With the sleep-deprived, vodka-filled week infamously labelled as ‘Freshers’ fast approaching, Fashion Editor Polly Rogers provides insight into trending night out garments, where to source staple wardrobe pieces without breaking the bank, and which outfits from social media we can expect to see making it to the Dicey’s dance floor!
As a veteran of ‘Freshers’, the stress of what to wear for prinks still sparks warzone flashbacks, pilfering of closets in vain, I was left empty-handed when it came to anything remotely matching the dress code for Dublin club hopping. Thankfully for you readers, I plan to impart you with valuable and crucial wisdom. There are endless ideas and pieces that can be worn out in this city, but when curating a freshers shopping haul, the aim is to be able to mix and match. You want to buy clothes that won’t be out of trend by the time your midterms are due, no point in splashing out on something you'll only wear a handful of times.
Jewellery this autumn is going to be chunky! Used as not just an accessory, but as a statement. Find your colour, gold, silver or a combo and really milk it! The more the better, wide bangles stacked up your forearms, statement necklaces are layered and illuminating, your earrings should make you question the structural integrity of your ears.
Every girl will leave uni with a collection of teeny tiny going out tops, be that shoved in a box, a drawer or even scattered about your floor, it's about time that you start curating yours! Some basic colours that go with everything are your priority, try different cuts and necklines, halter necks are huge right now! One or two glittery or beaded statement pieces will help round out your collection. Keep in mind the trend cycle we are entering is low rise bottoms, crop tops are making their way out. With longer tops being the norm, rummage and raid through your mum's closet, you never know what going out top she has stored away from her clubbing prime.
For below the belt: KISS - that’s ‘keep it simple stupid’. Focus on basics that go with anything! As a skirt wearer exclusively, I believe it would be perfectly achievable to survive my entire university career with only a black mini and a denim mini. Rara skirts are fun and flirty for the dance floor and a black one is a sure staple. Midi to lowrise is huge so think around this. Maybe look for garments you can roll down or up depending on the evening's occasion. A pair of jeans never goes astray either, with styles moving away from the super baggy and towards the flared/bootcut. Pick something you love and could comfortably wear to class, as well as to the club.
Ditch the heels - unless it's a ball with a floor length gown, there isn't a need! Blisters and broken ankles when rushing through paved streets is not worth it! When I say runners I mean it. Comfy and springy, you can dance the night away and still run after your bus as it threatens to depart without you. Be wary of pastels, I learnt the hard way with Adidas Bermudas that entered the nightclub Lost Lane peppermint, but left a depressing shade of charcoal. Be prepared to ruin one pair of shoes throughout the year, for these designated shoes for destruction, spilled drinks and rain are inevitable so don't be heartbroken!
Try not to get stuck buying an outfit for a specific night out. Storytime… last year during Freshers week, tickets had been purchased and plans made when an event was suddenly advertised as an Ibiza white party. The day of, after irritably queuing for what seemed like hours for the S6, I was tired and panicked in Dundrum endlessly filtering through hangers in vain, suddenly a white denim knee length skirt revealed itself upon a clearance rack, a beacon of hope! Purchased and rushed back to a friend's dorm, where upon her tiny ensuite floor, while drinking a mixture of vodka and mango redbull, this midi skirt became a mini so small, I had to question if it was appropriate. Worn once, its uneven cropping and frayed hem resulted in it sitting on a shelf the rest of the year. Learn from me, don't buy in haste! Plan ahead and look fabulous this Freshers.