Whether you are a fresher wondering if it’s socially acceptable to wear last night’s clothes to your 9am, or a third-year contemplating if it’s finally time to cave and buy into the dreaded Tom’s Trunks aesthetic. This edition is designed to ensure you fully embrace the “that girl” lifestyle. The Survival Guide explores the autumn-must haves, hottest trends and best places to shop them, so every Durham girlie can bundle up in style!
Firstly, the big question which all the girlies want the answer to… What is trending this season? According to Vogue, the Autumn/ Winter runways “proved that the usual wardrobe suspects will reign supreme.”, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the enduring popularity of the Durham staple- the trench coat. Rather than concealing an outfit, the trench coat adds dimension, depth and sophistication to a basic look. Whether styled with wide leg jeans and trainers for a campus walk, or with tailored trousers and ballet pumps for a seminar, the trench coat is such a core Durham wardrobe item for a reason.
So where are the girlies getting their trench coats from? Contrary to the Durham stereotype, shopping for these does not need to be expensive… With M&S currently offering 20% off coats and knitwear, their long length trench coats are a refined yet affordable investment. Likewise, Stradivarius currently has a striking selection of short length trench coats if this is more to your taste. Aside from online shopping, located on North Road, the charity shop Scope often has some hidden gems. If you are willing to search through the rails you might just find the ideal piece for an even more ideal price!
Of course, great style this season does not stop with the trusted trench! Never underestimate the power of layering to take your outfit from simple to stunning. Placing a contrasting-coloured long sleeve under a baby-T or sweatshirt is a cheat code to achieve the “cool girl” look with minimal effort, as the pop of colour flashes through. Something as straightforward as styling a cardigan over a basic vest top, instead of reaching for a hoodie, can elevate your otherwise casual outfit into something more chic. Moreover, I predict the comeback of double denim, with denim maxi skirts, trousers and jackets layered together.
New to UK highstreets this year, Lefties has an extensive selection of jumpers and sweaters perfect for layering. According to the Fashion Times, Lefties is the new “bargain sister” to Zara, that challenges budget rivals like Shein and Primark, all while retaining a “greater emphasis on fashion and presentation”. Although there is not a Lefties outlet in Durham, it is set to quickly develop into an online retail favourite for the Durham girlies, with high-quality fashion just a click away!
Finally, what accessories are poised to dominate the Durham student fashion scene this autumn? Vogue explores how the wraparound sunglasses are key to bolster that “cool girl” energy all season long. While they add a “sleek and sporty edge” to your outfit, they are also an easy fix to cover up that post-sport social hangover on Thursday mornings! Mango must be the home of the ultimate “it girl” sunglasses. Their Aviator sunglasses deliver a modern style combined with an effortless elegance. Better yet, Mango offers a 10% online discount across all clothing for students with a UniDays account! Down to personal fashion predictions this term, I think that vibrantly coloured satin scarfs, woollen fingerless gloves and suede newsboy caps are set to be stand out accessories.
From those classic Durham staples us girlies cannot live without, to trend-led statement pieces that add some sparkle to an otherwise minimalist look, this season is set to serve without breaking the bank!