London Calling

Aside from Paris, New York is considered to be the fashion capital of the world. London is highly underrated when it comes to style, though.
London is a getaway for celebrities and hometown to the adored Rob Pattison and Russell Brand. It’s no surprise they live there—the city bleeds style. The teens there have access to one of the best shopping scenes. With stores like Topshop and Miss Selfrigde, London teens have unique looks and vibes that stand out from Rockland County girls. After walking the streets, adjectives such as “classy” and “upscale” are the only vocabulary that can be used to describe the atmosphere. Distinctly clothed people flood the city from the historical areas to the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, London’s 5th Avenue. When comparing London to Rockland, fashion trends are, simply put, nothing alike.
By definition, SUNY Rockland fashion is  comprised of Uggs, leggings and Abercrombie sweats. It’s a fashion statement about how you want to be perceived. But in a Londoner’s stylebook, there is one major rule: No Sweats! In this rainy city, no tourist will ever see a native wearing baggy pants or anything Rockland teens classify as comfy. Not only are sweats and pajamas considered ugly, they are considered disrespectful.
Dressed in my star-covered pajamas, I walked into Tesco, a supermarket chain, for a late night snack and I received many awkward looks. The cashier even commented, “Oh, pajama party?” in an unfriendly tone. Lifestyle is directly correlated to clothing norms; the difference between living in Rockland and London shows that you are what you wear.
London styles are inspirational; girls take time to dress nicely and pick out accessories before leaving their homes. Here at RCC, fashion isn’t our top priority because we’d rather sleep an extra twenty minutes, than pull a look together.
While sweats are a no-no, sneakers are a yes-yes, especially Keds and other chic, flat rubber bottoms. Stylish but practical is the way to dress in London. This contrasts with RCC students’ obsessions with “the worn-in shoe” such as Converse—some of us might purchase them already used and dirty given the opportunity to own a shoe with that rugged look.
Another staple in a London closet, girls and guys alike, is the Oxford shoe and shirt. The Oxford shoe is an enclosed flat with laces, and has a hard bottom so anyone can hear you clicking down the hall from miles away. It’s a sophisticated yet youthful look when worn in unusual patterns or colors. The Oxford is the symbol of the city, so it’s common to see everyone wearing them. The same goes for Oxford shirts, which are just collared shirts that can be paired with skinny jeans and heels or dressed down with leggings and boots.
Unlike RCC students, Europeans have no rules when it comes to their clothing. There’s much more individuality in London than in America, let alone Rockland. In Rockland we are all so limited to the same stores and styles that many of us are afraid to embrace anything new. London inspires originality and the city makes you feel like you belong no matter what you’re wearing, aside from sweats. Upstate, every girl looks alike. Long shirts, tall boots and leggings or sweats are so old.
It’s time to get London-classy, girls! Try European chic, outfits comprised of dresses and tights, pearls, flats, or funky headbands. You’d be surprised how good you’ll look when you try to stand out. Or at least get a signature piece. Something that only you wear, that makes you, you.
Heaven for any stylish girl in London is Topshop, a megastore with unbelievable prices for one- of-a -kind sparkly items. Known most recently for its collaboration with Kate Moss, it is a go-to place for celebrities and teens. But you don’t need London or Topshop for that! We live near NYC, people, explore shops besides Hollister, Juicy, or Forever 21. Go into the city and you’re sure to find stores with prices and styles like London’s Topshop, with all the glitz and girlyness included.
So when you do have the time, take the extra twenty minutes to pull yourself together and channel your inner Londoner. You’ll enjoy your new self, so the time is worth it. Can you imagine all the compliments you’ll get?

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