Canadian and American students are spotting a fresh wave in school fashion for 2023 and 2024, with Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday-inspired looks, alternate colorways, and a chic, confident vibe leading the charge. Industry insiders from the Russian label Gloria Jeans explained these shifts to socialbites.ca, framing a shared global mood in campus style.
One standout trend is the dark academy aesthetic, a mood epitomized by Ortega in Wednesday. The look draws its roots from fiction, leaning toward moody, gothic atmospheres that echo striking characters strolling university corridors. In practical terms, the palette sticks to deep tones that feel serious and refined, an aesthetic that many students are embracing as they curate dorm-friendly wardrobes that still feel polished.
Experts describe the core color family as predominantly dark—think black, charcoal gray, and deep walnut—often set against crisp white accents to sharpen contrast. This balance creates an image that is both scholarly and subtly rebellious, perfect for campus life where tradition meets modern edge. The silhouettes favored by adherents include A-line and A-cut dresses with lace collars, blouses featuring dramatic sleeves, tailored suits with vests, and footwear that blends classic form with a modern stance. Oxfords, brogues, loafers, and Mary Jane styles appear, chosen for comfort during long days and evenings out alike.
Alongside dark academia, the preppy style remains a strong contender. Rooted in the look of elite private schools, this trend emphasizes a tidy, collegiate sensibility designed for those aiming at top universities. Distinctive identifiers include emblems on sweatshirts, cardigans, and jackets, which lend a sense of heritage and belonging. Subtle details, such as contrasting trims and classic knits, help outfits feel deliberate rather than casual, making them a reliable choice for everyday campus ensembles.
In terms of outfits, the preppy direction favors pleated mini skirts, Oxford-striped shirts, oversized cardigans, textured knit vests, and tweed trousers. A creative twist gaining traction is personalizing garments with small patches on collars or initials embroidered on cuffs or pockets. These touches give items a story and a sense of ownership, a trend that resonates with students who want their wardrobe to feel uniquely theirs.
Beyond the main color stories, experts urge attention to alternative color tones that modernize the silhouette without sacrificing the academic vibe. The next school’s color blueprint aims to show that business-style dressing can be lively and expressive. A practical, universal formula could be described as dark bottoms paired with light tops, yet designers are pushing boundaries. Subtle substitutions like pistachio or pastel blue, soft latte tones, or midnight navy and deep chocolate hues offer fresh contrasts while preserving the refined, disciplined feel that the look seeks. The emphasis is on versatility and ease, ensuring outfits transition smoothly between lectures, study sessions, and social events.
The overall message from the Gloria Jeans team, echoed in expert commentary, is that schoolwear is evolving into a broader, more inclusive style space. The focus is on combining timeless staples with modern twists and personalized details that reflect individual taste. The result is a wardrobe that feels intelligent, stylish, and practical for daily campus life. Across the board, the trend narratives point toward clothes that look deliberate, comfortable, and ready for the varied rhythms of autumn and the school year ahead, while still nodding to classic influences that never truly go out of fashion. These insights align with the broader fashion conversation taking place on social platforms and in design studios that track the shifts in how students dress for class, events, and social moments. [Attribution: Gloria Jeans experts via socialbites.ca]