Alphabetical Apparel

[lead]Fashion editor, Nicole Clinton, and Verge editor, Claire Fox, compile an A to Z of College Fashion.[/lead][hr gap="2"][dropcap style= boxed]A[/dropcap]is for Ankle boot: These are a faultless choice of footwear for trekking around UCC. Due to their short length, they will fit over all type of jeans as well as finishing off the leg look of tights or leggings flawlessly. Depending on your personal preference, you could choose to go for the flat option or a wedged heel would also be simultaneously stylish and practical.B is for Bag: A bag is the one accessory that is absolutely necessary for a college student, but there are many styles of bag to choose from. The back pack is useful as it spreads the weight of the heavy books evenly across your back. They come in all shapes, sizes and colours and due to the recent resurgence of the ruck-sack trend in everyday fashion, stylish options are available. The satchel is the bag that has become almost synonymous with university life of late. Its traditional tones are tan and brown leather, a handy colour palette as neutrals will match any outfit.C is for Chinos: These pants seem to be dominating most male students’ wardrobes over the last few years and appear as a stylish alternative to the classic jean. The array of colours available varies (but the most prominent seems to be maroon) which means that there’s a tone for guys at all levels of fashion bravery!D is for Denim: Jeans are a staple for the college wardrobe of both sexes. There are changing styles and shapes to suit every figure and they are hard-wearing so they are not going to tear as you’re trudging from one lecture-hall to another. Additionally, jeans will match any combination as blue/ dark denim is technically a neutral (like black) and if you want to be more colourful, they can now be found in a vast majority of shades and patterns. Denim shorts over black tights are also a popular choice for girls in UCC wishing to incorporate some carefree attitude into their outfit in a different way.E is for Experimentation: Students have a reputation for possessing an off-the-wall fashion sense and are renowned for their unusual combination of clashing colours and patterns. One should take advantage of this permission to be eclectic, eccentric and edgy with their style selections while they can!F is for Flats: While we all love the glamour and artificial leg lengthening ability of heels, they are not particularly suitable for rushing around campus and up and down the stairs of the library all day long. These days flat shoes are more stylish than ever, thanks to the stars that have made them an ultra-chic addition to the daily wardrobe. For example, Kristen Stewart is infamous for her penchant for laid-back converse, Kate Moss has made the flat leather ankle-boot the coolest way to finish off any skinny jean, while Taylor Swift is fond of sweetly enhancing her soft look with pumps.G is for Glasses: One witnesses a vast exhibition of specs throughout the UCC campus, but short-sightedness is not the only reason that students have an inclination for glasses. They have recently become a huge fashion statement, especially the oversize, thick-rimmed ones that stem from the ‘nerd’ look. So whether you actually require glasses or are just looking for a funky accessory, sport them proudly!H is for Hats: From the beanie, to the beret, to the fedora! A hat is never redundant as it is a staple piece with a dual purpose; they add a spice of style to any bland outfit while also remaining an autumn/ winter practicality.I is for Inexpensive: The amount of money you spend on clothes does not equal fashion credentials, so there’s no need or point in breaking the bank for your college wardrobe. High-street stores like Penneys and H&M are stocked with all the latest trends and supply them at an affordable price. Stalk the sales and remember, no one is examining you for designer labels. While students are known for displaying an edgy sense of style, they are equally renowned for being penniless! So don’t worry about where you get your clothes or how much they cost, but rather about what they look like and whether they embody your personal style.J is for Jumper: Seeing as this is Ireland, warm clothes are essential for the whole duration of the college year (even for summer exams!). Oversized jumpers are a cute way to amalgamate sartorial notions and to stay warm. They can be worn over jeans or leggings and suit all body shapes.K is for Kids-wear: As a petite girl, this is Nicole’s secret (not any more!) style tip. Some stores’ children’s collections go up to age 16 and some age 12 or 13s may be equated with ladies size 8. Kids-wear is generally cheaper than women’s wear and often carry the same styles (especially in essential pieces like leggings and vests).  From my personal experience, River Island’s girls-wear contains exceptionally unusual items, while Penneys and H&M’s ranges are best for everyday staples like jeggings, jumpers and black.L is for Leather jacket: The gender neutral leather jacket is an impeccable choice of coat for the college autumnal wardrobe as it is practical as well as being stylish. It embodies an effortless panache and it NEVER goes out of fashion! It transforms even the blandest outfit into a cool fashion statement and in a classic black style it matches every colour or pattern. And its appeal is not just confined to daytime; the leather jacket is a slick insertion into any night-time ensemble too.M is for Make-up: A girl’s choice of college make-up depends on their personal look. The only real rule is to be careful not to go overboard. Choose between a bold eye or a bold lip, as going for both together will result in a look that crosses into ‘night-out’ territory.  A simple red lip and a bit of blush is a fast way to inject some glamour into any face without much effort.N is for Night-time: Speaking of going out, Tuesdays and Thursdays are the nights that most UCC students hit the tiles. But let’s face it, this is college and there’s a party on every night of the week!  For the girls a simple black skirt that goes with everything will most definitely be your staple piece, while the less than fashion forward lads should invest in a decent pair of jeans, not too skinny or too baggy either.O is for Oversized bags: While most girls may have an image of themselves strutting to their lectures with a stylish shoulder-bag in tow, this image couldn’t be further from the truth! Think BIG ladies! An oversized bag is the most practical solution for storing your books, notes and all the other accessories that you need to make it through the day. If all else fails dig out your old schoolbag; it’s what most guys do!P is for Parka: The parka is an ideal choice of coat for the autumn/ winter college wardrobe and has forcefully regained a high level of fashion relevance due to the reintroduction of the grunge trend. Khaki and brown are the most popular colours, but high-street stores such as Only are showcasing bolder colours such as mustard in their AW14 collections. The faux-fur-lined hood means that you can stay stylish even when it rains.Q is for Quirk it: Adding little quirks to your style will prevent you from fading into the shadows of student life. If you have a fetish for nose-rings and nail-varnish, wear them as much as you like! Rules and restrictions on your style no longer exist! School’s out everyone!R is for Runners: Whether you call them runners, sneakers or trainers, they never go out of fashion. Due to the increasing popularity of the Sports Luxe trend, these days runners can be found in every high-street outlet and in every shade under the rainbow. They will be your best friend for those weekly gym trips that you intend to take! College is all about good intentions after all!S is for Scarf: Scarves will be your lifesaver for days when the wind whips against your face. At the moment they’re available in all high-street stores in multiple shades and designs and are even handy to use as shawls for the string of college balls that occur after Christmas. Now if that’s not being resourceful, I’ll eat my scarf!T is for Tights: This one only applies to the ladies, but if not, who am I to judge!? Tights are an imperative part of college clothing for any girl. Opaque are perfect for daytime, while switch to nude colours for those nights you’re feeling a little chilly.U is for Umbrella: This is Ireland, which means it could rain at any time. There’s nothing worse than being engulfed in a sporadic, yet deathly shower of rain while walking down College Road or heading to the Mardyke. Thus, I suggest you make friends with an umbrella, fast!V is for Varsity: Wear your college colours proudly by investing in some UCC hoodies and sweaters; they last forever and are unbelievably cosy!  What more could you ask for? Also if these don’t take your fancy, shops such as Forever 21 and American Apparel stock a range of varsity inspired clothing, so you really have no excuse!W is for Wedges: Wedges never go out of style and are much more practical than Satan-like stilettos whose aim are to torture your feet on a night out. Dance the night away in a pair of wedges, rather than stumbling on Patrick Street due to your poor footwear choices. Just a piece of advice!X is for Xtra prepared: Extra Socks, extra underwear, you name it; be prepared! Who knows your first attempt at using a washing machine in college could lead to serious shrinking in the size of some of your clothes! Take it from someone who knows…Y is for YOLO: So what if you make fashion fails or wear those tracksuit pants a little too often? By not taking your sense of style too seriously in college you’ll enjoy the experience all the more! Who knows you could even start a new trend?Z is for ZZZ wear: Don’t be like me and forget to pack in your pyjamas for your first night in student accommodation! Dressing gowns are also great for dashing in and out of the shower, while nothing beats a pair of fluffy slippers for Wednesday night movie marathons! .