An American’s take on St Andrews Fashion: Olivia Minjack

Words by Ines Tramarin, Stylist; images courtesy of Olivia Minjack

The subject of Americans in St Andrews is inescapable – overwhelming, even. Whether it be golfers, students, or parents coming to visit their children, I am sure we have all discussed how many Americans there are in this small town. However, what interests me is how an American approaches fashion and style in St Andrews – is it any different from the rest of us? Does their style slowly merge into UK fashion throughout their 4-year degree? I asked Olivia’s opinion on this, and oh did she provide an answer for us! Working with Olivia has been an absolute pleasure, and I have loved learning more about the fashion choices she makes dailybefore heading to lectures, the pub, coffee dates, and even balls!

When asked to encapsulate her style in eight outfits, Olivia struggled to fit it all in… but nonetheless, gracefully provided me with a sneak peek into some of her favorite fits:

Copy and paste fit checks. Images taken by Ines Tramarin.

How would you describe your personal style (in three words or less)?

Patterns, rockstar, colourful.

What themes do you incorporate into your style, and how would you style a look?

I’ll go from wearing a navy throw-over sweater with a huge star in the middle paired with blue jeans one day, to black skinny jeans with a sequined skull top the next – exchanging a cosy fit for a rockstar look. I love clothes with fun statement patterns or detailing like hearts or stars, and graphic tees with random words or phrases. I also adore pieces with glitter threads, sequins, or rhinestones – I think it adds such a fun touch! That being said, I’ll choose quality over quantity regardless of whether I am in Scotland or the US. But I find myself reaching for wool and cashmere sweaters more often than back home – it is much colder after all! Since being in St Andrews, I’ve also been more mindful of my everyday style compared to when I am in America, and my mindset has shifted to jeans are the new sweatpants. For nights out here, I lean more toward a darker, ‘rockstar-ish’ look with black skinny jeans, chokers, smudged eyeliner, and boots – something I wouldn’t opt for so much back home.

Who (or what) inspires you in fashion?

I love the whole Tumblr-esque rockstar girlfriend scene in fashion. My personal favourites include Alexa Chung and Camille Rowe. I lean towards leather pants and/or jackets, embellished shirts, fun patterns, tight jeans, boots, red lipstick, and smoky eyes. My favourite brand for this look is definitely Zadig & Voltaire. My wardrobe really does have a mind of its own though: in the summer, I prefer the beachy, preppy look. St Andrews has definitely also made me an avid dress shopper, anything from minis, midis, maxis, and formal dresses I’m always on the lookout for– I guess you could say my wardrobe leads a double life…

Where do you source your clothes from (retail, thrifting, passed down by generation, etc)?

Mostly retail and my mum’s closet. I’m endlessly grateful that my mum kept the clothes from her college days, twenties, and thirties – some of my favourite pieces were hers! Thanks to her, I have tons of vintage Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, or even handmade pieces from her friends. Outside of this, my clothes are from Rag & Bone, FRAME, Zadig & Voltaire, Zara, and Brandy Melville. I’ve also found some great pieces on Vinted – you just need to be willing to put in the work to find what you want! My top tip for shopping on Vinted: search for brands ‘+’ a clothing category, rather than a description of the item.

Olivia pictured in her favourite sweater.

Tell us about your favourite item of clothing or what piece of clothing you would consider your ‘signature’ look.

My favourite item is my knit mohair Zadig & Voltaire full-zip sweater. It’s chunky, super easy to throw over anything, and such a great warm layer – essential for St Andrews weather! I love the silver thread that runs through the material. It’s definitely my go-to layer regardless of which style I’m going for that day!