’s ‘Bekett’ high tops have been a cult staple for three years but at €395, your friends would probably assume you joined one. Less pricey and equally cool versions can be found at trendsetting Forever 21. Our spies spotted quilted faux leather beauties reduced from €28.90 to €16. Note: The college campus is a notoriously exposed terrain, one which is uniquely stricken by sudden gusts of wind and horizontal rain. Mammy’s advice to bring a warm geansaí should not be ignored.

Designers this season were evidently listening too. Sweaters are de rigeur, especially when worn slimline over a polo neck or with a louche slouch that says ‘borrowed from my fella’. Failing the above, a two-tone number from Heatons should do the trick – ticking both the tweed and sports luxe trends; not to mention mammy’s favourite – a pocket-friendly €22.

If the idea of taking cover conflicts with being noticed then a trip to A|wear is a must. The highstreet heroes have taken outerwear to the third level with a parka/wax jacket hybrid (€85). Enjoy all the kudos of a festival look without being soaked to the bone on a ‘soft’ Irish day. Result.

Accessories

Now that the essentials have been sorted, the sophomore topic of accessories deserves further exploration. Never underestimate the power of a hat. In a student body that rivals the population of your home town, a notice-me accoutrement is essential, if only to ensure that lecturers remember you and that you can be found with relative ease during Freshers Week. Oh, and they’re warm. Try Dunnes Stores’ bobble-tastic beanies (€6) with matching mittens (€6) for co-ordinated kudos. A bit too South Park? Keep them hidden in a bookish satchel, ideally one that is capacious enough to also hold a laptop, The Principles of Macroeconomics, two cans of Red Bull and a Pot Noodle. Highest scores go to A|wear (€30) and Asos.com (€52.05) for double-strapped value.

There you have it. According to my calculations, these seven essentials clock in at just under €250. Not bad. Apply the cost-per-wear ratio (the price of each item divided by its forecasted outings) and this alumna wardrobe will, in fact, owe you money. How’s that for sartorial smarts? Class dismissed.