Girls on Guys and Guys on Girls
Most students don't have the money or inclination to religiously follow the latest catwalk trends.
But the young and penniless will always find a way to mark themselves out as individuals and, most importantly, attract the opposite sex.
Student fashion tends to be an eclectic mish-mash of styles and trends, both vintage and high street, and often heavily influenced by music taste.
'Since, to me, music taste is important in a girl, I am put off by clothes that suggest that a girl is into music I hate'. Ed, 21, Leeds.
Oh! You Pretty Things
With the recent influx of electro and guitar-based bands onto the music scene, there has been a move for men to dress in an androgynous and decidedly fashion-conscious way.
Inspired by the trendiest new bands, as well as űber-cool pop culture icons like Noel Fielding and Russell Brand, skinny jeans and pointy shoes now abound on campuses from London to Leeds.
Waistcoats and retro sunglasses for the day are dressed up with jewellery and eyeliner for appearances at low-lit, grimy clubs.
Nu-Ravers prefer a more conspicuous clash of neons and low-rise skinnies when gracing the latest CSS gig.
Topman have picked up on the trends with leather jackets, white plimsolls and printed tees all best sellers, but it's London markets and small vintage shops that have to be sought out for genuine retro T-shirts and scarves.
'Men look so much better when they've put some thought into what they're wearing. High street shops sell so many nice clothes, there's no excuse for men not to look good.' Elise, 19, Dublin
'I prefer men in masculine clothes. Eyeliner and skinny jeans are just too effeminate.' Carolyn, 20, Cambridge.
Inspired by the trendiest new bands, as well as űber-cool pop culture icons like Noel Fielding and Russell Brand, skinny jeans and pointy shoes now abound on campuses from London to Leeds.Ellie Stewart
The Old Style
Most new bands and music genres are heavily influenced by those from past decades and this is reflected in the fashions it inspires.
It's no surprise then that female fashion is as retro as the boys, but it's the feminine, rather than androgynous looks, that seems to catch on.
Floral tea dresses and 1950's skirts (as seen on Kate Nash et al) can be found in the usual high street shops, but to be really authentic you need to find the vintage shops selling one-off pieces.
Edgier trends and statement-making clothes are riskier, like the recent penchant for leopard print.
'I don't usually like leopard print but some girls can really pull it off.' Ollie, 21, Manchester
'What's fashionable doesn't suit everyone. I saw a girl recently with bright red hair and fluorescent clothes and she looked fantastic, but some girls try and be fashionable and edgy and end up looking ridiculous '. Simon, 22, London
