The Beatles and Beyonce sit at different ends of the musical landscape, separated sonically as well as by time. The 60s feel worlds away for some, and a stone’s throw for others, but, regardless of subjectivity, it is hard to ignore the fact a lot has changed. The birth (and rise) of Beyonce isn’t the only elementof modern-day different to the 60s. The equally popular subject of fashion has been flipped on its head time upon time since the term was coined, and notably so since modern style and popculture bloomed in the 60s; largely thanks to The Beatles.
Stirling was not immune to any of these cultural changeovers. The Beatles’ first-ever Scottish gig was in Alloa, the town just down the road from Stirling, and a later gig took place in Bridge of Allan on the doorstep of the University of Stirling, showing that the area has been a cultural hub in line with trends. What also shows Stirling’s trendiness are some very treasured pictures of students in the thrall of university life, dressed in contemporary fashions.
Brig’s 1970 issue saw a fashion low-down article. Angel dresses, floral patterns, and pinafore dresses were all the range; notrousers to be seen in this article, quite countering clothing trends of today.
1971 saw the halls filled with people dressed quite smartly. Boots, trousers, scarves, and long stylish jackets to match the longer hair was the look. The campus now has people inathleisure and skin fade haircuts or a slick-back ponytail.
Not all outfits from way back when are dissimilar to outfits now, however. The death of the skinny jeans in the 2020s has resulted in a shift to wider trouser cuts- including flares. Our 70s alumni wore similar silhouettes, but again with a longer hairstyle that is slowly working its way back into modern popularity.
A baggy fit in a jacket was popularised in the 1980s, something that perseveres in the modern day. The oversized jumper, jacket,or even t-shirt is quite common, although it’s not often seen in the colourful 80s palette.
With fashion, what goes around comes around. Cuts, colours,and definitions of creativity are ever changing in the industry, but Stirling has proven and continues to prove it can keep up with the times.
Feature image credit: Stirling Archives
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