1. Dresses

A dress is the perfect lazy-girl outfit. You don’t need to worry about co-ordinating tops and bottoms; it’s all done for you. A good day dress is a fundamental piece if you want to look put together and give off the ‘of course my essay’s written but my internet just crashed last night right at the deadline’ vibe, and actually have your supervisors believe you. 

The sweaty crowded mosh pit that is Life will not be kind to a lighter dress so you’ll need a good LBD too. Try one with some statement features to stand out.

And of course the elusive Perfect May Ball Dress: you may as well start looking now, even though you know you won’t find ‘the one’ until two days after May Week finishes. That, or ‘the one’ will be so far out of your price range that even winning the lottery wouldn’t help. Varsity recommends Marchesa (£too much)

2. Accessories

When you’re covered up by a hefty coat every time you go outside between November and March, you can get stuck in a style rut. Accessorising is the perfect way to mix things up whilst still being practical about the eternal winter. With a good hat, you can not only channel your inner Blair Waldorf but you can also stop the wind from giving you dreadlocks on the bike ride to Sidgwick. In addition,whilst leather gloves might seem a bit Mafia, in any colour other than black these will always look sophisticated.

 

3. Flat shoes

Cambridge isn’t hilly, but the fact that there are cobbles everywhere can really screw with your shoe dreams, especially on a night out. I advise strongly against wearing heels out in Cambridge. Reason number one: the clubs are so crowded your feet will definitely be crushed. Reason number two: you’ll be questioning your life choices when you are outside Gardies at 3am, barefoot and holding your favourite platforms. Boots, brogues and loafers are much better options, and definitely do not have to be frumpy or boring. Varsity recommends loafers from John Lewis (£75) and boots from Office (£35).

4. Layering

Did I mention Cambridge is cold? Layers might bring to mind images of long underwear and thermals, but with the right combination of textures and colours layering can be a statement look. Shirts are incredibly versatile for throwing over the top of bandeaus or camis, and it’s good to have both smart and casual options in your wardrobe. Kimono jackets are having a major moment right now, and slipping one on under your coat can have you looking sharp in lectures without having to shiver away in your t-shirt. 

5. Bags

More boring practicality! The most important thing about your everyday bag is that it can fit your laptop in, and has at least some capacity to hold books. You will regret it if you have to carry your laptop around separately all day, and you are one hundred times more likely to leave it in the back of Café Nero! There are so many amazing bags that can accommodate this. Backpacks are having a serious moment, but if that’s not your thing you could pay a visit to Cambridge’s very own Satchel Company for a timeless model in updated colours and tones. Varsity recommends: backpacks from Accessorize (£35) and satchels from Cambridge Satchel Company (£190).