By Gionna Bean, Opinion Editor
Flared and wide-leg jeans, crop tops, and Uggs are staples of Gen Z fashion in 2025. On college campuses, these trends blend comfort and style, with students often mixing casual and trendy pieces to create laid-back, expressive looks.
College students sometimes have to prioritize comfort over fashion, leading to what some might consider questionable style choices. “I’ve noticed that a lot of people around here wear sweats, like me, but that’s because a lot of people live here,” junior Madeline Meeter said. “Why wouldn’t you wear sweats at your own house, let alone a place where you’re going to live for multiple semesters?”
With the demands of busy academic schedules, many students find it practical to dress in relaxed attire that allows them to focus on their studies rather than their choice of clothing.
Students even have grievances to file about more widely accepted clothing. “I hate bell-bottom jeans,” freshman Eliana Mandarano said. “The way they flare out isn’t flattering. It looks better on leggings, not denim. I also don’t like hunting camo much. I think there are other camos that are prettier.”
Student shops for camo pants — Photo by Gionna Bean
Camo has seen a resurgence throughout 2024, with high-profile individuals from Chappell Roan to Tim Walz showcasing the earthy print. However, hunting camo is different from most camo seen in fashion because it is more realistic-looking due to its purpose– which is to hide hunters in the woods.
Although some students acknowledge that their opinions are subjective, others are more outspoken about certain fashion trends they believe should be universally rejected. One such example is Pit Viper sunglasses. “Pit Vipers,” junior Amelia Sweet said. Originally gaining popularity around 2012 within the extreme sports community, Pit Vipers have since become a common fashion statement among college men — much to the frustration of many women on campus, including Sweet. “They just look so stupid, and they need to go away,” Sweet said.
Pit Viper sunglasses — Photo by Flock Fashion
According to many students, there are several accessories and clothing choices that are often associated with poorly dressed college men. “Hey Dudes and skinny jeans need to go,” sophomore Noah Momber said. While Hey Dudes and skinny jeans first gained popularity among millennials, some members of Gen Z continue to pair the two — a combination that draws criticism from their peers.
Junior Dylan Johnson took a more political angle when asked about fashion trends he dislikes. “The pro-life sweatshirts, because they just look ugly,” Johnson said. These sweatshirts, often displaying bold slogans promoting anti-abortion views, have become increasingly common on college campuses. While some students support the message, others, like Johnson, feel that the designs are visually unappealing and overly aggressive, contributing to a broader sense of division rather than unity on campus.
Sophomore Lauren Vanderwulp and sophomore Logan License pose in their pro-life sweatshirts — Photo by Zoebelle Bean
While opinions on clothing will always vary, one thing is clear: fashion remains a conversation starter, whether it triggers a few laughs or is outright triggering.
The Saint 