By Anna M. Martin
Wingate Triangle contributing writer
Wingate University is home to students from all over the world. Countries and cultures have been on full display throughout the early weeks of the fall semester, and students’ clothing choices seem to be one of these means of expression.
The Wingate Quad could be a runway. Students are styled in a range of outfits from business casual to pajamas. At first glance, these varying fashion choices appear random. But upon closer observation, there are patterns to the different groups of dressers. Between its competitive sports programs, unique financial-aid opportunities and wide variety of undergrad and graduate programs, Wingate is a magnet for European students. The unusual ratio of European to American students causes a noticeable shift in American university trends.
When imagining the typical American college student, a young adult with sweatpants and a baggy T-shirt sporting a North Face backpack comes to mind. American universities’ stereotypical fashion trends have become a social media joke over the past few years, blowing up on platforms like TikTok and Twitter. A recently popular meme, quoted by FOX late-night television host Greg Gutfeld, has intensified the stereotype.
“Have you seen a lot of the—how miserable and how miserable looking a lot of the students are? They’re like deliberately ‘uglifying’ themselves.”
Though Gutfield received considerable backlash for his blunt opinion, walking around a majority-American campus would prove his description is not altogether off the mark.
Wingate is different. Perhaps the large number of European students helps to spice up campus style. “The Europeans look cleaner than we do,” said Olivia Gardner, a
junior Nursing major from New Smyrna, Fla.
Both European and American students agree German and French fashion are the best and most outstanding on campus.
“I like how every day they dress up,” said Tea Geary, a sophomore Exercise Science major from Herndon, Va. “They always look put-together.”
“We dress ugly on purpose,” said one German student when asked about her country’s trends. “Our parents look at us and they think, ‘What are you wearing, are you homeless?’”
Popular fads in Germany include “jorts” (long, baggy jean shorts), hiking apparel—Salomon and Arc’teryx appear to be the top brands—and cheetah print.
“You can tell that someone is French [by how] they dress,” said Pamela Hernandez Quevedo, a senior Exercise Science major from Mexico City.
Students describe French style as conservatively chic. They wear long dresses, long blouses and long pants. Currently, linens and head accessories are hot items among French students.
Opinions on international trends go both ways at Wingate, though the Europeans are less enthusiastic about American taste. “Some students are just wearing their sleep stuff to go to class—I don’t like that,” said a German student when asked her opinion on the appropriateness of American attire in classes.
Even when Americans are “put-together,” the clothing is usually athletic material and brands. LuluLemon, Nike and New Balance are the dominant brands in this “athleisure” craze.
“They wear white running shoes, and they always wear the sports skirts,” said the German student. “Everything is in the same color. Same skirt and top and Stanley cup and hair tie and lipgloss.” While Americans seem to have a much more relaxed approach to classroom attire, most students agree that the American style is not altogether bad.
“I think some Americans dress really well; it just depends on the person,” said the German student.
American style seems to operate on a wider spectrum than European countries, with some students presenting themselves fashionably while others simply try to get through the day in the most comfortable way. Europeans, on the whole, appreciate a well-assembled outfit to match the value of their education.
Anna Michelle Martin is a junior Communication major and
member of the Wingate cross country team from Lititz, Pa.
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