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by Fazila Olaniyan | Edited by Harry Yang
How many of us have seen those TikToks or IG Reels where students absolutely roast the fashion scene at UNSW? Apparently, USYD’s serving academic chic and UTS is giving off-duty model vibes… Meanwhile, we’re catching strays for looking like we just crawled out of a group assignment at 3 a.m. in our puffer jackets and tote bags (not wrong). Are we really that bad—or are we just misunderstood fashion anarchists? Maybe we’re just avant-basic with a vengeance. While I can’t speak for the rest of UNSW (because honestly, I’m almost always at Wally and barely venture to the academic netherworlds known only to the brave), I think the Fashion game in med is pretty strong. So obviously, my sole reason for joining PUBS (best subcommittee) would be so that I can write this article and interview cool people (it’s true, this was my interview answer). But enough talking – let’s meet our fashion icons!
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First up, we have Donald—a first-year med student who describes his style as “elevated basics”. Think clean-guy energy: permed hair, well-fitted jeans, and perfectly cropped tees or sweaters. Every piece is chosen with surgical precision to complement his frame, making his minimalist style feel anything but basic.
For Donald, an outfit is more than just clothing, it’s part of how we carry ourselves, especially as future doctors. That’s why he gravitates towards a clean, thoughtful aesthetic, aiming to leave a good impression wherever he goes. And he may honestly be onto something. While many of us might opt for simpler outfits that seem “basic” on the surface, there’s power in the details—especially when a fit is tailored to your body type.
Besides, monochrome doesn’t have to mean boring. Donald swears by playing with textures to elevate a look, proving that subtlety and style can absolutely go hand in hand.
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Next up, we have sweet lil’ Miya with her matcha latte in hand, who’s been turning heads with her style since day one of uni – effortlessly, I might add. Apparently, she thinks she needs to “put more effort” into dressing well for class—as if her baggy cargos and brightly colored tops aren’t already putting the rest of us to shame.
Miya’s style is that perfect mix of cool and attainable. Hailing all the way from Japan—aka the holy land of fashion and thrifting—Miya proudly owns her thrift-a-holic status. She’s always exploring second hand markets and vintage stores, curating affordable gems and experimenting with different styles.
Influenced by TikTok and Pinterest, it’s no surprise her looks feel both trendy and refreshingly individual. But lately, Miya’s been embracing a slower, more intentional approach to fashion, believing that patience is key to stepping out of the trend-follower lane and into the trend-setter one. And she may be well on her way in doing so.
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Here’s Kyren. You’ve probably seen him around Wally bringing the drip —maybe even dropping him a compliment or two—because we all know he never fails to impress. Stylish and experimental, Kyren’s fashion journey has evolved from streetwear to a more refined menswear vibe. From the leather jackets to the cropped fitted tee and selvedge denim jeans, you wouldn’t believe that Kyren’s look here, like a lot of what he wears around school, is fully thrifted!
With a special flair for sewing and armed with his own personal sewing machine, he even hand-tailors pieces to better fit his body type. You wouldn’t expect anything less from someone who believes fashion should be both “sustainable and creative.” And of course, being chronically online, he draws inspiration from the trends we may all simply scroll past. While equipped with his own signature style, he’s never afraid to experiment with new shapes or silhouettes either. He might lean into the drama, but hey, boring ain’t ever part of the assignment.
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Last but definitely not least, we have Fidzani. From jerseys to academic-core, even his durag adds to the vibe—he’s all about the swag. We’ve all probably seen him around in a variety of looks, so imagine my surprise when I found out he’s not inspired by trends at all. No TikTok, no Pinterest—he just wears what he likes. And I can’t lie… the man’s got an eye.
But what really sets Fidzani apart is the “why” behind what he wears. He puts a lot of thought into the messaging of his clothes, especially when it comes to breaking stereotypes and challenging assumptions. So if there’s a slogan or wording on his outfit, trust—it’s not random. It’s intentional. It’s a statement.
That’s also why, if he had to wear one brand for life, he picked Essentials. We’ve all seen it around—some of us even own a few pieces—but not everyone knows the story behind it. The brand was created by Jerry Lorenzo as an homage to his children, built around purpose and integrity. And that kind of message is exactly what resonates with Fidzani.
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Fashion is more than just getting dressed—it’s self-expression, representation, and a statement.
We’ve seen how these four stylish individuals use what they wear to reflect who they are. Whether it’s dressing to impress, sending a message, or, as Kyren puts it, “dressing well in the morning to give you that little serotonin boost,” fashion means something different to everyone. And especially in the chaos of med school, sometimes it’s the small things—like a good outfit—that help us feel a little more human.
At the end of the day, we all have something we want to say. Some of us just say it better through our clothes. So who says med students are just Type A robots? Some of us have seriously functional right-brains. And because uni can get overwhelming, it’s all the more important to carve out time and space to stay creative, explore what we love, and express ourselves beyond just the world of medicine.
If you too are looking to up your sense of style, here are some pieces of stylistic advice from them:
What is one piece of stylistic advice you would give someone looking to elevate their sense of style?
Donald : For guys, I would say don’t be afraid to shop at the women’s section
Miya: Patience is key; wait out the trends to see if you really like it or if you’re just being influenced by the media. It’ll save you a lot of money!
Kyren: Wear clothes that make you smile 🙂
Fidzani: Think about the message you want to send out to the world, and go from there.
Peace,
Fazila Olaniyan
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