Student style across the Channel

Student style tends to have a universal understanding of comfort and coolness. A student can be picked out of a lineup as if they were wearing a garish blue and green kilt as part of a uniform (my real secondary school uniform by the way). University style has become almost universal thanks to the invisible   that brings 18-25-year-olds together in most aspects of life, including style. 

 

(However, there is something to be said about the collective style that is formed, thus discouraging any form of individualism – what I like to call the ‘what are we all wearing?’ effect – I will write a post on this in the near future…)

 

That being said, the student uniform is here to stay, at least for now. I would like to propose a comparison between the French student style, Italian student style, and what I see in Manchester as a student. 

 

Obviously, I have to give a disclaimer that I am only reporting what I observed in Lyon and Bologna – two student cities which reminded me of Manchester, at the very least in terms of the energetic student presence – so these things may not be true of every European university city, but I would imagine there are elements present all over. 

 

The Lyonnais(es)

The French do a neutral very well. I saw seas of grey and black, khaki brown and green, and cool-toned dark-wash denim. Tres tres chic. The combination of French style and student style is an interesting juxtaposition since the practical student lifestyle dictates a need for comfort but the need for style is also a priority. I think this manifests in the careful consideration of materials. The drape and fit of clothing seem to be an important part of the French student style. That is the way that French students look so effortlessly cool – and French – while actually being comfortable enough to sit in cours magistrals and seminars. The French student is often seen in a café or restaurant soaking in the last of the Autumn rays with a coffee or wine and a cigarette – lit with a lighter in a chic silver case. OR with a baguette or pastry in hand on the way home or to another class. True chicness is making sure to treat yourself (whether your vice is cake or nicotine).

The Bolognesi/e

Like the French, Italians have style. There is a certain pride in appearance that is apparent in the street style of Bologna. Italy is culturally varied depending on region so the disclaimer about my observations not being completely universal is even more prevalent here. But I believe the North of Italy has some similarities. I was equally inspired by the feminine and masculine styles I observed. The Italian men have gorgeous suiting, with all the trimmings: leather loafers or oxfords, flat caps of tartan wool, and 1970s frame glasses. As I’ve written previously, I adore the use of masculine silhouettes in female styling – so I can be inspired by both feminine and masculine cuts in my own style. I’ve also observed that there is a lot of inspiration taken from British brands and styling. Barbour, Burberry, Paul Smith, Hunter: all heritage British brands seen styled alla italiana. Autumn style is all wax jackets, trench coats, and flat wool caps. Super English and super chic. Miuccia Prada showed a lot of wax jackets this season and so the whole world is catching up to the staple that is the classic Barbour jacket in the autumnal chill. 

 

As an aside, I have to share my Pretty Woman story that happened while I was in a boutique looking at a gorgeous Paul Smith striped jumper. I asked how much it was and after a little natter between the man helping me and a man in the back, he told me it was cinque cento venti. If you cannot speak Italian, let me translate: 520 euros. I wish I didn’t speak Italian. I tried to style it out but then he said that everything in the shop was ‘very expensive’. I felt exactly like Julia Roberts but then I couldn’t justify going back later in a white dress and black gloves just to say: ‘big mistake, huge!’ Although, I did speak Italian the whole time so that was my little win. 

 

But obviously, we cannot discount Italian nonne – they arealso very stylish – I saw double leopard print, styled with enormous black sunglasses and a leather handbag slung on the forearm. They know how to wear an outfit with confidence – that is the essence of style.

I feel that it would be a disservice to not talk about Milan in a piece about European fashion because hello? Being one of the fashion capitals of the world translates to amazing street style. The observations I made for the Bolognese students is seen tenfold in Milan because you have to show up if you’re strutting on the runways that are the Milanese streets. You couldn’t turn a corner without seeing a wax jacket, trench coat, Canadian tuxedo, beautiful leather shoes and bags, or intricate silk scarves. Fabulous. 

My trip has been amazing. I am so awestruck by the effortless yet highly curated wardrobes of mainland European students specifically. It’s been eye-opening and very inspiring for my own personal style. I have certainly accrued some pieces for my ever-growing wishlist. I will be scouring the charity shops and vinted as a result. 

P.S., Thank you so much for subscribing, I can’t believe I’ve already reached 100 subscribers! I’m so very grateful for each and every one - I hope you enjoy xx