A Flair for Fashion

Paris, schmaris. Dartmouth students have always had their own sense of style.

1778

On the frontier, fashion is the first thing to go. "My family & School are in want of Cloathing...we have cut up all the sheets and table cloths which could be spared in the House, to cover their nakedness, and have now scarce a whole linen garment in the house," Dr. Wheelock writes.

1860

Formal frock coats, vests and top hats make a fashion statement during the Civil War era.

1882

Top hats are replaced with bowlers. Watch chains and walking sticks complete the new look.

1889

The brothers of Delta Kappa Epsilon assemble for their group portrait in cricket clothing imported from Britain. Historians say the style reflects the period's emphasis on the educational value of sport.

1915

Plastered down hair is really cool. Students achieve the wet look without mousse by soaking their hair, then wrapping their head in linen until dry.

1925

The Prince of Wales starts a trend by wearing his college letter sweater. The look jumps the Atlantic and makes its way to Hanover, where it becomes de rigueur for the well-dressed Dartmouth man.

1937

Fashion-conscious students look snappy in padded sports coats and flamboyant socks.

1953

Ivy League sportiness combines with 1950s neatness to produce the cleanest of clean cuts: guys in great sweaters and their dates in white blouses and dark shirts.

1974

The enrollment of women doesn't change the Dartmouth look. Both sexes are comfortable with shoulder-length locks, jeans and heavy boots.

1995

Although pierced tongues are the rage, less adventurous men demonstrate their fashion awareness by donning baseball caps and flannel shirts.

1999

The Dartmouth reports that North Face clothing is key to a trendy wardrobe.

According to a Playboy fashion spread, these Dartmouth ladsrepresented the apex of collegiate style in 1967.