8 styles that set BYU apart

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At BYU students may start, and then stick to, their own fashion trends, for better or worse. The Honor Code impacts the way students dress, but there are also other pieces of the BYU culture that creep into student style.

Maddi Dayton
Student Olivia Zippi wearing the harem pants that are disliked by many men. (Maddi Dayton)

1. Chevron maxi skirts

Many BYU students are drawn to maxi skirts because they are modest and comfortable. So when they came into style, LDS women latched onto the fad.

“They’re like fancy sweat pants,” said BYU senior Cassie MacDonald. “And maxi skirts are crazy easy to make. Chevron was quite a big deal for a while there.”

Despite the fact that the chevron trend lasted only a year in the rest of the world, BYU students seem to have an ongoing love affair with the look. If comfort wasn’t reason enough for the look, maxi skirts are an easy sewing project, catering to the budgets and “do it yourself” culture of BYU students.

2. A t-shirt under a basketball jersey

This style attempts to modify a look often seen throughout the country. Jerseys are commonly worn to sporting events, but at BYU the tank top cut of a basketball jersey violates the Honor Code. Adding a white t-shirt under the jersey makes the look Honor Code approved.

3. Slip extenders

Finding a knee-length dress can be hard, and often students find themselves in a hard spot when they are asked to wear a specific dress as bridesmaids. Slip extenders are an easy option to make a look modest, but when worn incorrectly they just look like a person’s slip is hanging below her dress.

“I love slip extenders, especially because most all dresses that are sold lately are extremely short,” said junior Abbey Halsey. “Slip extenders are helpful to lengthen dresses, and when the extender is the right color, they become part of the dress.”

4. The white shirt and tie

“I think a lot of students haven’t really experienced a professional environment,” said junior Cameron Bardsley. “And the closest thing they have to go off of for business dress is their mission and church-related things. So they go with what’s safe and wear the shirt and tie.”

It has become the uniform of missionaries and priesthood holders. The only other place this look is regularly seen is on Wall Street. Otherwise, it looks like a snapshot taken from the 1950s.

5. Nephite sandals

The gladiator sandal has been a trend for a while now, and designers make them season after season. The main reason this is a BYU trend is because no one else in the world would ever refer to them as “Nephite Sandals,” but here at BYU it’s entirely normal.

6. Bright-colored jeans

Since their debut, colorful jeans have claimed a dominant presence at BYU.

“Instead of throwing on the old jeans and a T-shirt when you’re short on time in the morning, colored jeans can now be the focal point of your outfit,” said sophomore Addison Bentley.

7. White running shoes with jeans

Running shoes are for running. While most people don’t run in jeans, this look can be spotted all over campus. A common theme among students is their desire for comfort and function in their apparel.

“They were or are runners, and they love the comfort of their running shoes,” said sophomore Tyler Holle of those who follow this trend. “Their running shoes become their all-purpose shoes.”

8. A tank top over a mod bod

Again, this look likely has to do with the standards put into place by the Honor Code.

“A mod bod top is a staple garment,” said junior Michelle Mower. “At least it is in every single boutique in Utah, and they conveniently cover temple garments.”

Many women feel that wearing a plain mod bod is an unflattering look and decide to compensate by layering with a looser tank top.

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