What students in Melbourne are wearing to class in 2025
photography by Dylan Cohen
words by fashion journal
Best dressed on campus.
It’s been a while since most of the team at Fashion Journal have stepped foot on campus. Our memories of the popular styles as students is a real mixed bag. Lara, who studied in Wellington, recalls gothic black drapery, homemade statement earrings, and a lot of Kathmandu puffer jackets and leggings.
Molly describes her own student style as “a more broke version of my preppy high school self. I had quit the headbands by then but the eyeliner wing was high”, while Daisy doesn’t remember much from her Monash days, except that “dressing for uni always put me in a state of stress.”
When our intern, Dylan, suggested shooting some street style around local campuses, we were intrigued. With more students studying online than attending every lecture IRL, are people dressing up or down? According to Dylan, it varies.
He recently spent a Wednesday afternoon on the campuses of RMIT University and the University of Melbourne, photographing a snapshot of students loitering between classes. From thrifted designer pieces to simple shirts and shorts, the range of outfits was as diverse as the students themselves.
Millie
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Law.
What’s your favourite item of clothing you own?
Any of my fur coats. I own four, all which I found have found second hand.
What fashion trend do you hate to see?
Overconsumption.
Monika
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Communication, Advertising.
What’s your favourite item of clothing you own?
This cardigan with fluffy fur. I like it because it’s very Cruella de Vil.
What fashion trend do you hate to see?
Invisible socks with sneakers. I don’t want to have to imagine that your foot is naked in your shoes.
Maia
What are you studying?
Master of Management (Marketing).
What’s your favourite item of clothing you own?
My long and flowy dresses.
What fashion trend do you hate to see?
Neon-coloured clothing.
Dylan
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Creative Writing.
What’s your favourite item of clothing you own?
My leather jacket or my Dickies pants. They’re really comfy and both presentable.
What fashion trend do you hate to see?
I hate skinny pre-ripped jeans. Why pay more money for less jean? It’s absurd.
Sarah Jane
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Environmental Science.
What’s your favourite item of clothing you own?
Brown leather boots, because a lovely woman gave them to me at a market.
Henriette
What are you studying?
Masters of International Business.
What’s your favourite item of clothing you own?
My big, thrifted leather jacket and the green blazer I’m currently wearing.
What fashion trend do you hate to see?
Mainly for guys, but sagging clothes. Just looks messy.
Catherine
What are you studying?
Bachelor of International Studies.
What fashion trend do you hate to see?
Bubble skirts. I think that the material always looks stiff and ill-fitting, and the silhouette is really odd to me.
Matilde and Thea
What are you studying?
Both: Bachelor of Communication.
What’s your favourite item of clothing you own?
Matilde: My brown Ganni leather coat that I got with a great discount. Very timeless and will never get rid of it.
Thea: A vintage denim skirt I found at a market flee in Copenhagen.
What fashion trend do you hate to see?
Matilde: Skinny jeans. Mostly because I would never wear them myself, but I admire those who are able to style them nicely.
Thea: Ripped jeans. I just don’t like the distressed look on me. Others can style them cool though.
Zijun
What are you studying?
Master of Global Media and Communication.
What fashion trend do you hate to see?
Tight jeans with leather shoes, sorry.
Marcel
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Chemistry.
What’s your favourite item of clothing you own?
I love all my clothing, I can’t pick a favourite. I spent a lot of time perfecting my wardrobe.
Jacky
What are you studying?
Bachelor of Communication Design.
What’s your favourite item of clothing you own?
An oversized jacket. They’re super comfy, easy to wear and keep you warm.
Sam
What are you studying?
Fine Arts.
What’s your favourite item of clothing you own?
The T-shirt I’m wearing. It looks like kids made it and had fun with it.
What fashion trend do you hate to see?
None. But I do wish people felt freer to dress however they want, without being seen as weird for it.
For more on street style, try this.
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