Berlin University Students' Unique Style And Fashion Choices

Berlin is known for its relaxed sense of style, and this extends to university students. While there is no dress code, students tend to favour a casual look, typically jeans and a t-shirt with a jacket or cardigan. This laid-back approach to fashion is in stark contrast to other European cities, where residents may put more effort into their appearance. Berliners tend to follow trends similar to those in the United States, minus the preppy and rustic chic looks. Colours are acceptable, and athleisure is also popular, with Adidas track pants and sneakers being a common choice. Overall, the focus is on comfort and practicality rather than dressing up.

Jeans and a t-shirt

Keep it Relaxed

Berliners are known for their relaxed sense of style. So, feel free to keep your jeans and t-shirt combination casual and comfortable. Opt for straight-leg or slim-fit jeans in a medium or dark wash, and pair them with a simple crew-neck or v-neck t-shirt in a solid colour or with a subtle graphic print. Roll up the sleeves of a boxy t-shirt to add a little shape.

Layer Up

Berlin's weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key. Throw on a cardigan, a collared sweater, or a blazer over your t-shirt for a trendy spin on the classic combination. For an elegant touch, style your jeans and t-shirt with an ankle-length coat or a long blazer.

Footwear and Accessories

When it comes to footwear, Berliners tend to favour comfort. Sneakers, flats, sandals, boots, and Birkenstocks are popular choices. For a more dressed-up look, you can opt for a pair of heels or ankle boots. As for accessories, a simple baseball cap, a shoulder bag, or a backpack can complete your outfit.

Play with Colours and Prints

While Berliners may favour a more relaxed and understated style, don't be afraid to play with colours and prints. Tuck in your t-shirt to showcase your style and add a pair of statement earrings or a bold lip colour for a touch of elegance.

Adapt to the Seasons

In the warmer months, opt for a short-sleeved t-shirt and roll up your jeans. For colder days, layer with a long-sleeved t-shirt, a cardigan, or a sweater. A striped tee, a leather jacket, and straight-leg jeans are a classic combination for a cool, Parisian-inspired look.

Embrace Individuality

Remember, Berlin is a city that embraces individuality and unique style. Feel free to mix and match different styles and trends to express your personality. Whether it's a pair of vintage jeans, a band t-shirt, or a bright-coloured accessory, don't be afraid to stand out and make your jeans and t-shirt outfit your own.

Athleisure

Sports brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma have capitalised on the athleisure trend, providing a range of clothing and footwear options that blend performance and style. University students in Berlin appreciate the versatility of athleisure, allowing them to transition seamlessly from their workouts to study sessions without sacrificing fashion.

When it comes to footwear, sneakers are a popular choice among Berlin's university students. While sneakers may be a tourist giveaway in other cities, a pair of Adidas or Nike sneakers won't stand out in Berlin. In fact, they are likely to help you blend in with the native Berliner style.

Berlin's university students also pay attention to the type of backpack they carry. Sporty backpacks are more likely to be spotted as American gear. To avoid looking like a tourist, a simple canvas or leather backpack is a better choice, even if it's not as comfortable for a full day of walking.

It's worth noting that Berliners have a very relaxed sense of style compared to other European cities. Jeans and a t-shirt with a jacket or cardigan are a safe bet for looking like a native. Additionally, colours are not off-limits, as evidenced by Berlin's love for '80s windbreakers.

Makeup

Berliners have a relaxed sense of style, and this extends to their makeup choices. German women tend to prioritise skincare over makeup, opting for a more natural look. While mascara is popular, the rest of the face is often kept fairly bare, with little to no eyeshadow or eyeliner. Lighter coverage foundations, tinted moisturisers, and blush are commonly used to achieve a subtle, fresh-faced appearance. Statement lipsticks, like the bright reds and dark berries that are popular in the United States, are less common in Berlin. Instead, Berliners favour a more understated lip colour.

The overall impression is one of low-maintenance beauty, with an emphasis on enhancing one's natural features rather than creating a dramatic or glamorous look. This aligns with the city's laid-back attitude towards fashion and personal style. It's worth noting that Berlin's club culture and alternative music scenes may also influence the makeup choices of university students, with looks that reflect the aesthetics of their favourite clubs or musical genres.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to makeup in Berlin, the focus on natural beauty and skincare is a prevailing trend among university students and young adults in the city.

Accessories

Berlin is known for its relaxed sense of style, and this extends to the accessories that university students in the city choose to wear. While there is no dress code, students generally avoid wearing accessories that might be considered too sporty or comfortable, such as cargo shorts, leggings, and backpacks. Instead, they opt for more understated pieces like a simple canvas or leather backpack.

Footwear is an important accessory for Berliners, who tend to favour a variety of flat shoes over heels. Sneakers, flats, sandals, boots, and Birkenstocks are all popular choices. For male students, Chucks (a type of flat sneaker) are particularly trendy, and female students often pair flat sandals with patterned socks. While heels are not completely absent, they are generally avoided for practical reasons—Berlin's uneven sidewalks and dirty pathways can be challenging to navigate in heels, and students don't want to risk twisting their ankles.

When it comes to jewellery, Berliners tend to keep it simple. Large, flashy pieces are not commonly seen, and female students might opt for fashion jewellery to elevate a casual outfit. Makeup is also kept minimal, with a focus on good skincare and natural-looking cosmetics. German women are known for their love of mascara, but the rest of their faces are usually kept fairly bare. Bold lipstick colours are not commonly worn, and German women generally prefer a more natural look.

Overall, the accessories chosen by university students in Berlin reflect the city's laid-back and practical sense of style. While there is no strict dress code, students tend to avoid overly sporty or comfortable pieces and instead opt for understated, practical, and comfortable choices that reflect their individual personalities.

Shoes

Berlin is known for its relaxed sense of style, and this extends to the shoes that university students in the city choose to wear. While there is no dress code, and students are free to express themselves as they wish, there are some clear trends when it comes to footwear.

Firstly, it is worth noting that sneakers, flats, sandals, boots, and Birkenstocks are all popular choices. These shoe types offer comfort and practicality for navigating the city's streets, which are often uneven and dirty. Berliners tend to prioritise comfort and functionality over fashion, and this is reflected in their footwear choices.

For those who want to blend in with the typical Berlin student style, Adidas is a popular brand, with its track pants and shoes a common sight. In fact, a pair of Adidas or Nike sneakers won't stand out, and sporty footwear is a safe choice. However, it is worth noting that some students do express their individuality through their shoes, with one source mentioning "dreadlocks and an awful old parka" as an example of an individual student's style.

When it comes to dressing for the office or a business setting, low heels may be appropriate, but they are not the norm. Instead, students in Berlin tend to opt for more comfortable and practical shoes, even in professional environments.

Overall, the key to dressing like a Berliner is to embrace a relaxed and comfortable style. Shoes that are easy to walk in and suitable for the city's varied terrain are a must. While there is no pressure to follow the latest fashion trends, students in Berlin do tend to favour a casual and practical approach to their footwear choices.

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