VCUfits showcases back-to-school fashion
VCUfits is a student-run Instagram page that features different styles spotted on VCU’s campus. Current director and photographer of VCUfits, Olivia Cunningham, snaps photos of VCU fourth-year communications arts student, Victor Kuye’s, back-to-school fit. Photo by Fiona John.
Natalie Crawford, Contributing Writer
Just like that, summer is over, class is back in session and VCU’s campus is crawling with students ready for another semester.
VCUfits, a student-run Instagram page, captures and documents the campus’ unique fashion scene.
Olivia Cunningham, current director and a photographer of the VCUfits page, is passionate about embracing the student body’s eclectic style, she said.
“The goal was just to celebrate the unique fashion scene on campus — give people a reason to smile,” Cunningham said.
VCUfits started around two-and-a-half years ago and is now a volunteer-based Instagram page, according to Cunningham. Photographers for the social media page go out onto campus to look for interesting and unique outfits to capture and compile into a post for their 12,000-plus followers.
“I really like outfits that are really unique and fun, awesome, colorful,” Cunningham said.
When looking for a VCUfits-worthy ensemble, Cunningham specifically seeks out layering, unique accessories and uncommonly seen pieces, she said.
Layering gives any outfit dimension and intrigue. It is an instant way to level up your fashion game, Cunningham said.
“I love when it gets pretty and colorful and everyone starts to match the trees,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham describes her style as hyper-femme and colorful, she said. It’s the epitome of “brat:” bold, vibrant and fun.
Her favorite fashion trend to see out on campus is a mini-skirt and tall boot combination, Cunnningham said.
Delving deeper into VCU’s vibrant fashion scene, insights from students shed light on the personal styles making waves on campus.
Victor Kuye, a fourth-year communication arts student, describes his style as “very demure” with a focus on simple and clean “90s” aesthetics.
“I focus a lot on just basic necessities and put those together,” Kuye said.
Kuye said he visits Pinterest and Instagram accounts for his fashion inspiration. Lately, he models his outfits after the Instagram page seventhstores. Seventhstores embodies Kuye’s favorite fashion trend at the moment: business core.
Kuye said he also looks forward to fall fashion trends.
“I’m most excited to wear my sweaters — I have a couple old grandpa sweaters that I like,” Kuye said.
VCUfits has a very noticeable impact on VCU’s culture holistically, Kuye said.
“It creates a sense of community and makes fashion a more diverse and prominent part of campus,” Kuye said.
VCUfits showcases the students’ unique and personal styles, according to Kuye.
“That’s what makes it special, the range — every day you’re bound to see someone being themselves and dressing outside the norm,” Kuye said.
Jenin Mani, a third-year biology student, also embraces the “demure” trend with a chic and casual touch.
“I love the word ‘elegant,’” Mani said.
Her style emphasizes loose, flowy and feminine silhouettes, she said.
Mani’s biggest fashion icon is her mom, she said. She takes inspiration — and also clothes from her mom’s closet.
Mani is excited to wear track pants as she describes her style as having a more sporty vibe during the colder months, she said.
“Beyond fashion, VCUfits likely contributes to the broader VCU culture by reinforcing the university’s identity as a creative, open-minded and inclusive environment,” Mani said. “It highlights the diversity of its students, not just in terms of fashion but in personality and perspective.”
