[This article was originally published in UEA’s official student newspaper, Concrete, in arts supplement, Venue.]
One thing I was struck by when I moved to Norwich for university was the huge amount of creative people roaming the city streets. Creativity, as we all know, comes in a variety of forms, but fashion is perhaps one of the most obvious mediums for expressing yourself and embracing your individuality. I come from a very small town with pretty limited shopping options, but thankfully (not so much for my bank account!), Norwich has loads of shops and stalls suited to a whole spectrum of buyers and styles.
For the eco-conscious consumer who loves quality pieces – Lucy & Yak
This choice won’t come as a surprise to many of you. Norwich’s Lucy & Yak store first opened its doors in 2022, and since has become a staple part of the Norwich fashion scene. Lucy & Yak gained a reputation for their signature dungarees which come in a range of patterns and colours, including the famous sunflower design you’ve probably seen about ten different people wearing in summer. They are also a brand which prioritises sustainability and worker’s rights, instead of simply trying to greenwash consumers. Perhaps the only drawback of this is that Lucy & Yak is not the most affordable brand for a student budget, with the average item setting you back around £50. However, I’d argue that in the long term buying an item from Lucy & Yak will save you money as they are quality pieces you will keep in your wardrobe for years to come. I have two pairs of dungarees from Lucy & Yak – one brown and the other a bright red which I absolutely love, and wear in all seasons.
For the on the budget consumer who wants unique pieces – Charity shops
Charity shops have been on the rise again since the creation of apps such as Depop and Vinted, and rightfully so. They are great for those on a budget and are a way of finding pieces nobody else is wearing, or which have gone “out of fashion”. I’ve personally found a lot of luck with Age UK in Norwich where I bought a really good quality turtleneck in the winter, and a purple cardigan for spring. Both of these items were around £2-£3, so it’s an absolute steal if you find what you’re looking for. Near to Age UK are the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research, but there are plenty more charity shops near Anglia Square such as a big Oxfam on Magdalen Street. My advice with charity shops would be to go in having an idea of what specific item you’re looking for, as it can be pretty overwhelming otherwise.
For jeans that actually fit – Marks & Spencers
Now, before you all label me a Tory, hear me out. As someone who spent the majority of their teenage years dreading buying and trying on jeans, I’ve had some luck with M&S. A lot of brands and their sizing (particularly for women) is laughable, and is honestly a source for a lot of womens’ insecurities. I think M&S is a brand which has prioritised pretty accurate sizing, and like Lucy & Yak, prioritises sustainability and quality materials. Some of my favourite pairs of wide leg jeans are from M&S and are honestly the comfiest jeans I’ve ever owned. They’re also really great at providing petite and tall options, so no one gets left out. They’re also not as extortionate as many might assume, with many of their own brand jeans costing less than Topshop’s used to be.
For those who have suffered with body image issues, summer and clothes shopping can be a source of anxiety, so be kind to yourself and wear what makes you feel comfortable. There are so many places in Norwich with options for you to try, so it’s a matter of experimenting and finding what suits you best. Don’t be too hard on yourself if the first place you try isn’t a match. Clothes shopping should be fun, not a way to punish yourself, so please remind yourself that this summer!
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