Ten years ago, Tropolitan writer Emily Beckstrom analyzed the fashion trends of Troy University’s campus. Now, a decade later, it’s time to see what has changed and what has stayed the same.
College is a time of self-discovery, and the clothes students wear are no exception. Since 2014, it’s become much more common for students to dress uniquely to express their true selves; this reflects our society becoming more accepting of alternative styles.
Starting off, we have Beckstrom’s “sorority” and “fraternity” styles. These outfits consisted of mostly oversized, monogrammed shirts and athletic shorts for women and polos and khakis for men.
While this look has seldom changed, there are a few discrepancies, mainly with the choice of branding. A lot of students get their clothes from brands such as Shein for their cheaper prices; other brands include Lululemon and American Eagle.
One thing to note about recent fashion trends is the accessories people are choosing to wear. Apple Watches, scrunchies and even Crocs have been making a comeback. You can’t forget the non-wearable accessories that are often found on a student’s person such as Stanley Cups.
Athletic wear hasn’t changed much; Beckstrom reported students wearing their athletic gear on days that they have practice. That still rings true today, and athletic clothing hasn’t changed much either due to the practicality it holds.
When a student has to wear formal clothes for a presentation or an organization, it’s not uncommon to see people wearing their Sunday best. However, a lot of students have heavily leaned into the academia look, donning blazers and sweaters to provide a professional but cozy look.
This is different from Beckstrom’s “I’m only dressed up because I have to be” and “I never dress down” looks, which feature patterned bottoms or dresses, alongside a blazer or nice shirt.
Some people go to class after rolling out of bed, not even bothering to change (though we’ve all fallen victim to this at some point). Sweatpants and sweatshirts are still the norm and probably always will be.
Trends honestly haven’t changed that much compared to a decade ago, but the branding certainly has. It’s no secret that branding and commercialism have a firm grip on how we choose to express ourselves.
Some people may desperately want to fit in with everyone else, causing those who can’t afford the name brands to feel left out, but what is most important is to dress professionally and appropriately to make a good impression as students step into the real world.
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