The first time I stepped into Trinity College’s Arts Block, I may as well have stepped into the middle of Soho in New York City. I recall seeing outfits after outfits resembling something that a micro-influencer from London would wear; the globally renowned Bella Hadid herself could be in this crowd. Not a single person was wearing a bad outfit.
I can confidently say that since that day, I have made it my mission to be on Trinity Fashion Society’s Instagram for Campus Couture. Two years on , I have had one failed attempt of making it on (still rooting for a chance this year!). If you are like what I was two years ago, completely blindsided by how people younger than me were more fitted up than I ever have been, then fear not for I have come to write this article to help you become one of the best dressed students at Trinity College Dublin. I mean, who can I can’t think of a better way to start the year off than to plan every outfit for the semester? So with this in mind, I’ve written some Do’s and Don’ts of Trinity Arts Block…
Fashion Do’s of Trinity Arts Block
- Most, if not all, of your clothes should come from Loot. While you may see your bank balance go down, I can confirm that the glances from impressed South Dubliners will go up.
- You absolutely must wear branded shoes that look like a unicorn vomited on them. I’m talking about yellow Onitsuka tigers or purple Sambas. Bonus points if it’s a shade of green.
- If you decide to go down a more sinister route, wear black military boots. Doc Martens, Steve Madden Moto Boots or even cowboy boots from ASOS will do the trick. You’ll feel like your feet will fall off by the end of the day but I promise you it’s worth it.
- It can get cold in the winter. Instead of wearing a puffer coat to keep you warm, you’ll have to wear a vintage Leather Jacket that your grandfather probably wore in 1960. The bigger the jacket, the better. If you don’t have a leather jacket that’s black or brown, you’ll be at the bottom of the barrel within Trinity’s Arts Block.
- As summer fades away, you’ll find most people in the arts block dressed as if they’re going to church. I highly recommend wearing outfits that you’d wear for Sunday School. Yes, that’s right-every day is Sunday in the Arts Block. Long flowing skirts, tie to go with a button-up shirt, and even formal jackets as if you’re going to your nan’s funeral, are all often spotted within the arts block. You’ll find that if you squint for long enough, you’ll think you’re in an amish neighbourhood in the Midwest of America.
Fashion Don’ts:
- Do NOT spend less than 45 minutes getting ready for school every morning. You’ll want to establish a getting ready routine similar to Cassie’s in Euphoria. Get that hair straightener out, buy that expensive lipstick, iron your button-up. Do whatever it takes to look like you’re about to hop on the runway (even though you’re actually about to hop on the Luas for your nine a.m. instead).
- Absolutely do not wear skinny jeans. While y2k trends are very much in style, this trend absolutely is not. You’ll get concerned looks from peers if your pants are not as baggy as something Billie Eilish would wear.
- Same goes for sweatpants and leggings. You’ll get texts from friends asking saying “u ok?” after you’ve pulled up to a tutorial wearing something that a sorority girl from Arkansas would wear. Naturally we all decided that focusing on fashion trends is more important than focusing on our studies.
- A huge no-no in the Arts block is wearing a backpack. You think you come to school for school? You’ll want to wear a crossbody bag or tote bag instead. Bonus points if it’s leather. It is crucial to look like a newspaper boy from 1920, not an actual student going to class.
- Lastly, do not come to the Arts block with zero accessories. What are you, a mannequin? Instead, come with enough earrings, clips and rings,to make Captain Jack Sparrow grin. Even scarves and tops from football teams you’ve never heard of are also highly valued arts block items. You may look like a dancer from Dance Moms, and your necklaces will make loud noises during class, but this is all part of the accessories magic.
I hope these tips help you out as we approach the incoming school year. College is not easy, so why not make it harder for all of us by making an extra effort to look glamorous every single day? I know Bella Hadid would be proud.
