The Exeter Look: How to avoid outfit twinning this term
Sofia Gallucci-Giles explores the fashion trends sweeping Exeter
As the academic year begins, so does the autumn-winter season for the fashion world. The ‘Exeter’ look has become increasingly distinctive, defined by vintage charity shop buys with a touch of designer to make it all the more ‘boujee’. Recently dubbed as ‘the most basic uni’ by The Tab, the Exeter look means that no matter the occasion, you’ll be undoubtedly be outfit twinning with someone on campus. Though some people like the campus-wide style trend, others might cringe at the thought of outfit twinning with someone in a lecture. Here are some of the most iconic ‘Exetah’ outfits that you may well want to stick to, or avoid…
From downstairs TP to the corridors of Amory, your iconic pair of flares, first seen in your mums 80’s wardrobe, will assure a twinning moment. First designed in the 19th century, it wasn’t until the 60s and 70s that the flared jeans grew to fame, worn by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Mick Jagger and became a staple piece for designer Mary Quant. However, Exeter girls have brought back the flares with a vengeance. We see Economics student Fenella and History of Art student Poppy repping their flares with a casual look. Though it was first ABBA who paired the flares with a halterneck, this outfit combo has become an Exeter girl’s go-to outfit for a TP Friday, and when they’re as comfy as they are, I reckon this trend will be around to stay for a lot longer. English student Maddy however styles a pink halterneck here for a more casual look, alongside – my personal style icon – English student Libby with a very stylish jean/jumper combo.
Though some people like the campus-wide style trend, others might cringe at the thought of outfit twinning with someone in a lecture
With the versatility to dress up or down this item as per the occasion, the midi-skirt has had a striking presence throughout the year. Stylish in whatever print, you can dress these skirts up with a pair of heeled boots or dressed down for a summer’s day with some trainers. Both your flares and your floral midi skirt from urban outfitters can almost always be paired with your whitest of white Nike Airforce 1’s or Fila trainers which also shot to popularity last year. Though Fila Disruptor’s have climbed to the top of the most commonly worn shoe in Exeter, I think the ongoing popularity of the Nike Airforce 1’s will ensure its place as an outfit twinning item for a while longer.
Although the girls at Exeter may have created a specific style that certainly differentiates them from Bristol University students, the guys also share an item with the girls that guarantees an outfit twinning moment. The quarter zip jumper. In order to make this the most ‘boujee-est’ outfit twinning moment, I’d like to add specifically the Ralph Lauren quarter zip. They’re comfy, they’re versatile, they’re quite simply a staple item that will undoubtedly make you twin with someone, from lecture halls to a night out. Often accessorised with a headband for girls and a signet ring for the guys, these jumpers epitomise us Exeter students. But who can blame us? Oversized or slim fit, these jumpers are an iconic Exeter item, fresh from your Depop account. My style icon Libby yet again rocks a red headband for a chilled Sunday brunch look (above).
Keep an eye out for seasonal trends this term, such as the classic puffa jacket or one-piece wonders like that polka dot Zara dress
Drama students Macauley and James take a more chilled look on a night out, with a long/short sleeved t-shirt combo or an edgy shirt, both popular choices. The layered t-shirt look was also popular for the girls last year, as worn by drama students Maddy and Izzy, who wear branded t-shirts by Champion and Elesse. Not only is this look double the warmth, but also jazzes up a designer look in classic Exeter style.
The next outfit is the full gym kit. That’s right. Wearing your limited-edition pair of gym shark leggings or repping your stash shorts when heading to Pret after a long day in the forum library is classic, so much so that the majority of the forum will probably be wearing the same thing. Whether or not you intend to work out when wearing your matching two-piece is entirely irrelevant. But, for those who aren’t repping the gym kit for maximum comfort, then I look to all drama student’s go-to: the Lucy&Yak dungarees. These sustainably and handmade dungarees are unashamedly everywhere between Roborough studios, Thornlea and the Impy, and for someone who owns a pair of these myself, their comfy-ness is all that matters. Clearly here at Exeter we value comfort over style in our outfit choices.
Overall, here at Exeter somehow students have mastered comfort and style so effortlessly. Below we see English students Libby, Lizzie and Hannah nailing stylish practicality on a summer’s day. So, whether you enjoy matching with someone on campus or not, then these popular items that compromise the Exeter style is, likely, here to stay for a while longer. Keep an eye out for seasonal trends this term, such as the classic puffa jacket or one-piece wonders like that polka dot Zara dress. Whatever your style, love your look and have a great term.
Author note: shout-out to Libby who features three times in this article, you really do have the greatest fashion sense in the world!