By Thompson Perry
In the world that is the college campus, sometimes the names that appear on homework papers may seem immaterial compared to the brand name on the jeans worn.
The distinctive nuances of someone’s personality may seem trivial when measured against the deliberate rips and holes of jeans.
At the University of Louisville, new trends have dominated the dormitories and captivated the classrooms.
This year, college fashion has ranged from the inspired to the obnoxious. With the “Live Strong” bands of yesteryear now finding themselves buried in closets and junk drawers, many are looking for the new wave of fashion innovation at U of L.
Before one can really understand what works, however, one must know what has been popular in recent history but finds itself an anachronism on today’s campus.
The aforementioned “Live Strong” bands provide a perfect example of a short-lived trend that is quietly dying around campus. In addition, many students are noticing a shrinking number of their classmates showing up to class in pajamas.
“I’m pretty pleased to see that fewer students are coming to class in their pajamas,” said Becky Arnold, a junior justice administration major. “It just makes them look lazy and a little tacky.”
Other students are noticing a dwindling number of their classmates sporting Abercrombie or Hollister gear, opting instead for brands such as Polo or Lacoste.
“Granted, the weather’s been cooler, and [Abercrombie and Hollister] seem more summer-oriented, but I still see less of those brands around school,” said Jeremy Bridges, a sophomore communication major.
If these looks are steadily disappearing from our campus, though, something must be coming along to replace them.
“I see a lot of the Polo horse logo these days; it seems like less is finally more at U of L,” Bridges said. “People are getting away from a bunch of logos and sayings on their clothes and focusing on simple, solid-colored clothes.”
Though some may not appreciate students festooning themselves in clothes with large, obnoxious words and symbols, there is one logo that is as omnipresent on U of L’s campus as the students themselves.
“Well, the Cardinal bird is an obvious exception,” said Bridges. “That one’s not going anywhere anytime soon, of course. I think we can all agree that it is the most common clothing choice on our campus.”
He’s right, of course, and no conversation about dominant clothing choices at U of L would be complete without a nod to the ubiquitous Cardinal bird that graces shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, backpacks, folders and hats throughout the university.
The Cardinal logo has some company, however, atop the list of prevalent campus fashion choices.
Rachel Bennett, an undeclared freshman, carries a large, white, monogrammed tote with her to each class, claiming that it is the perfect marriage of style and function.
These large bags, which to some may look more appropriate for a day on the beach than a morning English class, do seem to be catching on at U of L.
Many students are also beginning to notice the proliferation of Chuck Taylors, the classic athletic shoes that come in a wide variety of styles and colors, among both men and women on campus.
“I bought this pair about a year ago, and I love them,” said Tyler Alexander, a sophomore psychology major, as he showed off his pair in the classic black. “They go with anything, and I see a handful of other people on campus wearing them, too.”
Alexander said, “It’s nice to be a trend setter, But I just try to wear what feels good and looks good. A lot of people think you can’t have it both ways, but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice one for the other.”
