What are students actually wearing this finals season?

Amid the sea of sweatsuits, coffee, and headphones, The Martlet conducted a search for realistic outfit inspiration

In the heart of late-night study sessions and last-minute finals prep, fashion can easily be the last thing most students care about. It’s not hard to miss looking in the mirror one day, and then five days later realize it has been far too long since a real outfit was a priority. Victoria’s unpredictable weather doesn’t help — one minute it’s pouring rain, the next it’s sunny, and pretty soon many students find themselves, understandably, in an old sweatsuit.

It seems obvious that finals are more important than clothes. A bad outfit can be redeemed, but a bad grade, not so much. Yet, according to psychology, putting in the extra effort toward an outfit can improve performance on both mood and attention; meaning good outfits can actually help this stressful time of year become a little less overwhelming.  

The social psychology phenomenon called enclothed cognition, introduced by American psychologists Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky, tested undergraduate university students’ abilities to perform cognition tests with and without wearing lab coats. The results of three studies proved the hypothesis true — clothing does affect attention and carefulness. 

This research may not be shocking to most, but it acts as proof that feeling good in an outfit is undoubtedly an impactful decision.

Instead of struggling to adapt online inspiration to fit real life outfit needs, why not take inspiration from tried-and-true students’ outfits? The Martlet set out on a mission to capture realistic UVic outfit inspiration amid this finals season.

Katie Olorenshaw, first year science student (left) and Veronika Szoltysek (right), first year writing student

“The separation is in the preparation,” says a famous quote by New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson. And while Wilson was referring to the football field, this logic can be transferred elsewhere — especially to outfits. These students predicted the rain, and instead of letting it bring down their looks, used it to their advantage. Both students also proved colourful shoes are powerful outfit tools.

Ella Wyndlow, third year biology student

This outfit matches Victoria’s unpredictable weather with one of fashion’s most elusive staples: the vest. The recurring question — jacket or hoodie? — can be answered with a puffer vest. It’s durable, warm, and (usually) water resistant. Double points if it has a hood. This outfit’s wearer is equally prepared for sun, and won’t be defeated by a muddy path — all while matching UVic’s earthy tones.

Amy Lachance, fifth year psychology student

Although it was sunny at the time this photo was captured, rain is never out of the question at this time of the year, and there’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of stepping outside with perfect hair only for it to be ruined in the rain. One UVic student has a creative solution: red hair. Even rain can’t take away this hair’s personality. It is important, no matter the hair colour, to coordinate outfits with hair, which is exactly what this student did.

Gillian Fung, third year history student

When it comes time to head out the door and the realization hits that even the weather app doesn’t know what’s going on, being prepared is key — A.K.A, layering. Yet practicality doesn’t have to be the demise of fashionability, which this student had in mind. An oversized bag that matches her hair means there’s no situation where this outfit will clash — and it’s hard to go wrong with a vintage sweater.

Rebecca Stone, second year business student

Student athletes might have it the hardest of all when it comes to campus style. Cramming gym, class, and practice all into one day, while trying to carry around outfit, school, and sport needs — these students have no option but to have their routine in the bag, literally. The UVic Vikes backpack reps school spirit, and is surprisingly spacious. This backpack’s vivid shade of blue makes it the main event of almost every outfit it is found in.

Rebecca Stone, second year business student

Between silent disco parties and last-minute lecture catch-ups, headphones are a student staple. Not surprising, then, that they earned a place in this student’s outfit. The sandwich method (matching the top and bottom of an outfit through colour) is how this student incorporated headphones into her look, which makes the case an outfit is made by its accessories.

Bodie Simard, first year business student

A quick walk around campus one day found four students wearing this exact camouflage print. Evidently, the internet popularity of clothing store Abercrombie & Fitch has reached UVic with its most recent trend: camouflage. Where most opt for the hoodie, this student is rocking the pants version. Pairing these pants with personalized crocs, this student found a way to be on trend, comfy, and not basic.