Another week has rolled around and maybe you’re unsure on how to accessorise, staring at your wardrobe thinking: ‘I have nothing to wear!’. We’ve all been there, but don’t worry — inspiration can be found closer than you think, thanks to Manchester’s stylish students who prove that you don’t need a designer budget or massive wardrobe to turn heads.
Every now and then, our wardrobes can start to feel a little dull and uninspiring. This week, I spent time chatting with students on campus to piece together a small collection of looks that’ll be sure to feed your vision for perfect outfits for this autumn.
Exploring outfits on campus
I spoke to several students on campus about what they’re wearing, why they’re wearing it, and where they find inspiration.
Arild opted for a neutral colour palette, balancing simplicity with flair, accessorised with patterned accents, including a brightly coloured tie. His outfit also involved an over-the-shoulder satchel, customised with plush keyrings and badges, hinting at his personality.
When asked about his main reasoning for picking this outfit, he told me, “I’m mainly trying to show off my personality. I want someone to be able to look at me and get a general vibe of how I am as a person”. For Arild, fashion is more than just the fabric, it’s a form of self-expression. He went on to explain that comfort was also a factor in his decisions: “I’m almost always out of the house, so I want to wear something that’s not uncomfortable”.
Next, I spoke to Sophie, whose outfit showcased a smart yet effortless aesthetic. She layered a faux leather trench coat from Missguided over a burnt orange asymmetrical top. The use of different materials added a contrast to her outfit, especially suited for the colder seasons where layering is a necessity. The trench coat adds a more sophisticated feel, which is just what you need on days you want to be productive.
“I love how it gives off effortlessly cool energy, and nobody would think it’s on a budget!”, she explained. Sophie is proving you can look chic without breaking the bank — one of the most important factors for students.
I went on to speak to Nada, who talked me through her style choices for the day. She wore a white maxi skirt from Cider, paired with a pink lace tank top under a brown leather jacket from H&M. “The weather’s quite nice today so I wore this skirt – I wear it a lot because it’s comfortable and I can wear it any season as it’s so versatile”. Maxi skirts can be ideal for the colder seasons, as they can be layered and keep you warm, while still being an alternative to jeans.
Her Zara boots completed the look, and remain practical in the miserable Manchester weather. Nada also mentioned using the ‘sandwich method’ — balancing colours and textures between the top and bottom halves of an outfit. Her mix of brown and pastels, leather and linen, shows us exactly how it’s done.
Top inspirations, brands, and trends
Speaking to students on campus provided an insight into their biggest inspirations when it came to personal style influence. Heba described her friends as her biggest inspiration, as well as Pinterest. “I take a lot of inspiration from Pinterest, as well as my friends. I love the way my friends dress, and take inspiration from their outfits too”.
Some students also discussed their current favourite brands. Bella told me that she’s a big fan of Juicy Couture, calling it “the perfect mix of both style and comfort” and emphasising its timeless appeal. Their resurgence in popularity have made their simple yet stylish embellishments perfect for dressing during the colder months.
Nada, on the other hand, expressed her recent interest in the brand Hollister. Although on the pricier side, their pieces are high-quality, and ideal for keeping you warm (and fashionable). She also mentioned that Cider was another one of her favourite online stores, as the pieces on offer are both unique and affordable for a student budget.
Sophie spoke about the current trend of polka dots, saying “I am constantly looking for a polka dot item to add to my wardrobe for the autumn season. Pair this with my UGGs and some cute jeans and my uni outfits will be perfect!”. It’s a nod to playful prints of the season, which can spice up any outfit.
I also spoke to Danny, who drew inspiration from Japanese streetwear, as well as the grunge fashion scene. “I chose to wear these jeans as they’re dark denim, baggy, and reflect the grunge style”, the perfect example of how global trends are shaping the campus fashion scene.
Key pieces for this season – where to find them?
After chatting to so many stylish students, here are the key pieces you should be on the look out for this season, and where to find them.
Grandpa-style sweaters
Warm, muted colour palettes, such as olive, beige, and brown, are on the rise this season. Relaxed and oversized fits make them a comfy choice for a long day of lectures, and perfect for those 9ams. You can often find these gems in your local charity shop, vintage stores like those in Afflecks, and second-hand platforms like Vinted.
Scuffers’ hoodies
Made from 100% cotton, these high quality pieces retail for around £85-95, making it a staple and worthy investment for your winter wardrobe. With a range of colours and designs built to last, there’s something that suits everyone. Again, hunting through Vinted or Depop might be a smart, money-savvy choice for students.
Overall, many students agreed that their essential pieces for this season included hoodies, jackets, and anything to keep us warmer in the unpredictable Manchester weather.
Fingerless gloves
These are functional yet fashionable, and “just add something extra to your outfit”, says Nada. They’re practical too — you don’t need to sacrifice your phone use to keep warm.
Thick scarves
Vibrant colours and patterns can be seen all around campus, making it a student must-have for this season. H&M and Primark have a wide range of perfect designs to keep you cosy and add a pop of colour.
UGGs
Uggs are the ultimate comfort shoe, and remain undefeated. But £150 might be out of budget. Stores like Primark have budget-friendly alternatives available for under £15.
Converse
Timeless, versatile, and practical. Sophie calls them “the most worn shoes in my collection”. They make a budget-friendly option, retailing for around £50-70, and will stand the test of time.
Talking to students and hearing their takes on how and why they’ve dressed this week offers lots of inspiration for the season ahead. By drawing on these key staples and trends, you’ll be fully prepared to take on autumn in style, and you won’t have to have the dreaded wardrobe crisis. In the end, building an ideal outfit involves focussing on your personal style as well as comfort, which we’ve seen through the interviewees. So, the real question is: what will you be wearing this week?
