The Mathmo

It seems far too easy to typecast the mathmo. We are all familiar with the usual clueless dress sense made for hibernating in their rooms to do example sheets all day. However, as a former mathmo, Eva has a soft spot for the subject and its attire — with a little perspective it can be looked upon anew. The uniform for the mathmo is cargo shorts come summer and plain jeans in winter, a graphic tee and a zip up hoody or block colour jumper to start. This is not all too different from the latest utilitarian trend: every garment has its own use and purpose, with layers and pockets everywhere. Colours are muted, with the exception of the graphic tee providing a central statement piece, perhaps akin to the trends of 90s print tees. Mathmo style needs to be rehabilitated and celebrated as minimalistic and utilitarian, simply yet effectively done. A well dressed mathmo knows the virtue of the basics done well.

The Lawyer

While all lawyers start off their Cambridge careers hoping to emulate Elle Woods, they end up dressing more like Vivian Kensington. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Somewhere buried among books stacked on desks at the Squire are plaids and neutral colours found on either sweater vests or jumpers with a collar popping out. They wear black, grey or beige trousers that can be dressed down with trainers around college, or dressed up with leather shoes for a Spring Week internship. They’re serious, they’re academic, and they lay down the law, so one simple necklace worn everyday will suffice for a show of sentimentality. In the summer, shirts can be layered unbuttoned over tank tops or worn by themselves with a few left buttoned; in the winter, the shirts are smothered by sweaters, blazers and coats. But first and foremost, Cambridge lawyers always dress appropriately to do the bend and snap.

The Hippie Geographer

“Somewhere buried among books stacked on desks at the Squire are plaids and neutral colours”

Oh, to be a geography student in summer. A long flowy skirt trailing behind them or a trusty pair of corduroy trousers, brown leather shoes, and definitely a knit cardigan for good measure. Wherever they go you can hear the rustle of bangles and clinking jewellery. Every garment they got either in charity shops or thrifting while on travels to who knows where, with stories of where they got them or the adventures they embarked on in them told with a happy-go-lucky charm. You can always spot them from a mile off because they all seem to have some secret to the world that the rest of us haven’t quite caught onto yet. Perhaps letting loose — both in the fit of their clothes, and with their choice of colours — is the real key to freedom. Perhaps it is the joy of adorning their bodies with stories from around the world. Or maybe it’s something more mundane.

The Sidgwick Dweller

Seen hiking in from the Backs, traipsing into the Seeley, trudging up the stairs of the Squire, and spilling into the cafe, the Sidgwick dweller has to dress to handle diverse terrain and temperatures. And it’s all done with incredible style. A long coat to express being learned, being an adult who can read. A big scarf, because temperatures drop to chillingly low in the Seeley. The Arc fills up quickly, too, and before you know it you’ll be freezing out on the benches if not layered properly. A tote bag, for all the books for these adults who read (in reality, though, it’s got the two essentials: laptop and laptop charger). Hats are optional, but the more random the better (beanies are child’s play, instead there’s thrifted newsboy caps and colourful berets). Underneath these long coats, with layers shed in tantalising reveals when at their seats, outfits are freaked to different levels. Some prefer classic jeans and a knit jumper, others patterned mesh tops and velvet vests. Scarves can be skinny and multicoloured, or pastel and blanket-like. Patterns can be mixed, or left alone to shine. This depends on individual style, but also how big of an essay crisis they’re in.

The Rower

I’ve never seen this kind of student stay still for more than 5 minutes. Usually off to the boathouse, they require a uniform just as active as them. Sports leggings or tracksuit bottoms over the top are staple pieces providing extra warmth. Since rowers cycle wherever they go for ultimate efficiency and speed of travel, gloves and a beanie are also an absolute necessity. Fear not though, for the rower is not just a practical machine. Stash in various forms is worn to rep that large portion of their personality which rowing has become. One navy blue item at a time, the rower aims to transform into the medium on which they row until an army of navy launches itself upon the boathouse. Navy: this is the most distinctive feature of rower style.

The Finalist

Finally, the finalist. Their snazzy fits from first year are nowhere to be found. There’s no need to impress — they know the place, they basically own it. And after all, a stylish outfit is temporary but final grades are forever. They are easy to spot either at your local college library or on Sidgwick Site on a good day. They are always drinking out of the quintessential emotional support water bottle and wearing a hoodie and sweatpants, or if they are feeling fancy, jeans. Accessories include a big scarf that is probably the size of their whole body and headphones to block any potential distractions. In terms of shoes, they are wearing their trusted trainers or boots that will keep their feet warm. However, there are some rare exceptions of finalists that despite all the stress manage to maintain a strong fashion sense and stay put together. They want to prove themselves and have some control over their rather stressful life. You will catch them wearing a long grey or black coat with jeans and colourful jewellery, aimed to deceive the world that they still have some zest for life.