Build a Back-to-School Wardrobe Inspired by Oxford and Cambridge
It’s almost September, and that means it’s almost back to school time, weather you are a seasoned professor, a first year at university, or just someone looking to bring a bit of academic style into your wardrobe this autumn, there is no better place to look for inspiration than Britain's top Universities. From their founding in in 1096 and 1209 respectively, Oxford and Cambridge university have been hotspots for pioneers in men’s fashion.
So, what is the current high-end academic look? And what staple items do you need to achieve the effortlessly sophisticated and studious looks of the students and professors of the UK’s most prestigious schools.
Lectures and Seminars
They say “dress for the job you want” and the same goes for education, you do not have to be attending lectures at Oxbridge to take fashion inspiration for people that are. If you are commuting to your office job or studying from a coffee shop, there is no wrong place to utilise some of the styles seen in the lecture halls of Oxford and Cambridge.
This fashion often includes a tweed blazer in navy, green or burgundy. A cotton shirt in pale or sea blue, and a pair of wool flannel trousers in charcoal or navy. Socks in dark earthy tones pull together the outfit and brown brogues or oxford shoes and a leather satchel, big enough all the studying essentials finish off the look.
Shop the Peper Harow retro inspired Groove sock here now in pre-order!
Casualwear
This is the kind of look you will see on students exploring their historical university city at the weekend, looking through old book shops or enjoying a study picnic in their university grounds.
Casualwear is often inspired by university sports, cricket jumpers in university colours are often worn over a button-down shirt with chinos. Suede boots or leather loafers offer a more casual but stylish footwear option. Canvas tote bags are often used to carry shopping or study supplies around campus. Signet rings or one or two other simple pieces of gold jewellery tie this casual look together.
Shop these unisex retro sports socks here. Made from recycled cotton with a thick cushioned sole and ribbed arch bands for comfort and support all day long!
Hall Dinners
Hall dinners are where student’s get the chance to show off their formalwear as they socialise with other students. Typically, black or navy wool blazers, white dress shirts, and black or grey flannel trousers. Polished oxford shoes are mandatory. Accessories such as a tie in collage colours, silver or gold cufflinks, and a silk pocket square bring elegance and sophistication to these looks.
A classic pair of black socks should be a staple of every man’s wardrobe, as they are a requirement for many formal events, and help pull a suit together.
In Conclusion
If you are starting university at Oxford or Cambridge this year, or simply want to dress in the style of someone who is, here are the base essentials you will need in your wardrobe.
· A selection of button-down shirts in various colours, including white and other neutral or light colours
· A tweed blazer
· A black or grey blazer with matching dress trousers
· Chinos
· A polo or cricket jumper
· A selection of accessories including signet ring, cufflinks, ties and pocket squares
· Black oxford or brogue shoes
· Leather loafers or boots
· Crew socks, in black and a selection of other colours to coordinate with all outfits