In the lobbies of the Student Alumni Union (SAU), four students wait for food from Nathan’s: one in platform boots and black eyeliner, one in a varsity jacket, one in shorts and a hoodie and one in slacks and a sweater vest. At a campus as large and diverse as RIT, moments like this are common. Students’ approaches to dress range from understated to maximalist, shaped by personal comfort, identity and the spaces and people they interact with each day.
Fashion on Campus: Self-Expression Versus Practicality
Intentional or not, fashion is a statement of self-expression, one that many people choose to convey a part of themselves. Fashion is not exclusively centered around the brands being worn, the fit of the clothes, the designs or anything in between — rather, it’s about being comfortable in the clothes one wears. For many, it is an integral part of their identity, and one that they take pride in.
At RIT, the wide spectrum of self-expression acts as a visible marker of the university’s student body. A student’s choice of clothing can reflect cultural heritage, allegiance to a subculture or simply a deep-seated belief about comfort or aesthetics. For some, fashion is a way to maintain a connection with their culture, for others, it’s a form of expression or a way to stand out. As third year Computer Engineering Technology student Jamal Oshinowo puts it, “If I wanna do business [casual], I’ll do business [casual]. If I wanna do streetwear, I’ll do streetwear. If I wanna look like a clown that day, I’ll look like a clown.”
While identity is a powerful driver, practicality is often an equally important consideration, especially in the context of college life and unpredictable weather in Rochester. The ease of throwing on a hoodie and sweatpants speaks to the need for comfort all year, but even within the constraints of practicality, many students find a way to inject personality. Whether it is a worn-out band shirt, a backpack covered in pins, bright colored jackets or shoes, all serve a practical purpose while communicating something personal about the wearer. The balance between functionality and self-expression defines the daily fashion landscape on campus, particularly during the winter months. Third year Computer Science student Sydney Tsin emphasized this, mentioning, “I have three coats that I basically wear, but underneath, I’m sort of still trying to wear what I want to wear. Like, if I can layer enough, then I’ll be warm.”
Style Meets Campus Life
Fashion at RIT is also shaped by the numerous clubs, organizations and groups that create distinct subcultures across campus. The intentional selection of specific items often reflects personal interests, whether it is subtle or as conspicuous as club merchandise. In addition, RIT has its own fashion club, RIT Fabrick, dedicated to building community through fashion. They host events often around campus, such as free sew days, allowing students to experiment with their style and learn more about fashion. Clubs and organizations offer an extension of expressing personal identity while also creating a safe space for students to experiment, diversifying the overall campus.
For many students, getting dressed is an act of composition, where clothing is a medium to express themselves. This creativity goes beyond following trends—it involves building something that shows instead of tells while also building confidence. When asked about confidence in fashion, Oshinowo mentioned being able to take constructive criticism, but also made sure to emphasize that, “…if you’re trying to be part of something that is very complimentary to your personality, you shouldn’t let anyone put you down.”
This vibrant tapestry of personal style is not just individualistic; it creates a collective sense of diversity that enriches the campus environment. By wearing their identity openly, students contribute to a visual dialogue that challenges conventional norms and promotes inclusivity. For people exposed to diverse environments or not, Tsin described the campus as “…a very welcome open space where everybody’s sort of exploring their own thing in their own world.”
As fashion trends continue to accelerate globally, driven by social media and the fact cycles of influence, RIT’s student body remains a lively expression of individuality. Whether through the comfortable anonymity of athleisure wear, the statement of cultural attire, or a subculture proudly being represented, the clothes worn on campus tell a story of an evolving identity and community. It’s a daily runway where every outfit is intentionally, or unintentionally, a declaration of self.
