Student Style: Global Edition
By Nicole Le Mesurier
Is there someone at Middlebury whose style you admire? Email or DM us!
Of Middlebury College’s small population, about 600 students make up for the international community. Although we may be small in percentage, we still take up a big presence at Middlebury. When it comes to fashion, international students have been known to stand out. Whilst the stereotype (and basis of many memes) that international students love to dress up for class tends to be true, many internationals, myself included, don’t think of it that way. For a lot of us, we’re influenced by fashion styles from our home countries and often try to embody pieces of home in our outfits. Below, I’ve featured 3 lovely international Middlebury ladies. They share some of their style influences, their take on how American fashion differs from home, and more.
Traditional Wear:
Although we may not don our traditional wear on campus, it plays an integral part of our identity and where we’re from. Below, Cass, Elsa, and Miraal have shared some of their traditional outfits.
Elsa Korpi: “I was born in Helsinki, Finland and grew up around Western Europe. Before Midd I went to school in Hong Kong.”
“This is from my high school graduation in Hong Kong, 2018. I’m wearing a lakki / studentmössa, aka the traditional Finnish graduation cap. Wearing it before the ceremony is considered bad luck, and afterward we wear it on May 1st to celebrate labour day.”
Cassandra Wong: “I’m from Hong Kong and Sydney, Australia and I currently live in Hong Kong.”
“Qipao (right) or more commonly known as Cheongsam in the Southern parts of China is a traditional dress and the one on the left is a more modern take in a shirt version.”
Miraal Naseer: “Originally from Pakistan - Lahore and Karachi - but I grew up in Canada, Dubai and Singapore.”
“Black embroidered kameez over a cotton tulip shalwar - perfect for a December day in Karachi.”
How would you describe your style/are you inspired by any particular styles?
Cassandra: “I think my style can be very different depending where I am in the world or the season. During the summer I tend to wear a lot of dresses but during the cooler months it definitely tends to look more business casual or even a little grunge, as in an all black outfit with a pair of Docs (not really grunge but I don’t know what else to call it).”
Elsa: “My friends joke that it’s stereotypically scandi, and I guess there’s some truth to that. I feel most like myself in monochrome. I love menswear and like mixing boxy cuts with more feminine silhouettes. My inspiration comes from here and there, but I’ve definitely taken pointers from my mum and grandmother when it comes to fabrics and picking pieces that will outlive the trend cycle.”
“Instagram influencer culture likes to construe “scandi” as a flat beige aesthetic, which is just plain false. This print is by popular textile designer Marimekko, one of many Nordic design powerhouses. See also Svenskt Tenn and Arne Jacobsen.”
Miraal: “I’d describe my style as comfy and pretty simple. My wardrobe is full of basic but versatile pieces of clothing that I can use for multiple outfits, whether that be for the day or the night. On an off day I enjoy wearing a statement piece, but I always end up going back to the basics!”
“Black Zara sleeveless top (hands down the best basic piece in my closet) with striped pencil pants and a beaded bag - a sundowners/dinner look!”
What would a typical outfit be for you on campus?
Cassandra: “Again, it depends on the weather but since it's mostly cold at Midd, I’ll usually go for an all black outfit or a basic top with a pair of straight leg trousers and some form of outerwear (e.g. a blazer, long coat or a statement jacket) when I don’t have to wear my winter puffer. During warmer weather, I’ll stick to a basic top and a skirt or a dress.”
“All black outfits are very easy to put together and can make you look like you put in more effort than you actually did in creating it.”
Elsa: “I’m a serial outfit repeater and stand by that. When I find a piece I like, I’ll wear it until there’s a hole in it. That’s especially true on campus when I just want to wear something that’ll take me right from office hours to late nights in Davis. You’ll usually see me in Proc in a black turtleneck and trousers, paired with my trusty Longchamp tote that I’ve used as a book bag for years.”
“This outfit is very typical for me (the background less so). White trousers are versatile and look good with zero effort – for dinner I would have to just change into some sandals.”
Miraal: “Depends obviously on the season, but in the Fall you’d see me in neutral shaded turtlenecks and sweatpants. In Spring I’d be in a wrap dress or wearing a ribbed tank paired with straight-legged jeans. And sneakers, I am always in sneakers, no joke.”
“Ribbed crop beneath a UNIQLO fleece, paired with linen culottes - comfort comes first!”
How does fashion from your country differ from American style?
Cassandra: “I think Hong Kong fashion is so diverse. The older generations and the local population are definitely a lot more modest and don’t really like to show skin. They’ll even wear jeans in 90% humidity and 80-100 degree weather. The expat community and those who go to international schools are less modest and go for a more American style (e.g. shorts and a crop top, summer dresses, mini skirts etc). There’s also a prevalence of Hypebeast styles and luxury branded items amongst the more affluent community. Similarly, style in Sydney is also extremely diverse. It ranges from beach style brands like Sabo Skirt or Princess Polly to business casual city styles like a blazer with jeans and a t-shirt or even that vintage thrift look. As a generalization, the main difference between American style and styles in places where I’ve lived is that there are significantly less people in Athleisure outside of the US. As I mentioned before, style does vary so much that there are people who are in Athleisure or sweatpants, however, it is a relatively rare occurrence.”
Elsa: “The running joke in international circles is that Americans look like they’ve just rolled straight out of bed to class. I think one reason is that European universities like to play themselves up as these serious institutions and are usually located in the city, so more formal attire is de facto. My best friend studies in Milan and wouldn’t be caught dead wearing sweats to a lecture."
The Nordics have a long tradition of design and architecture, and I think that shows in the way people dress. Functional design is a birthright, regardless of whether it’s Ikea or Artek. From what I’ve seen, American fashion is a lot more concerned with logos and branding, to the point that the status symbol takes precedence over the garment itself. On the other hand, Americans are a lot more savvy with the kind of streetwear that is now gaining popularity here, which speaks to the legacy and appeal of Black hip hop culture.”
Miraal: “A lot of people think of extravagant wedding outfits when it comes to Pakistani clothing, but that is in fact not what we wear on the daily! It’s not like we don’t wear ‘Western clothing’ in Pakistan, many do, but I personally enjoy wearing loose and airy ‘Shalwar Kameez,’ which is the staple outfit most Pakistani women wear since it’s pretty warm the majority of the year back home.”
One fashion item in your closet that you can’t live without?
Cassandra: “Since my style can be a little basic, I definitely can’t live without accessories, which is more of a category than an item, to elevate a relatively basic outfit. If I had to pick one clothing item it would probably be a statement coat or blazer.”
“Straight leg pants are my go to. They’re comfortable and can balance out a tight top and make it look more casual yet put together. Accessories like a necklace, earrings and scrunchie can also add interest to a basic outfit.”
Elsa: “A good pair of white leather trainers. They go with everything and never go out of style.”
“This men’s coat is a favourite. I’m almost six feet tall so finding jeans is a nightmare, but kick flare cuts like this usually do the trick.”
Miraal: “My brown leather jacket - a lifelong gem I found in a German vintage store.”
“Brown vintage leather jacket, thrown on top of a nude tank and paired with stretchy flare pants - comfy and chic.”