The coastal town of St Andrews is becoming a hub for unique fashion choices driven by thrifted finds and vintage shops among its diverse student body.

St Andrews, known for its prestigious university and scenic golf courses, has also carved a niche for itself in the fashion world, particularly this spring. The coastal town in Fife has developed a unique style ecosystem where thrifted finds, vintage boutiques, and an array of charity shops play a significant role in students’ fashion choices.

Recent conversations with seven individuals from various backgrounds and disciplines highlight the diverse sartorial expressions found in St Andrews. Among them is Lucas Wallin, a 20-year-old student from California majoring in English and History, who described his style as a blend of hip hop and rugged aesthetics. “It is all thrifted. My sister and I thrift a lot together and she picked out most of this,” he said, noting brands like Carhartt and Billabong as his favorites for their affordability and quality.

Alice Hodges, a 22-year-old Philosophy student from the Cotswolds, showcased a whimsical yet comfortable fashion sense. Her outfit included a jumper from a boutique in Oxford and clogs from Birkenstock. “Comfortable, eclectic, and flowy” defined her style, as she shared her interest in shopping at Free People. She cited Sienna Miller as her style icon.

Dylan Harrison, just 18 and a Business student from Guardbridge, described his style as a mix of comfort and subtle refinement with a relaxed outfit made up of pieces from H&M and Vinted, complemented by Dr. Martens shoes. He expressed a fondness for shopping at secondhand sources, including charity shops and eBay, and named Vivienne Westwood as someone he admires for her unique style.

Sara Oversteyns, a 21-year-old History student from Belgium, embraced a colorful and comfortable aesthetic. She highlighted her thrifted selections and the practicality of Vejas shoes. “My grandma is my style icon,” she explained, admiring her grandmother’s knitted cardigans and corduroy trousers, while mentioning her favourite shopping spots included charity shops and a boutique near her hometown.

Brice Ledingham, 27, managing a visitor center at a distillery, favors a practicality-heavy style described as a “non-rugged lumberjack.” His outfit was a blend of durable clothing sourced from outdoor shops and TK Maxx. Bear Grylls stands out for him as a style icon due to his rugged outdoor persona.

Scarlett Tew, a multilingual student at St Andrews studying Spanish, French, and Italian, sported a vintage look with her mother’s jacket and eclectic footwear from Vinted. “I like to wear things that are chunky and funky,” she said, revealing her shopping habits lean heavily on secondhand sources and charity shops, with her sister as her major style influence.

Finally, Zack Ledesma, an 18-year-old International Relations and Philosophy student from the U.S., showcased a vibrant fashion palette with a mix of thrifted jeans and branded clothing. “Contrast is a big theme,” he explained, emphasizing his desire for color variety in his wardrobe. His fondness for charity shopping aligns with the community ethos of St Andrews, where you can discover unexpected fashion treasures.

This specific fashion culture in St Andrews reflects a blend of personal expression and sustainability, resonating well with the student demographic as they shape their identities through style amidst the town’s picturesque settings.

Source: Noah Wire Services