The going-out culture has been an integral part of our student nightlife, shaping everything from our schedules to our wardrobes. For years, the ‘going-out top’ was considered the unofficial uniform too, paired with low-waist jeans and a VK in hand – the glittery, thin-strapped piece of clothing was everything. But somewhere between the last pre-COVID night and this year’s carefully curated Pinterest board, something has changed; the shimmer has faded and been sadly replaced by ‘I swear it’s cream, not white’ linens. So what exactly happened, and where does that leave us?
The answer lies in the aftermath of COVID-19; the mere thought of being trussed up in sequins and synthetic felt exhausting, especially after months of wearing joggers to online lectures. We got so used to soft fabrics and elastic waistbands that even after the pubs and clubs reopened, so did our appreciation for breathable fabrics. The backhanded compliment, “you look like a retired art teacher” became something to strive for and not a topic of discussion in your group chat.
Beyond just comfort, a cultural reset is also responsible for this. Our icons have changed, too. Gone are the days when Kylie Jenner’s heavy contour and bodycon dress ruled and the slick back buns with neutral palette endorsed by Hailey Bieber entered the chat. We now chase the illusion of effortlessness, where dressing for the night has suspiciously started looking like dressing up for brunch. Even influencers have embraced this shift, not just showing the look but preaching a whole lifestyle, with their gold hoops and plain linen tops, that this is the aspiration.
Not just this, there is also a kind of status signalling at play besides the frosting of King Kylie era. Linen, with its sustainable and slightly pricier feel whispers what sequin used to shout: taste. A crisp thrifted shirt or a neutral co-ord from a small brand now signals the same social capital as a sparkly Zara top once did. It communicates “I care” – about fashion, about the planet, maybe even about my 9am lecture. Even our Instagram feed that used to overflow with neon PrettyLittleThing hauls has transformed into Reformation dresses and matching loungewear that highlight the new markers of effortless cool.
But where does that leave our going-out tops? Maybe not dead – just retired. It deserves its place in student history for helping us survive countless pres, spontaneous night outs at Cowgate, and 2 am photos outside Subway. Its decline is not a tragedy but rather a graduation, where our night outs are still happening – just a little more comfortable, a little more Instagram-ready, and a lot more breathable.
Image by Andrei Ferecus on Unsplash.