What’s trending in the fashion world, like so many other things, constantly evolves in today’s society with ever-changing tastes — what was the hottest new mini skirt at Zara a few months ago is like an artifact today, and styles that were all the rage last football season have already been replaced by an entirely new wardrobe for this year’s gamedays. This year at Tulane, new trends have emerged left, right, and center, reflecting the diverse tastes of the student body and proving just how versatile fashion can be.
A New Kind of “Class Outfit”
My walks to class always consist of the usual suspects catching my eye — the newest clothing styles that the girls of Tulane are wearing around campus. I’ve noticed that the tastes of college students have changed throughout the years, and my perspective on what counts as a “class outfit” has shifted since graduating high school and arriving at college.
Back in public high school, sweats, t-shirts, and North Face backpacks were the staples. So you can imagine my shock on my first day of classes when every girl around me was dressed to the nines in a comfortable yet dressed-up outfit. I felt right at home and quickly realized that my styling opportunities here were endless. My high school self wouldn’t have dared to wear a tote bag as a backpack, or even bring a pair of sunglasses to class to beat the heat.
Since stepping foot at Tulane and witnessing a complete transformation of what constitutes an “outfit for class,” my possibilities have felt endless — and the constantly evolving fashion scene on campus will only allow that feeling to grow.
Everyday Staples
In recent years, women’s fashion has transitioned to a more sleek and classy look, stepping away from tight, cropped clothing and bright colors. From what I’ve gathered, staple pieces for everyday class outfits consist of cable-knit cardigans, jorts, Adidas and other flat-heeled shoes, and obviously, Longchamps and Goyards.
Girls around campus style these items in versatile ways — often layering a cardigan over a simple basic tee, pairing it with some type of denim bottom, and finishing with a piece (or two) of chunky jewelry. Speaking of accessories, it’s important to note the reemergence of several trends once lost to the decades.
Hair clips, whether used for practical purposes or pure accessorizing, have made a comeback — you can spot them everywhere around campus. Sunglasses, another favorite, are used mostly to beat the Louisiana heat, although they’re also repurposed to add flair to an otherwise simple class outfit.
My personal favorite style is black cat-eyes, which I’ve worn far too many times to count.
Last but not least, long and layered necklaces, as well as chunky jewelry, have made a very strong comeback on the scene here at Tulane. Everywhere I turn, I see charm necklaces hailing from the famed Bead Shop on Magazine Street — bonus points if there’s a fleur-de-lis charm dangling from the chain!
Gameday Style
Gamedays introduce a whole new set of trends into our closets. While they’re a way to showcase individual style and offer a sneak peek into each wearer’s personality, I’ve noticed that familiar favorites keep popping up time and time again.
Mini shorts, specifically crocheted and striped ones, have become all the rage — and speaking of stripes, the classic pattern that was once absent from Tulane closets has made a strong comeback. In a sea of Tulane green, stripes can be spotted in the stands at every gameday. These staple pieces are often paired with a tank top, usually in white or green. When asking girls around campus what their go-to gameday outfit has been, I heard a lot of praise for the stripe craze.
Another style gaining popularity this football season is the one-piece, especially swimsuit-style tops with plunging necklines, adding an edgy flair to a piece that was once seen as simple. My personal favorite, along with many other girls here, is from Gooseberry, whose clothing can be seen, without fail, at every single game day.
While new trends keep appearing on Tulane’s campus, some tried-and-true pieces consistently reappear every football season — most notably, footwear. Cowgirl boots continue to win the popularity contest. While Tulane isn’t an SEC school, or even a traditional Southern one, cowgirl boots remain the top choice for gameday. Green and white Adidas come in a close second, but there’s something irresistible about throwing on a pair of white, brown, or even green cowgirl boots for the game.
Looking Ahead
While the fashion trends currently “in” at Tulane may be distant memories next school year, there’s no doubt that the personal style, tastes, and interests of the community will continue to develop and grow. By next year, there might be an entirely different set of trends to write about — and I, for one, can’t wait to see what’s next.
