In a sea of Columbia rain jackets and Nike Frees, many international students stand out for their unique style. In particular, male international students are stepping up their game when it comes to fashion.
Yawei Zhang, the president of the University of Oregon’s Chinese Student and Scholar Association and a senior in the product design program, believes American style is “comfortable.” Zhang, from the Hunan province in China, likes classic, well-made garments with unique touches. He pairs high-end garments with basics from stores like H&M.
“Many Asian students do try to dress more American, but there is also a big influence of international trends — such as Japanese street style, on American fashion,” Zhang said. “Yes, we are coming to the U.S., but we can still shop at H&M.”
While Zhang’s personal style has not changed significantly since coming to the U.S., he has been influenced by sportswear brands like Nike and Adidas. For Zhang, sporty clothes that he can wear while playing badminton, touch football, and also go to class in are a must.
This is something that freshman Mason AlMudhaf can relate to.
AlMudhaf spent most of his life in Dubai and was inspired to apply to the UO because his father and uncle studied here. AlMudhaf said his personal style “depends on the weather.” He likes to look good and is a self-proclaimed “shoe guy.” AlMudhaf does not see a big divide in the difference of styles in Eugene and Dubai.
“(In Dubai) … there are people who are ‘conservative’ and dress traditionally, but others who embrace this Western philosophy of wear what you want.”
AlMudhaf considers himself the latter and takes inspiration from musicians like Drake and Kanye West.
The one struggle AlMudhaf faces is eventually adopting a more professional wardrobe. AlMudhaf is studying business and is a firm believer in the notion of dressing for success, but he has yet to incorporate more work appropriate pieces, preferring casual sportswear to ties.
Not all international students are sportswear lovers — at least before coming to the UO. Medhi Salahdine, who grew up in Reims, France and is currently working on his MBA, never thought he would adapt an American style. Salahdine sports the classic European style: well-fitted clothes that have an air of professional “je ne sais quoi” or an intangible attractive quality. Salahdine is willing to take risks in his fashion choices — but, surprisingly, the newest gamble was buying a pair of Nike sneakers.
“I would have been judged for wearing sporty clothes in France, but it made me feel like I was part of American culture,” Salahdine said.
Salahdine said he felt more at ease among his classmates while also staying true to his personal style.
Being an international student can be difficult — you’re adjusting to American culture while keeping your cultural identity. One way that these and many other students have done this is through fashion. But as the world becomes more and more globalized, these cultural divides become less apparent.
By freelancer, Hannah Rose Steinkopf-