Fashion At Augustine University- An Expose On Female Fashion Style And Trends

By Oludara Omigie

For many years, the fashion industry has been associated with revealing clothing, provocative poses, and unrealistic beauty standards. To many students, fashion is a key way of expressing their individuality and creativity. For some, it is a way of standing out and making a statement, while for others, it is a way of blending in and feeling like they belong. Fashion can also be a way of connecting with people who share similar interests and styles, and can help build a sense of community. At the same time fashion can be a source of stress and anxiety for some students, especially those who feel pressured to conform to certain standards or struggle to find “trendy” clothes. Overall fashion plays a complex and multifaceted role in the lives of many.

At many universities, dress codes are a contentious topic. While some argue that dress codes are necessary to maintain a professional environment on campus, others believe that they are outdated and unfairly target certain groups of students. Augustine University is no stranger to these beliefs. In this expose, we will take a closer look at the general fashion, style and dress code policies at Augustine University, and how to navigate it.

“If there was no dress code, we are likely to relax when it comes to our class attire. Some of us would go to class in jeans, joggers, sweats etc.”- Amanda (200 level)

Augustine University’s position on dress code is not one that is necessarily strict, it borders on modesty and decent dressing by the corporate standard. Of course, it goes into deeper detail when it comes to what is allowed and what isn’t regarding the girls. For example, sleeveless shirts, skirts above the knees and coloured hair are not allowed in the university. Have these rules affected students in any way? Of course! Some students have complained that the dress code is restrictive and management should try to be more lax with it, considering we are living in the 21^st century. Others say it exposes them to new aesthetics; the dress code has challenged them to find new ways to view the word “corporate; tasking their inner creative to find their version of corporate, modern and decent dressing that still allows them to express themselves.

“Even if at all the dress code outlines that we should dress ‘corporate’ there are several ways that it can be interpreted, “corporate” is simply another term in fashion for formal wear in your given workplace. Different organisations have their own interpretation of corporate.”- Nabi (200 level)

One would wonder if school had always been this way regarding the dress code. Oreoluwa Balogun, one of our final year students says that the dress code has changed quite a bit, claiming that they were stricter with the rules in her time, but now Augustine University has given students more freedom to wear whatever they want so far as it is corporate and decent.

Regardless of our opinion, the rules exist. The task at hand remains how to find the “corporate” that works for you. A lot of the girls on campus gain inspiration from social media. YouTube, Tiktok, Instagram and Pinterest aid them immensely in choosing what outfits to where and what goes with what.

Experimentation also comes to play and cannot be stressed enough, in order for your looks to come out or for you to reach where you want to be regarding fashion, it is important to take risks. Try something outside of your comfort zone; if it works out, great. If it doesn’t, then it is back to the drawing board. A lot of us used our first and second year to figure out the clothes that work for us, and the style that best represents us. No one really has a perfect idea on their personal style, they just like what they like, put some effort into what they wear and hope for the best.

‘One thing that I’ve learnt is that looking good enhances your confidence. When you look good, everything about you feels good. The aura you give is just different. It makes you feel confident in yourself’. – Umoh Deborah (300 level)

‘One day, I styled my hair with a claw clip. I didn’t go out, but it made me feel pretty. I like lining my lips because it enhances my facial features. Aesthetics make everyone feel good. So why not go the extra mile? Style your hair, line your lips and feel pretty, because when people compliment you it enhances your self-esteem and boosts your confidence.’ – Ojonemi Omoja (400 level) – Makeup Professional

However, it should also be noted that time plays a key role in the amount of effort that you put in.

‘I personally believe putting time into one’s appearance is genuinely therapeutic, it boosts one’s self confidence and mood. You could feel tired or stressed about the day and lectures but one look in the mirror would legit brighten up your day’ – Estelle (Most Fashionable)

‘Personally, I like an effortless look, not so structured and painted on, so I would opt for little enhancers like lining the lips, some eyeliner and lip-gloss as a quick fix. To class, I think the bare minimum is the best because realistically; no one has the time for a full face beat and all that.’ – Amanda (200 level)

The Possibility of a future in fashion at Augustine University looks somewhat bleak, as it has been noted that although there would always be people who push out their style, majority just want to wear what keeps them in compliance with the rules and care more about that than actually wearing something on the creative side of “corporate.”

Upon meeting up with a fellow fashion experts, this semi-perfect list of wardrobe essentials has been created to aid you on your style journey:

STYLE ESSENTIALS (PART 1)

Short sleeved and long sleeve shirts (two black button up shirts, one white, one brown or nude)
Two regular T-shirts (Preferably black and white)
Different types of cardigans and sweaters
Bright and neutral colored tops and bottoms
A form fitting knee-length skirt (preferably a maxi)
A maxi form fitting dress
Baggy shirts, for casual outfits
Scarves & belts (for styling)
Black and grey dress pants
Palazzos
Wide leg trousers
Ties
Jackets (suit, leather)
Socks
Leg warmers
Waist corset
A pair of flat black shoes, brown sandals, black crocs or slides.
A couple of bandanas, and head bands.

Tip: Wear colors that go together, and once in a while color coordinate your outfits; a themed/aesthetic fit will always turn heads.

As quoted by the Acting DSA, Dr. Amarachukwu Obayiuwana ,“No one dresses like Augustine University students.” Look forward to the next edition, in which we’ll speak on the fashion and general style of the men, as well as the position of the management on the dress code and style at Augustine University.