In a city full of unique decadence, it is easy to get lost in the ebbs and flows of our ever-changing fashion. As different trends rise with the heat and students return to school with fresh inspiration in their minds, these perspectives collide on our campus in the form of back-to-school fashion.
At Loyola, around 50% of our students come from out of state, according to College Factual. This allows our student body to be a patchwork of summer stories and regional trends. From emo punk thrifted 2000s Ed Hardy on a student from California, to matching Lulu Lemon coral workout sets on a girl from Florida, every outfit has a story.
“It can be frustrating having to revamp somewhat or adapt my regular style to make sure I am comfortable in a much hotter environment. Fall is my favorite time for fashion because there is such a specific mood everyone is simultaneously trying to convey, whether they match or not,” said Loyola sophomore Izzy Duncan. “Unfortunately for New Orleans, certain fall style trends of feeling cozy while the leaves are turning orange and red simply isn’t a reality until around November.”
With fashion being dynamic universally, the big question is: what are our students wearing in this back-to-school season, and how do we mix our individuality with the climate and the changing trends?
As I sit in the palm court and admire my fellow students’ fashion choices, the largest (expected) trend that stands out to me is the resurgence of knee-high boots. What surprises me, though, is the subjectivity of it all. Each student has altered their boots in some way to follow their flow. From thrifted cowgirl boots adorned with handmade bows on the straps to platform disco boots wrapped intricately in chains and charms, the students are itching to show their quirkiness in the form of knee-high boots in this 90-degree climate.
“I am a big advocate of capri pants coming back in style. I think if styled correctly, they can really elevate a look. Along the same “twee” theme, I definitely want to hop on the ballet flat trend, especially for fall, as I am tired of the basic Sambas look with every outfit,” Duncan said.
As someone who dresses for comfort and cool, I have seen an interesting lack of that same approach. Controversially, I mainly see baggy jeans or oversized long sleeves passing me in the halls – mind you, without a single drop of sweat on them. I don’t have the internal body temperature power to pull off that kind of outfit in this current weather, but I salute the ones who do. You are giving me serious inspo for November.
Fashion isn’t about fitting in; it’s about showcasing who you are. At Loyola, we have no problem with that. Our students showed up and out for our first week back to school to let everyone see our individuality. For the freshmen, embrace who you are. Loyola welcomes you and your fashionable quirks with open arms.
