Winter fashion in Toronto can feel like a long parade of thick scarves and ubiquitous Canada Goose jackets. But, with a fashion scene as diverse as the U of T student body, some students are still putting together stylish outfits for the winter weather. This week The Varsity interviewed students to discover what they had to say about their classmates’ personal style.
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When asked to describe U of T students’ general fashion sense, many, including second year student Nicole Morin, commented that they found U of T’s style to be “casual.” Erin Ross, a first year student, agrees, saying that comfort-wear like “sweats and Uggs” seem to be U of T staples.
Others, however, observe a wholly different trend. Haris Yaqeen, a self-described fashionista, believes that “fashion at U of T is something that is taken a lot more seriously than at other university campuses; it seems like having a school that is a part of such a vibrant urban fabric gives people motivation to actually put some effort and thought into what they wear.” Lily O’Brien, a second year, agrees with Haris, though she thinks U of T’s put-together fashion scene is less a result of its urban setting and more a reflection of the “high-functioning level of U of T students.” First year Brody Longmuir describes the U of T fashion scene as “preppy,” noting the pervasive presence of boat shoes and tweed blazers on campus.
The reality of the U of T fashion scene is most likely a mix between the relaxed casual look observed by some and the fashion-consciousness seen by others — “lazy prep,” as one student put it.
EMERGING TRENDS
Students were also asked what trends seem to be surfacing on campus this winter. Katrina Li, a first year student, explains: “Last year, it was all about the edgy look, with glam spikes and the rest. Now, for women, we’re seeing feminine silhouettes make a come back, with mid-length skirts that have a romantic look, but with modern fabrics and patterns. Makeup is back to the ’90s — we’re seeing a lot of cat eye and soft-smudged brown. For men, clothing is a lot more lax in terms of cut; we’re seeing looser pant legs. Accessories like necklaces and bracelets are out for men (for the moment).”
JAY BAWAR/THE VARSITY
Others observe a sudden resurgence of hats, especially wide-brimmed hats, in the student population. For handbags and accessories, many note the prevalence of Michael Kors, kate spade, and MCM merchandise. One student sees the emergence of a “Nylon magazine inspired aesthetic: top knots with the rest of the hair down and platform shoes.”
Aphtarsia Nix, a first year student, remarks that while many U of T students take a casual attitude towards dress, there are those who wear formal attire to class. She describes her experience of witnessing students wearing suits and carrying leather briefcases to class, or wearing high heels and dresses to lectures.
LOOK BY LOCATION
According to some students, U of T’s eclectic fashion can be broken up into subgroups, especially by college. Yaqeen observes that Trinity students overwhelmingly prefer “traditional and often preppy clothing in the Anglo-American vein,” as opposed to the “modern or ‘stylish’ streetwear” he believes is favoured in other parts of campus.
Nix also notices style differences between the colleges, saying: “UC students’ style seem more casual than Trin, but most can dress smartly if the need arises. I’ve never seen anyone in UC overdressed.” Lily O’Brien of St. Michael’s College, says SMC students generally prefer a more “practical style, with lots of collared shirts with or without sweaters.”
U of T is home to a wide-ranging mix of styles, and whether or not they are truly demarcated by college, it is clear that U of T’s fashion scene is as vibrant and diverse as the rest of its campus life.
