OPINION: What’s hot in ag student fashion
Ag students have a distinct “look”. Janine Heath considers what constitutes “Harper style”.
Working at Harper Adams with 2000 students has exposed me to a wide variety of country fashions – some practical, some not so.
I even recall organising a photo shoot for the Ploughing Society where one chap turned up with overalls and deck shoes (admittedly, the rest wore boots).
Footwear is a critical component. For girls, it tends to be boots such as Dubarry or similar, or wellies. Favourite welly brands are Hunter and Le Chameau.
But even which wellies you choose depends on what course you’re on. The land agents favour Le Chameau (they like their Barbour wax jackets, too) whereas the “agrics” are more about practicality so are more like to be spotted in Aigle or Dunlop. The female students on “animal” courses can often be seen wearing pink wellies or more novelty types.
If the boys aren’t wearing wellies, then it’ll be boots. RM Williams is a favourite for best (they also do some very nice belts) and anything with steel toecaps is also popular.
In the summer, boys and girls are big fans of deck shoes in a wide variety of colours. Again, Dubarry is a popular brand. And of course flip-flops. Some even wear them in the snow.
As for trousers, coloured chinos are huge for the lads. Anything from the standard beige/tan through to red, pink and even orange. The girls tend to go for coloured skinny jeans or short skirts (worn with boots, wellies or flip-flops).
Gilets are standard, particularly embroidered with the Harper crest and club or society details. Anything with a club name is a hit here, Harper students are proud of being here so like a huge logo or slogan.
Students – male and female – are not to be seen without their polo/gaucho belts. All colours and designs, usually accompanied by chinos or skinny jeans. Stupidly popular.
Striped shirts are very popular, mostly Joules, Musto or Dubarry. Jack Wills is also a hit – hoodies, gilets, shirts. Other popular brands are Abercrombie and Fitch, Ralph Lauren and Crew Clothing.
Students – male and female – are not to be seen without their polo/gaucho belts. All colours and designs, usually accompanied by chinos or skinny jeans. Stupidly popular.
And that brings me onto tweed. An essential for any student. Jack Murphy, Joules, Dubarry, plus some of the quirkier brands. Often accompanied by fur – hats and headbands are a must for winter days, as are pashminas.
Silk scarves are also rather popular here for the ladies for smarter occasions. Handbags are tan or brown leather, tweed or cow hide. And pearls are the most popular jewellery type. Simple studs and necklaces for both day and evening.
Janine is acting communications manager at the Shropshire university.
What do you think costitutes ag student style. Let us know by emailing fwfarmlife@rbi.co.uk
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