Welcome to Sidgwick Invader, where we take on the humanities site to find and interview stylish people in the hopes of gaining a deeper understanding of student fashion choices. Student fashion is a frequently discussed topic, but we aim to actually discover how unsuspecting lecture-goers dress as they begin to tackle the start of an academic term. Sidgwick Site is one of the most notorious Cambridge sites, particularly notable for its hordes of fashion-forward students.
Just as everyone seems to have an opinion about the industrial and unforgiving architecture, everyone seems to have decided that the fashion choices of Sidgwick students are either an act of cohesive genius, or all rather unfortunately unoriginal. Whichever opinion is your persuasion, Sidgwick fashion is undeniably important to Cambridge student fashion in general. We decided that as its abundant concrete becomes decorated with colourful autumn leaves, Sidgwick site would be an excellent place to begin our foray into finding out what students are actually wearing this autumn.
Izzy & Lara, English
We first came across Lara and Izzy, second year Englings as we patrolled around Sidge. Against the concrete pillars, both of them donned fur coats on top of thick jumpers for extra warmth during this chilly October. Patterns were central to their outfits, with both an animal print scarf and camo trousers being the focal point of their ’fits. Large, round, red-tinted glasses draw the attention upwards, while a classic samba was worn on the feet – the perfect middle-ground between style and function for those long lecture days.
When asked about their autumnal fashion staples, the concepts they love for this season were seen within their outfits. Izzy’s fashion staple this season is a bit of fur, but also a specific colour that will be implemented into the autumnal outfits. “I’ve really gotten into khaki green – matching the trees, matching the foliage.” Breaking free from the usual neutrals through incorporating burgundy and green is a great way to point towards autumn in your outfits – the perfect colours to memorialise the leaves at their peak as they start to fall away.
Lara’s fashion staples conquer functionality as well as cuteness. “I love a chunky scarf. Always a chunky scarf with a red jumper. I also love a red jumper, it’s such an autumnal colour. Also, thermal tights. I still love a skirt in autumn, but I have to get out the thermal tights.” As the weather turns cooler, wrapping up in layers is definitely the key for those cold Sidge walks.
“Breaking free from the usual neutrals through incorporating burgundy and green is a great way to point towards autumn in your outfits”
But what do they not want to see this autumn? Izzy had strong opinions on a particular head accessory: “I saw a lot of ear muffs last year and I don’t f*ck with earmuffs. I just feel like they get in the way.” For optimal head warmth, perhaps a hat is the go-to. Lara was also opposed to a particular type of footwear: the infamous Tabis – which, for those who don’t know, are a type of traditional Japanese footwear with a split-toe design, separating the big toe from the other four. Tabis seem to be a marmite choice of footwear this season.
Nicki, 2nd year, English
Under the fabulous trees in the Sidge quad, we found Nicki, adorning neutrals in dark greens, greys, and cream, complimenting the tree in its colourways. A slouchy bag was the central accessory, representing a more relaxed structure that is discordant with the Michaelmas workload. These styles of bag are a major trend this autumn: the bag allows enough space to carry the study essentials, as well being extremely versatile and not tied to a specific occasion of wear.
“No Labubus! … No plain bags, no more Longchamps!”
The calf-high boots are another staple – the perfect shoe to battle the rain and to offer warmth and comfort, especially when paired with some fleece tights.Boots and a bag were, in fact, Nicki’s autumnal fashion staples. “At least calf high to thigh high leather boots, preferably with a heel. Also big bags that can fit everything you need, as industrial as possible, as many charms on it as possible.” This season is the perfect time to get personalising your bags, with keyrings, scarves, or charms. However, Nicki offered specifics on how to make sure you do bags right: “No Labubus! … No plain bags, no more Longchamps!” For Nicki, the best autumnal bag is one that sums up you, rather than following the trends.
Isabel and Kaan, LLM
Isabel and Kaan were sporting opposite ends of the colour spectrum completely. Isabel was dressed in dark colours, primarily black, broken up by the stripes on their black and white scarf, and the translucent calf-high stockings. Kaan, meanwhile, wore an array of colours and patterns, most notable being the leopard print sambas, which they said was their autumn fashion staple. Both Isabel and Kaan were wearing most of their autumnal staples: Isabel was loving their Wrangler jacket where they “got it in Rome for 20 euros” (bargain). Their long, flowy skirt is also a go-to this season, which for Isabel is their vintage All Saint’s skirt. For headwear, Kaan advocated for bandanas as being both a style accessory and a functionality piece to combat the autumn winds and keep your hair back and in place.
In all of their style, the two had specific ideas on what they don’t want to see this season at Sidge, or anywhere else for that matter. Kaan had a particular footwear in mind: “Crocs. Platform [crocs] are fine though.” Isabel had a particular disgust for a headband: “I don’t love those Minga London headbands with the cut outs.” Instead, a smaller, knitted headband should be the headwear of choice.
“Tights can be used to create a playful pop of colour against neutral pieces or as part of a more vibrant, maximalist look”
Gabriella, 2nd year, History of Art
Gabriella was notably spotted wearing functional layers to battle the cold and the rain. Brown boots complimented the brown bag being carried, with thick tights underneath. It is tights that Gabriella focused on for their autumnal fashion staple: “I’m loving colourful tights, specifically teal and red.” Tights can be used to create a playful pop of colour against neutral pieces or as part of a more vibrant, maximalist look. Tones like red and brown can compliment the natural hues of autumn, allowing wearers to embody the season. Gabriella also had another staple in mind: “A hood. I’ve realised how wonderfully it transports you back to the womb. It’s very key around Cambridge when you don’t want to see people you know – hood on!”
Zoe, 2nd year, History of Art
Near Newnham, Zoe’s outfit made up of reds, oranges and browns, complimented the red brick walls. Enhanced by a green bag, thick buttons on the top and a thin, stripey scarf, Zoe confessed that their autumn fashion staple was “a nice jacket – a nice suede bomber jacket is my current favourite at the moment”. Zoe’s suede jacket has been repaired countless times, she told us; she encourages others to reuse and repair clothes, another idea to take into this autumn.
Zoe’s layers of colours are a statement to the fact that what they don’t want to see “black nonchalant fits” anymore. Colour is the best way to compliment the early dark nights after all. Zoe advocated for colour in autumnal outfits: “Everyone needs to get more bright!”
With autumn’s arrival, people yearn see the grey concrete of Sidgwick illuminated with bright and warm colours. Embody the trees: be green, orange, and red. Embrace dramatic outerwear like chunky scarves, long coats, and big boots to shield yourself from the autumn cold – but beware the college puffer, as it seems that the people of Sidgwick do not approve! Balance a practical approach to the growing cold with bold choices, as seeing unique and interesting fashion as you go about your day can provide an excellent distraction from the chilly weather and the challenging work.
