If my three years at York have told me one thing, it is that the weather cannot be predicted. That is why you always need to be prepared with a series of reliable, catchall outfits that will keep you warm and dry without compromising your style.
This list covers a range of situations where you’ll need something specific to make sure you’re not caught out!
A vaguely academic-looking jumper
Some would label this as the unofficial uniform of the University of York, and whilst I am a firm believer in personal style, it can help to have one in emergencies. This can be the perfect choice for seminars or events where you don’t want to draw attention to yourself because you haven’t done the reading, or don’t know anyone there.
Fashionable and foldable waterproof coat
One of the first things that will quickly become apparent in York is that the weather is never on your side. To combat this, make sure to own a waterproof coat that is small enough to be rolled up into your bag (or even pocket) after you’ve made the run for the bus, but also stylish enough that you can pretend this was always part of the outfit plan in the first place.
Hungover job interview top
Attending a job interview for a coffee shop after a 3am finish in Flares may sound deeply irresponsible, and you may think it will never happen to you, but in my experience, it will. If there is even a chance this will happen to you, then you need a professional shirt that can do the work of looking put-together for you. It is crucial that this is NOT a turtleneck as hangover sweats in a constricting tube is not conducive to a successful interview.
Climbing appropriate trousers
Whether it’s for a date, society event, or just with friends, someone will take you to the Red Goat Climbing Wall during your time at York. Don’t let them catch you off guard; come prepared with a pair of baggy trousers that you don’t mind getting covered in chalk. Whilst your average jeans may seem fine for this occasion, it’s a high-risk scenario in which ripping is a very possible outcome.
Walking shoes (but not walking boots)
Similar to the last point, you need to be prepared for the obligatory “we live in Yorkshire now, we need to go on a hike” moment. But it’s important to note that you don’t need proper walking boots, as not only do they have limited wearing opportunities, but they might lead people to believe that you are far more experienced in the field than you are. Instead, I would recommend opting for your comfiest pair of strong trainers.
Emergency dress / suit
I’ll end this list with an item that, whilst not specific to York, is still important. It’s also vital to differentiate this from expensive formalwear – whilst it’s alright to bring your finest garments to uni, they’re very much not necessary. Useful for anything from your TFTI friend’s short film, to your college formal; an inexpensive fancy outfit will be your best friend. At its core, this is an outfit in which you can look your best, but can also handle getting Sourz shots down the front.