Degrees of cool: Adelaide’s most stylish university students

The pressures of study are enough without also having to worry about how to look cool on campus. We headed out ask Adelaide uni students where they got their fashion inspo.

The transition from high school to university can be daunting, especially when you add the pressure of finding a new outfit to wear each day.

While some degrees have an unspoken uniform (think business casual if you’re studying law) others leave students free to experiment.

So are today’s students opting for a classic athleisure fit? Or perhaps even elevated sleepwear?

To find out we went straight to the source and asked a cross-section of students about their on-campus style and where they get their satorial inspiration.

While many of those we spoke to emphasised the importance of style, they also said it was important to be comfortable and cosy.

With winter coming, students are throwing on the layers and swapping their T-shirts for fashion-forward jackets and jumpers.

Here’s how some of Adelaide University’s most stylish students told us about what’s in their wardrobe and how they went about turning their items looks that deserved a high distinction.

Lesley Callado, 19

Adelaide Uni student Lesley Callado, 19.

DEGREE

Second year Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Corporate Finance)

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Leather jacket: Salvos – $25

Top: Thrifted – $10

Pants: Thrifted – $10

Shoes: Veja – $200

GO-TO UNI FIT

I like to dress a bit modest. I usually goes for some black pants, a white tank top and a shirt to cover up. I like to keep it minimal, just simple colours and all that.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP

UNIQLO. They always have good basics. Because they have such good basics you can always add other things that are more quirky or bold. UNIQLO are also much better quality than a lot of other mainstream stores.

BEST ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE

I definitely love to wear my cross necklace. It was a gift from my grandma. It just goes with everything.

ADVICE FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

Be open-minded with making friends because you definitely will need them no matter. Even if they’re just there for your courses, and that’s as far as your friendship goes, that’s fine because it’s better to do this with someone than doing it alone.

Sienna Corradini, 19 and Ebony Nurton, 18

Sienna Corradini, 19, University of Adelaide student Ebony Nurton, 18, University of Adelaide student

DEGREE

Sienna — First year Bachelor of Media (Social Media and Digital Promotion)

Ebony — First year Bachelor of Media (Journalism).

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Sienna
Jumper: Sporty and Rich – $200

Pants: Princess Polly – $80

Shoes: Reebok x Victoria Woods – $150

Bag: Marc Jacobs – not sure how much.

Ebony

Top: Cotton On – $20-$25

Pants: Supre – $60

Shoes: Nike – not sure how much

GO-TO UNI FIT

S: Probably jeans and a jumper.

E: A crop top and jeans.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP

S: Online. I’m actually going shopping right now and I’m going to head to David Jones.

E: Online, Princess Polly or Tiger Mist.

BEST ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE

S: My Fendi bag.

E: I don’t really have one.

FAVOURITE BRAND

S: Jacquemus.

E: I don’t have one.

Gracie Rowland

DEGREE
Second year Bachelor of Music Theatre

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Sunglasses: Cotton On – $15

Jumper: Champion hoodie – not sure how much

Top: Not sure where it’s from or how much

Pants: Cotton On – $40

Shoes: Princess Polly – $60

Jewellery: Temple and Sun – prices range

Bag: Cotton On – not sure how much

GO-TO UNI FIT

I do performing arts and we have to wear all blacks, which kind of sucks. But when I can wear normal stuff, it’s usually just some sort of pants, jeans and then a cute little top and sunnies to hide my greasy dance hair.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP

I do thrift quite a bit but, because I’m from Sydney, I don’t really know the best places here. But I’m a sucker for Glassons. It kind of slaps.

BEST ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE

I have this sick vest.

FAVOURITE BRAND

It’s so random but this sunglasses brand called Crap Eyewear.

ADVICE FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

Study. I feel like it’s so easy to get so caught up with that because I’m at college as well and it’s really easy to just have fun. Try and keep on top of things but also don’t stress yourself out because it’s fine. It’s not the end of the world if you fail something. Ps (passes) get degrees.

Phileo Simon, 22

Phileo Simon, 22, University of Adelaide student

DEGREE

First year, Bachelor of Laws.

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Jumper: Universal Store – $120

Pants: UNIQLO – $75

Shoes: Doc Marten- $239

Bag: Coach – $2100

GO-TO UNI FIT

Oh it changes. This month I’m for a black aesthetic. Last month I did like “skater boy” and I don’t even skate. So baggy pants, baggy tops. Now it’s more of a formal kind of look. Next month I’ll probably go colourful for pride. Just rainbow.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP

I really love Universal Store, they’ve got some cute stuff. Also UNIQLO is good too and online.

BEST ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE

Probably my Ralph Lauren sweater with a bear on it.

FAVOURITE BRAND

I don’t have one at the moment, they’re all so dramatic.

Tayah Boidely, 19

DEGREE

First year, Bachelor of Criminology.

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Jacket: City Beach – $40

Top: Target – a gift

Pants: Zara – $60

Shoes: Converse – on sale for $70

Bag: Strandbags – $60

GO-TO UNI FIT

Baggy jeans and a T-shirt or a jumper.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP

Cotton On. They have a lot of good things at the moment.

BEST ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE

My platform Doc Martens.

FAVOURITE DESIGNER

Lately I’ve been really liking David Koma’s dresses. They dress Olivia Rodrigo.

MEET THE ADELAIDE FASHION COLLECTIVE

Inspired by the university’s most stylish, The University of Adelaide has its own fashion club – Adelaide Fashion Collective, which has been encouraging the expression of individual style since 2019.

The club’s president Chelesa Fernandez says that students are moving away from fast fashion.

“For many young people, sustainability is beginning to influence the way we shop.

“By shopping second-hand or supporting smaller businesses, students are opting for more sustainable alternatives to fast fashion.

“I feel this has led to a sense of diversity and authenticity in student style,” she said.

The club produces a fashion magazine that is distributed for free around the campus and they run both social and fashion industry events.

Recently, fashion photographer Cameron Pozza joined up with th Adelaide Fashion Collective to capture the best uni style has on offer.

Here’s some of the club’s members.

Rhianna Cruz, 19

DEGREE
Second year Bachelor of Languages (Japanese and Linguistics).

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Dress: Universal Store ($17 with vouchers and discounts)

Shoes: Doc Martens - $90 from Depop

GO-TO UNI FIT

Anything that flows and simple or jeans with a statement top half.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP

Second-hand op-shops, Depop and anything sustainable.

BEST ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE

Solid low-cut Doc Martens, you can’t go wrong with a shoe that matches any outfit.

FAVOURITE DESIGNER

Virgil Abloh, Iris Van Herpen and the artist Patricia Piccinni.

ADVICE FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS

This is the prime time for you to go out there and make core memories! Don’t allow yourself to drown in your studies.

There should always be time for yourself, your wellbeing and fun, as well as your studies all in one.

If you maintain organisation with your classes and assignments, having fun can be much easier than you may think.

ChiHo Wu, 21

DEGREE

Second year Bachelor of International Relations

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Jacket: online - not sure how much

Top: online - not sure how much

Pants: online - not sure how much

Shoes: Nike - not sure how much

GO-TO UNI FIT

Any streetwear.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP
Too many!

BEST ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE

My favourite jacket.

FAVOURITE DESIGNER

I don’t have one.

ADVICE FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS
Join some clubs, make some friends and enjoy your uni life!

Kumi Gonzales, 18, University of Adelaide

DEGREE
First year, Bachelor of Business.

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Top: Adelaide op-shop - under $20

Skirt: Adelaide op-shop - under $20

Shoes: Adelaide op-shop - under $20

GO-TO UNI FIT

White button up blouse, skirt, tights and black boots.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO SHOP

Vinnies and Salvos.

BEST ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE

Button-up blouse.

FAVOURITE DESIGNER

Kenzie Kay!