Aisling Finegan takes a closer look at what’s trending on campus heading into the new college year

Classes have commenced for the 22/23 college year and that means Trinity campus is once again aglow with the bold and subversive fashion taste of its student body. Students are going back into the new term with wardrobe staples such as jeans and blazers, whilst also adopting a number of mainstream fashion trends that have come into fruition over the summer months. Some trends seem almost confined to the Trinity campus, yet others are quite obviously widespread, having trickled down from designer brands and social media influencers. The question of individuality versus conformity is important to acknowledge when discussing fashion and trends and I think the projection of both is prevalent on Trinity’s campus, although experimentalism in terms of personal style is highly encouraged by the college community.

The penetration of mainstream fashion trends is inevitable in our capitalist society; hence many have found their way onto the Trinity campus. Like last year, Y2K Paris Hilton-esque clothing is popular again, meaning; low waisted bottoms, cargo pants and miniature pastel crops. Since returning to classes, I have seen a number of girls rocking the daring low waist: a preference of celebrities like Bella Hadid. Crocheted and knitted pieces are another noughties favourite that have sparked a place for themselves in contemporary fashion, perhaps because of the revival of sewing and knitting during the pandemic. Some students are already wearing arm warmers in September, similar to the ones worn by both Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo for their Glastonbury performances in June. In addition to arm warmers, Depop start-ups and high-street stores like Urban Outfitters are selling crocheted dresses, shrugs, and boleros – elevating classic cosy knits to an abstract, distressed form with a fishnet crochet technique. I am not alone in predicting the inevitable increase in exposure of such items on campus this winter season.

Some items worn by the collective would not be considered ‘on-trend,’ in terms of high-fashion brands but are popular amongst Trinity students. Not exclusive to the influence of style videos on TikTok, these include crystal jewellery, tote bags and cowboy boots. In terms of footwear, Dr Martens boots have long appeared as a component of student attire, being classified by the brand itself as ‘a symbol of self-expression’ — something we Trinity students don’t shy away from. Docs are also durable and complement nearly any outfit, so it appears they won’t be going anywhere any time soon. There is certainly an element of keeping up with current fashion trends in university, as is the case in any other community — be it school, work, etc. However, societies such as the fashion society encourage creativity and nonconformity when it comes to style on campus. Their freshers’ week monochromatic party, for example, mirrors Trinity’s overarching approach to interpret fashion how you please. This individualistic perspective is supported with sustainable shopping choices such as thrifting, which aids finding your own style, as no two items in a vintage or charity shop are the same.

The college community is experimenting with current fashion waves, creating their own style through choosing trends they like and leaving ones they don’t. The influence of online shopping and the celebrity craze is inevitable and thus, ever-present. However, the introduction of creative layering and styling is encouraged amongst students through compliments and flattering imitation. The long-expressed motto of the college student is to experiment and have fun — the only trend, I am pleased to say, that the Trinity student body is certainly following.