ANGIE SHEEP
<Staff Writer>
Photography: Kendall Grant
This week in the fashion world, we’re taking a trip down memory lane. To clarify, by “memory lane,” I mean Osgoode’s hallowed halls. I venture you to peer into the aged, sepia-toned graduation frames that accompany you on your walk to class. A quick glance would suggest neutrals were very in. Maybe a more risqué gentleman would dare to wear brown instead of the seemingly mandatory uniform colour scheme of black and grey.
Fast-forward about a hundred years, a quick glance down the halls would undoubtedly be filled with a glorious array of colours. The once customary “suit and tie” is no more. In the contemporary student body, both men and women boldly embrace unique perspectives on fashion, clothing, and gendered appearance. However, fashion cannot be fully appreciated through the art of writing. It is by its very nature a practice of visual escapism. As a result and a very special treat, I asked some of Osgoode’s most stylish students to shed some light on their perspective of law school fashion.
Zorn is a self-professed “casual hipster.” Despite the traditional non-conformist stereotype, he manages to always look posh, poised and professional. On the other hand, he embodies his hipster persona through a pair of distinctive bold and black-framed glasses. Zorn discovered his rocking frames at an underground concert venue in Brooklyn. As an accessory, statement glasses can give an air of studiousness while simultaneously expressing a fun and funky side of your personality.
As for the main staples in Zorn’s look, he often relies on the classic button-down shirt. Here’s the twist: instead of reaching for the predictable neutral shades, try a bright pop of colour or pattern, or both. Law students would profit from a wide selection of dress shirts in their closets. While crisp white may be appropriate for an interview, opt for something more dramatic outside of the office. Lastly, Zorn’s coat is from W Boutique and exudes a business casual vibe that perfectly balances his leisure shoes.
Jeff is a Student Caucus rep; I would describe his style overall as chic and urban. Jeff’s most eye-catching accessory, a must-have for any law student, is his fashionable, spacious, and professional-looking messenger tote. A leather book bag is de rigueur at Osgoode, and I imagine it has been for years because of its classic shape and undisputed functionality. Jeff’s coveted messenger bag is from Danier Leather and holds everything that he needs to get through a busy day. Like Zorn, Jeff is adorned in a smart dress shirt. However, pairing a preppy shirt with a more rugged, military-esque jacket, makes his look more casual and interesting. How would this student leader describe his wardrobe? In one word, “versatile.” Jeff’s wardrobe bears items that can be described as business casual, preppy, and relaxed; this representative is ready to rise up to any occasion.
Being a student at Osgoode allows you a lot of flexibility when it comes to fashion. The class photos of austerely dressed students are long gone. Today, if you don’t want to brush your hair on Monday morning, you don’t have to. I would not suggest arriving to your 8:30 AM class as such, but let me recommend that you throw on a hat or baseball cap instead, like our next model, Lucas. There was once a perception that wearing hats in class was rude, but tuques, beanies, berets, oversized hair accessories, and fascinators are all acceptable expressions of one’s individuality.
Lucas bought his hat from New Era and wears it to school almost everyday; it is his signature statement piece. In line with his sporty, yet casual look, he also is never without his Nike Fuel watch that keeps track of time, steps, and heartbeats. Who says technology isn’t a part of fashion? Lucas demonstrates that a choosing a wardrobe “theme” ensures each outfit looks coherent and styled.
Adjacent Lucas sits Jason, sporting sunglasses from Walmart. I find this particularly refreshing, considering the alternative and much more costly Ray-Ban trend. Regardless of brand name, sunglasses are an easy go-to accessory that transition seamlessly through the seasons. Going with a classic aviator shape is always a safe choice, because it never goes out of style.
Robyn casually strolled to class just the other day and cemented her status as one of Osgoode’s style stars. Obviously, the first thing that caught my eye was her robin’s egg blue coat. It’s bright, happy, and a welcome addition to grey and dreary days of fall. This coveted jacket has its origins in an adorable boutique from London, England. A mere coat, however, does not a fashionista make; there was a chic effortless quality to her entire ensemble. Instead of throwing her sunglasses in her handbag when she arrived, Robyn unexpectedly propped them up on her head, for an ad hoc headband. These fashionable frames are an H&M bargain, and her over-the-knee boots can be found at the Bay. Meanwhile, her handbag was a gift from Turkey. Robyn’s comfortable chic style pulls from high-end and low-end brands, as well as domestic and international stores. There are no set rules of fashion, the more you mix-and-match, the closer you will come to defining your very own sense of style.
Stepping back into the past for a moment, the Osgoode of “then” was suffering from an extreme lack of colour. I have recreated a typical look that one would expect from the first generation of women to attend law school. In an ironic twist of fashion fate, it turns out that the white collared shirt, black sweater-skirt combo, and conservative knee-highs are actually very “now.” This retro-inspired, vintage look works for both eras. In addition, it pays homage to the trailblazers, the legal leaders, the early female students who changed the landscape and the status quo of what it mean to be a law student (fashion included).
As an alternative, round collared necklaces over a sweater give a similar look. You can often find bold, statement jewelry on sale at affordable stores such as Forever XXI and Sirens. For an even more alternative, alternative, ditch the black and go for colour. Be your own trailblazer.
As a law student, I naturally often turn my mind to the future of the legal profession, career paths, the rumours of Bay Street, and the fashion at law firms. When one thinks of a corporate lawyer’s wardrobe, three colours will likely spring to mind: black, grey, and white. Life is never black and white, and neither should one’s wardrobe be so dualist. Hannah is an excellent example of professional, pretty, and in pink. On a recent firm visit, she chose to a pastel toned silk top from Zara to break up an otherwise monochromatic ensemble. Hannah keeps things formal by choosing to pull her hair back in a chic chignon, a classic choice for the office. Note, her makeup is minimal, but her smile is really the star accessory here.
Hannah’s look inspired me to vamp up my take on business attire. My dress is from Costa Blanca ($25), necklace from Forever XXI, and shoes from the Bay ($50).
My mantra is simple: Every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway. Rock whatever your style entails with confidence, and we’ll let the new generation of graduation photos speak for themselves.