What is Oxbridge Style
Oxbridge style is the formal, traditional, and distinctly British way of dressing developed in the 19th century and adopted by students and faculty at Oxford and Cambridge universities.
The Oxbridge look is characterised by a polished, academic aesthetic that reflects these institutions’ prestigious history and high social standing.
Oxbridge students blend scholarly attire with upper-class British fashion garments to convey scholarly dedication and refined social standing, reflecting these institutions’ centuries-old heritage and social prestige.
Mastering this style is crucial to embodying the Oxbridge ethos for men studying at these prestigious institutions.
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Oxbridge Style vs Similar Academic Aesthetics
| Style | Key Garments | Colour Palette | Signature Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxbridge | Tweed blazers, flannel trousers, Oxford shirts | Navy, burgundy, forest green, earthy tones | College scarves, signet rings, leather satchels |
| Ivy League | Sack suits, khaki chinos, button-down shirts | Nautical blues, crisp whites, warm reds | Repp ties, penny loafers, club pins |
| Parisian Sorbonne | Tailored blazers, slim-fit trousers, crisp dress shirts | Black, navy, grey, muted pastels | Silk foulards, leather briefcases, fountain pens |
| Italian Bocconi | Double-breasted suits, linen shirts, cashmere sweaters | Cream, light blue, terracotta, olive | Pocket squares, suede loafers, tortoiseshell sunglasses |
| Tokyo University | Minimalist blazers, high-waisted trousers, white shirts | Charcoal, navy, white, subtle greys | Leather messenger bags, silver tie clips, round glasses |
| Swiss Le Rosey | Tailored ski jackets, cashmere turtlenecks, corduroy trousers | Burgundy, cream, navy, forest green | Luxury watches, monogrammed ski goggles, leather-bound journals |
Oxbridge Style Wardrobe Essentials
Oxbridge style demands a carefully curated wardrobe that seamlessly transitions from lecture halls to formal dinners.
| Occasion | Garments | Footwear | Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures & Seminars | Tweed blazer, Oxford shirt, flannel trousers | Brown brogues or Oxford shoes | Leather satchel, college scarf, wristwatch |
| Formal Hall Dinners | Navy blazer, white dress shirt, grey flannel trousers | Black Oxford shoes | College tie, cufflinks, pocket square |
| Black Tie Events | Dinner jacket, white dress shirt, black bow tie | Patent leather Oxford shoes | Cummerbund, mother-of-pearl studs, silk pocket square |
| Graduation Ceremony | Dark suit, white shirt, University tie | Black Oxford shoes | Mortarboard, gown, white bow tie (if stipulated) |
| Casual Outings | Cricket jumper, chinos, button-down shirt | Suede Desert boots or loafers | College scarf, signet ring, canvas tote bag |
Oxbridge Style Outfit Idea by Occasion
In this section, we’ll outline the essential garments, footwear, and accessories for key occasions in Oxford and Cambridge university life.
Daywear – Lectures & Seminars
The daywear foundation at Oxbridge lies in the iconic tweed blazer made from Harris Tweed in navy, green, brown, and burgundy.
Oxford shirts in white or pale blue Sea Island cotton pair with worsted wool flannel trousers in charcoal or navy.
Brown brogues or Oxford shoes in calfskin leather complete the ensemble.
Leather satchels carry academic essentials, while college scarves in house colours add institutional pride.
Casualwear – Casual Outings
The casual Oxbridge style incorporates cricket jumpers in cream or college colours, chinos, and button-down shirts.
Suede Desert boots or leather loafers offer comfort without sacrificing style.
Canvas tote bags and signet rings maintain the Oxbridge aesthetic in relaxed settings.
Formalwear – Hall Dinners
Formal hall attire elevates daywear with navy wool blazers, white dress shirts, and grey flannel trousers.
Black Oxford shoes in polished calfskin are mandatory, while college ties, silver or gold cufflinks, and silk pocket squares add refinement.
Black Tie Events
Black-tie occasions require dinner jackets in black or midnight blue Barathea wool paired with white Marcella cotton dress shirts.
Black silk bow ties and cummerbunds are essential. Patent leather Oxford shoes provide the appropriate shine.
Mother-of-pearl studs and silk pocket squares complete the formal look.
The Graduation Ceremony
Graduation calls for dark suits, preferably in charcoal or navy, with white shirts and University ties. Black Oxford shoes are standard.
The academic gown, mortarboard, and white bow tie (if required) symbolise scholarly achievement.
Oxbridge Style Outfit Idea by Season
The Oxbridge style adapts to the changing seasons while maintaining its core aesthetic.
In this section, we’ll present four outfits tailored by season, including garment selection, colour coordination, and accessorising.
Spring
Wear a sage green light tweed sports jacket with cream cotton chinos and a pale blue Oxford shirt under a light grey cashmere v-neck sweater.
Wear brown suede brogues, a folded silk paisley pocket square and a loosely draped college scarf.
Finish with tortoiseshell Wayfarer sunglasses and a brown leather messenger bag.
Summer
Choose an unstructured navy linen blazer over a white Sea Island cotton shirt with sleeves rolled up.
Pair with stone-coloured cotton trousers and brown leather sockless penny loafers and top with a straw boater hat.
Carry a canvas and leather-trimmed tote bag and complete with a classic wristwatch in silver with a brown leather strap.
Autumn
Sport a russet brown Harris Tweed jacket over a forest green lambswool sweater and tattersall check shirt in earthen tones.
Pair with dark brown corduroy trousers and burgundy leather Chelsea boots, a tweed flat cap, tan leather gloves, and a tartan wool scarf.
Don vintage-inspired tortoiseshell glasses and carry a well-worn leather satchel.
Winter
For the cold winter months, reach for a charcoal grey herringbone overcoat to wear over your navy chalk-stripe suit.
Pair with a white shirt and add a touch of colour with a burgundy and navy striped tie.
Wear black cap-toe Oxford shoes and dark grey wool socks to keep your feet warm and stylish.
Add a vibrant college scarf and black leather gloves to brave the chill, a vintage silver pocket watch on a chain for a classic touch, and a black umbrella with a wooden handle – you never know when you’ll need it in British weather.
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Wear tweed blazers and flannel trousers | Don’t wear denim jeans or casual T-shirts |
| Wear Oxford shirts in white or pale blue | Avoid bold, graphic prints or neon colours |
| Wear college scarves in official colours | Don’t mix college colours or wear rival college garments |
| Wear brogues or Oxford shoes as your daily wear | Don’t wear trainers or flip-flops |
| Sport a signet ring on your pinky finger | Over-accessorise with multiple rings or bracelets |
| Carry a leather satchel or briefcase | Use a backpack or gym bag for daily use |
| Prefer wristwatches with leather straps | Avoid smartwatches or digital timepieces with college uniforms or dinner attire |
| Choose traditional patterns like herringbone | Avoid trendy clothes with loud prints |
| Wear a black tie at formal evening events | Never underdress for college formal dinners |
| Sport a college tie for semi-formal occasions | Avoid novelty or overly wide ties |
Oxbridge Style Essential Terms
To truly embrace the Oxbridge style, you must speak the local language and here’s a list of essential words and terms that you, as an aspiring Oxbridge gentleman, must know:
Subfusc
The formal academic dress worn for exams and ceremonies, including a dark suit, white shirt, and white bow tie.
Blues
Awarded to students who represent the university in sports at the highest level. Also refers to the special blazer these athletes can wear.
Bumps
A type of boat race unique to Oxford and Cambridge, influencing the sporty side of Oxbridge style.
Varsity Match
The annual sporting competition between Oxford and Cambridge where students are showcasing their classic Oxbridge attire.
Pidge
Short for “pigeonhole,” the student mailbox. Carrying mail from your pidge in a leather satchel is quintessentially Oxbridge.
Formal Hall
A formal dinner held at college, requiring adherence to a strict dress code.
Matriculation
The ceremony of enrolling at the university, with its own specific dress requirements.
Gaudy
A reunion dinner for alumni, often showcasing vintage Oxbridge style.
Battels
The college bill, ideally paid while wearing your best Oxbridge attire.
Quad
Short for quadrangle, the courtyard of a college where one might be seen sporting classic Oxbridge looks.
10 Oxbridge Facts and Fascinating Tales
1. The Tale of Two Scarves
Until 1987, Oxford and Cambridge had nearly identical rowing colours. Cambridge changed theirs to avoid confusion, leading to two distinct shades of blue in college scarves and blazers.
2. The Oxford Bag Trousers
In the 1920s, Oxford students popularised extremely wide-legged trousers to wear over their knickerbockers, which were banned from lectures. These “Oxford Bags” became a fashion sensation.
3. The Cambridge Pink
The shade of pink in Cambridge scarves and ties isn’t just any pink. It’s officially called “Cambridge Pink” and has its own Pantone code (Pantone 196).
4. The Boat Race Blazer
The distinctive cream blazers worn by Oxford and Cambridge rowers during the annual Boat Race have remained virtually unchanged since the 19th century.
5. The Empire’s Dressing Room
It’s said that the British Empire was run from the dressing rooms of Oxbridge colleges, where future leaders honed both their political skills and their impeccable style.
6. The Mathematical Bridge Mystery
Queens’ College, Cambridge, boasts a bridge supposedly designed by Isaac Newton. While untrue, this tale has inspired countless students to dress in their Oxbridge best for photos on the bridge.
7. The Curious Case of the Upside-Down Books
In Trinity College, Cambridge, the statue of Henry VIII holds an upright chair leg instead of a sword. Legend has it that prankster students also turned all the books in the college library upside down, leading to a college-wide hunt in full academic attire.
8. The Oxford Comma Debate
The Oxford comma, championed by Oxford University Press, has sparked heated debates. Some say you can spot an Oxford graduate by their use of this contentious punctuation mark – and their perfectly knotted tie.
9. The Cambridge Satchel Company
This globally recognised brand started when a Cambridge mom couldn’t find a proper leather school bag for her children, inspired by traditional Oxbridge style.
10. The Brideshead Effect
Evelyn Waugh’s “Brideshead Revisited” and its TV adaptation had a massive impact on popular perceptions of Oxbridge style, influencing fashion well beyond the universities’ quads.
Conclusion
Oxbridge style embodies a rich tradition of academic excellence and British aristocratic heritage.
This distinctive dress code balances formality with understated elegance, reflecting the centuries-old prestige of Oxford and Cambridge universities.
Mastering the Oxbridge style requires an appreciation for its historical context and a willingness to invest in high-quality, enduring pieces.
Adhering to these principles, you’ll dress appropriately for the academic environment and align with a legacy of intellectual and social distinction.
Remember, true Oxbridge style goes beyond mere imitation; it’s about embodying the values and traditions of these esteemed institutions through your sartorial choices.
As you cultivate your wardrobe, let it reflect your respect for tradition and scholarly journey.
Beyond Oxbridge Fashion Style
Knowing what is the Oxbridge style is just a small step towards dressing like a successful, confident gentleman.
True fashion mastery lies in knowing and matching your body shape/type with your seasonal colour – skin, eye, and hair colours.
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This is paramount to being able to dress correctly by body shape, occasion, location, time of the day, and lifestyle.
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Identify Your Best Colors
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Then, learn how to dress by occasion, location, season, and even time of the day.
Dress for the Occasion
Understanding how to choose and style garments from relevant heritage brands, and style them by occasion, season, location, and body shape is crucial.
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