I may…repeat, may be attending University College Dublin for my postgraduate work. In fact, I’ve applied to a few schools in that general area.
It’s been a bit since I’ve been overseas, and haven’t kept up with what I’m finding to be an encroaching obsession. What are people wearing?
Please, someone, tell me how not to dress like a tourist. Should I invest in dark pants? Cords? And, taken from a favorite game of mine on my current campus, what kind of shoes should I wear?
My most recent experience has been looking at Parisian women who were several times tinier than myself (though I like the way I look) and most of what I saw them wear is firstly, likely not to be flattering to myself and secondly- less importantly, as good taste never goes out of style- this was a couple years back.
Are there any good sources out there? Good places to look for ideas?
Moderator’s Note: This is more of a poll/opinion question than a question with a hard and fast factual answer, so I’ll move it from GQ to IMHO. (I’ll also clean up the title a bit.)
Apart from that, erm, I don’t think you really have much to worry about. Dublin isn’t another planet - people here tend to dress pretty much the same way they do in most western countries. At UCD you’ll probably find most people in jeans, denim jackets, and runners.
Ok, you’re a girly (right?) so I will now tell you the shops that Irish women in their mid 20s frequent.
TopShop (Jervis cantre)
Miss Selfridges (Jervis or Grafton St)
Oasis (Nassau St, St Stephen’s Green)
Vera Moda (Grafton)
Mango (Arnotts on Henry St)
Next (Grafton, Jervis)
River Island (Grafton, Jervis)
A wear (Henry St, Grafton)
Many of these stores are online (I know Topshop definitely is). Google for them, and look at the kind of stuff there. You’ll get a good idea.
Jeans…in Ireland, tend to be flared or bootcut, low-riders. NOT 501s.
T-shirts and vest-tops, hooded tops and zippy tops are A-Ok also.
Trainers tend to be Old-school types. Suede Adidas, Puma, Gola etc.
You’ll fit in fine in a pair of Gap long & lean jeans, black high-ish heeled ankle boots and a t-shirt.
But you might want some jumpers.
And an umbrella.
And a hot-water bottle.
I work next to UCD. Most of the female students I see there dress very casually and sloppy: jeans, T-shirts, sweaters, though some of the younger ones wear belly tops and hipster bootcut jeans (this can be a bit distracting). You don’t see many sweatshirts around. You’ll need a water-resistant, warm jacket.
thanks for the cleanup and the replies (I’m still figuring out what goes where)
I’ve been into some of the places you’ve recommended (such as Oasis and Miss Selfridges). I’m basically trying to avoid the “pick out the TA by the Benetton sweatshirt” game.
I know it’s not another planet, but things like the “not 501s” really help. That’s kind of along the lines I was aiming for. It’s more the subtle little things, shapes of things.
I’m also not particularly fashionable in America, so…this is a pathetic excuse for any kind of fashion help
Thanks
Oh yes, on a further note.
As jjimm said, students here are very casual. We don’t do the twinset/pearls/a-line skirt sorority look.
You’re more likely to see someone in a pair of very long, very loose, very wide legged jogging pants (sweatshirt material things), trainers and a t-shirt/hoody.
Those running trousers with the zips up to mid calf are also popular, worn unzipped, pulled low on the waist with a t-shirt/denim jacket etc.
Pretty much anything goes, we’re not particularly cliquey.
Wear what you like, what suits you and what makes you comfortable.
If you feel out of place, THEN tart it up with a few bits and pieces bought locally.
I’m not sure what size you are, but most Irish shops stop at 16 (US 12, I think) so that may (or may not) be an issue to consider.
Also, Dunnes Stores and Penneys are good for cheap bits and pieces, and M&S is THE underwear store.
Sorry, I get confused.
Gap clothes are the only US clothes I buy, and their sizes are too, too weird. Who knew there was a size 0?
Being short, I buy mostly from Topshop and Miss Selfridges (who also go down to an Irish size 6). My friend’s flatmate is 6’4’’, and she got some lovely trousers from the Tall range in Topshop.
That place suits everyone, and it’s cheap. Have a rummage there, you’ll probably find something.
PS, AL if you want a Bennetton fix, there’s one in the Stephen’s Green centre at the top of Grafton Street.
Really? I was looking at trousers in Topshop the other day actually, and they had a pair I really liked except they came in three lengths: standard, long and extra long. The “standard” was a couple inches too long for me. And I am nearly 5’4".
I’m 5’. My moto jeans fit fine.
Admittedly I bought them in Belfast (which also has New Look, NV, Tammy girl and Zara) and I can’t remember if they were petite or standard.
yeah, I know where the Bennetton shop is - when I was at UCD before, we had classes exclusively at the Newman House (under the lead lion!) I loved the little hat stand on the lower level and that place called “Asha” that sold Egyptian things on the second or third floor.
depending on what school- if any- I get in to, I may actually be in NI, so the B’fast leads help, too.
In Belfast:
If you like hanging out with young trendy fans of French electronica, try Ski Bunny at Auntie Annie’s.
If you like hanging out with 14-year old skaters try the Limelight.
Anywhere else is pretty normal.
And the Kremlin is a pretty good gay club.
They dress the same, but with less GAA gear, and more Rangers tops.
is there a H&M near where you live?
they’ve tency, comfortable, and cheap clothes.
The chain has no outlets here in the republic, but I believe there’s on up North.
Why not wear what you like? People here don’t judge you on what you look like, at least not as much as in other places I’ve been to (mainland Europe, mostly).
Stay away from the really light blue jeans, dark denim is the thing to go for. And avoid white sneakers (we call them runners, over here) as jjimm said. And if you have bangs, I’d start growing them out
Buy your clothes in the States, you will be appalled at how much they cost here. Top Shop and Miss Selfridge are comparitively cheap, compared with everywhere else.
When my mother and I go to Canada, will fill our suitcases up, because it is so cheap.
Plain stuff, like you get from Gap, will serve you just fine.
