The ‘St Andrews aesthetic’ seems to be this ever present, incapturable enigma ruling local street style with unspoken criticism. This socially reinforced aesthetic quickly becomes a style expectation or uniform of sorts, if you subscribe to the underground channels of ‘society life’. With these alluring features, the ‘St Andrews Aesthetic’ is hard to ignore, inserting itself into daily life, entrapping student participation like a social law.
Although the concept of the ‘St Andrews aesthetic’ is not new, its adaptation from the previous posh-sport meets preppy style, prevalent during Will and Kate’s attendance, has changed. Today St Andrews’ new population of Gen Z students reinvent the aesthetic incorporating new methods and motifs like minimalism, ‘quiet luxury’ and accenting. It’s safe to say the St Andrews aesthetic evolves with its students’. Evidenced today by its shift towards sustainability, allowing students to create signature styles with vintage, one-of-a-kind, and pre-loved pieces.
Yet, despite new additions and adaptations of the aesthetic, classics like the Barbour jacket, popular in Will and Kate’s era, will remain timeless. After all, Scottish weather is not one to be trifled with, so best to stay prepared and stylish during the inevitably erratic showers. Classics will always stand the test of time regardless of the University’s evolution. Thus, the posh style of the Uni’s predecessors has not yet rendered itself obsolete and still thrives, in spirit of tradition, within exclusive groups like Polo, Kate Kennedy, and the Lumsden club.
Nevertheless, with refreshing new aesthetics brought by younger generations, we’ve noticed a blend of both the timeless and trendy. As spotted on South Street, students mix the classics with the modern. For example, Barbour jackets paired with Adidas sambas, layered jewelry (the more the better), cashmere peacoats, and finished with Goyard totes. This new St Andrews uniform seems to strike the perfect balance between comfortable, chic, and cool-girl aesthetics. Similar to trends portrayed on Instagram and Pinterest of Stockholm or Copenhagen girl, the St Andrews aesthetics draws inspiration from popular fashion influencers.
For instance, this season’s trends highlighted: crisp clean whites, oversized pants, effortlessly layered sweaters, leather jackets and vintage blazers, all drawn from 90s ‘model of duty’ images.
Furthering the St Andrews aesthetic to consist of elevated classics we’ve all seen before. Yet, with new emphasis on accents, textures, layers, and coats to complete the look with an air of nonchalance. Although this year and every year’s trends will come and go, here are a list of classics that will forever stay true to the St Andrews aesthetic.
- Wool and cashmere coats
- Layered long sleeves, beneath knits,
- Straight leg pants or jeans,
- Vintage t-shirts
- Crewnecks
- White sneakers of the season: Adidas samba or reebok classic.
Even though all St Andrews students tout looks which scream ‘where chic meets edge’, the fashion standards will forever remain elusive and transformed. From coffee dates at Spoiled to walks on West Sands, the St Andrews aesthetic will always border on dressy casual with a modern lux feel. Therefore, amongst a sea of elevated basics, there’s a place for everyone to stand apart using vintage pieces or pops of colour. Leaving us with the conclusion that each students’ style undoubtedly remains their own, but is also built on the foundations of St Andrew’s enigmatic aesthetic.