Help, Everyone’s Wearing Fleece!: A European analysis of Middlebury fashion
By Amachi Obiegbu ‘26
To be completely honest with you, before moving to the US in 2022, my understanding of American fashion was… somewhat limited. All I knew was that here, people prioritize comfort over style. Everyone’s going to wear pajamas and sweatpants to class? How unserious, I thought during the international student orientation three years ago. However, when the domestic students arrived a couple of days later, I realized that fashion at Middlebury College is more complex than I had initially thought. Yes, fashion here is different than at home. People dress less formally and, dare I say, a bit less sophisticated… but the majority of the students here really commit to a specific aesthetic, core, and overall vibe when choosing their outfits. This is a major difference from my experiences with fashion at home in Germany, where the general population might dress more casually chic, but also less colorful and a bit more uniform.
Now I am in my third year here, and I would say that I have totally and fully analyzed the Middlebury fashion landscape. To a tee. So, let me introduce you to the mental categories of Middlebury fashion that guide me, an international student from Germany, through my day-to-day life.
Photo by Campbell Fealy
Crunchy Granola
Starting with the most on-theme category (we are in rural Vermont after all): Crunchy Granola. A vision in Patagonia and Carhartt, and, of course, extremely comfortable footwear. Always ready for an outdoorsy adventure and in touch with our beautiful planet. I love to see it… and will support you from the comfort of the indoors.
Athleisure (But aren’t we like D5?)
Moving on to the second, and frankly slightly less interesting category: Athleisure. I’m fairly confident that it’s your commitment to college merch that single-handedly sustains the Bookstore, but hey, all for the school spirit, right? I’m seeing sweatpants and more sweatpants and of course… sweatpants. Pastel leggings and a hyperfixation on Hoka shoes. Like… what is that about? Your commitment to comfort would send my German high school teachers straight into a coma. Seriously.
Art Teacher Chic
It’s colorful, it’s creative, and I absolutely love to see it! Covered in skirts, overalls, and wool sweaters, you radiate a whimsical, wholesome, and slightly millennial aura (in the best way possible). Think chai latte, indie music, and a visit to the local thrift store! Topped off with earrings and delightfully messy hairstyles, you are a light in the darkness of Vermont winter.
Business (Unfortunately Neither Casual Nor Professional)
Not to play favorites, but this is definitely my least favorite category. I’m so tired of seeing these slightly-too-stiff beige chino pants combined with Ralph Lauren polo shirts, and boat shoes with no socks. It’s giving business… confused.
Street Style
I love this category because it is so universal and similar to expressions of street style that I see at home. Oversized clothes, baggy jeans, sneakers, and an overall calm and chill vibe. I’m genuinely confused about what you’re doing in Vermont, but I love seeing your outfits every day. You remind me that there is a world beyond the Middlebury bubble.
While I believe that these five categories capture a lot of the fashion dynamics at this college, there is a lot more to unpack. What I truly appreciate is how fashion at Middlebury allows student to express parts of who they are, either through their commitment to comfort or by offering more of a statement look.