Graphic by Evelyn Shaw
If you really want to understand the culture at St. Ambrose University, don’t start with the class schedule. Start with the outfits.
From oversized hoodies in the HIVE to students stopping into ROGO to grab the latest SAU merch, campus fashion is less about trends and more about lifestyle.
What students wear often depends on where they’re headed, who they’re meeting, and sometimes how many times they hit the snooze button that morning.
Consider this the unofficial guide to SAU campus style.
The “Running Late to Class” Look
Location: Everywhere, usually fast-walking across campus
Uniform: Oversized hoodie, leggings or sweats, messy bun or baseball cap, backpack half-zipped.
Accessories: AirPods, coffee cup, phone in hand, claw clip or baseball cap
Energy: Survival mode
This might be the most common outfit on campus. Comfort is the priority and coordination is optional. The mission is simple: get to class on time.
“I pick my outfit based on how fast I need to leave,” said freshman Jackson Hofer. “If I have time for breakfast, it’s a really good day.”
The Hive Hangout Fit
Location: The HIVE, the center of campus social life
Uniform: Athleisure, matching sweat sets, trendy sneakers
Accessories: Stinger energy drink, tote bag, layered jewelry, AirPods, water bottle, On Cloud tennis shoes
Energy: Casual but intentional
Students relaxing in the HIVE might look effortless, but the outfits are often more put together than they appear. Matching sets, layered jewelry and clean sneakers are common.
Many students also stop by the Bee Hive to grab a Stinger energy drink before settling in to study or catch up with friends.
“It’s kind of the campus meeting spot,” said Freshman Rachael Bauer. “You see everyone there at some point during the day.”
The ROGO Game Day Outfit
Location: ROGO
Uniform: School colors, jerseys, Ambrose merch
Accessories: SAU hats, face stickers, scarves, game-day buttons, clear stadium bags
Energy: Loud and spirited
Students often stop by the ROGO to pick up the latest Ambrose gear before heading to campus sporting events. On game days, school spirit becomes part of the outfit, with students wearing jerseys, hoodies, and other SAU merch to support the team.
“If there’s a game, you dress for the vibe,” said sophomore Nathan Newman. “Even if it’s freezing outside.”
The Athlete Winter Look
Location: Walking to practice, leaving the gym, or anywhere outside in winter
Uniform: Team gear, leggings or athletic shorts, hoodie and a large SAU parka-style winter coat
Accessories: Backpack, water bottle, Beats or AirPods headphones, gym bag
Energy: Cold but committed
When winter hits in Iowa, athletes on campus have a recognizable style. Even if they’re wearing shorts or workout gear underneath, it’s almost always paired with a large team-issued parka to survive the walk across campus.
“You’ll see us walking around in shorts and the biggest coat possible,” sophomore Olivia Moisa said. “It’s the only way to stay warm between practice and class.”
The oversized winter coats have become a staple look for many student-athletes during the colder months.
The WRC Gym Fit
Location: Wellness and Recreation Center (WRC)
Uniform: Athletic shorts or leggings, hoodies, sneakers, headphones
Accessories: Headphones (AirPods or Beats), water bottle, gym bag, Apple Watch or fitness tracker
Energy: Focused but casual
At the WRC, comfort and functionality come first. Students show up in athletic wear ready for workouts, pickup basketball games, or a quick break between classes. Gym fits usually include leggings, athletic shorts, oversized hoodies, oversized T-shirt’s, and sneakers—often paired with Airpods or Beats headphones and a water bottle.
“It’s the one place on campus where no one is judging your outfit,” sophomore Tyler Close stated. “Everyone’s just there to work out.”
The “She Doesn’t Even Go Here” Look
Location: Walking around campus, visiting friends, or spotted in the HIVE
Uniform: Trendy outfit, styled hair, different college sweatshirt, cute jacket, fashionable sneakers or boots
Accessories: Crossbody bag, sunglasses, layered jewelry, Stanley cup or iced coffee
Energy: Effortlessly put together
Every once in a while, you see someone walking across campus who looks like they stepped straight out of a Pinterest board.
The outfit is coordinated, the hair is styled, and the whole look feels slightly more polished than the typical hoodie-and-sweats campus uniform.
Sometimes it turns out they’re visiting a friend, stopping by campus for the day, or just have a different schedule that allows them to actually get ready in the morning.
“You can always tell when someone didn’t roll out of bed five minutes before class,” Grace Fessler joked.
And occasionally, the giveaway is the sweatshirt from a completely different university.
The “Stinger Run” Outfit
Location: The Bee Hive
Uniform: Hoodie, sweats or leggings, UGG slippers, messy hair, wallet or phone in hand
Accessories: Phone, wallet, Stinger energy drink, AirPods
Energy: Desperate for caffeine
Everyone on campus has had the moment when they realize they need a Stinger immediately.
Whether it’s before an early class, during a long study session, or halfway through the afternoon slump, the Bee Hive quickly becomes the most important stop of the day.
The outfit for a Stinger run is rarely planned. It’s usually whatever someone was already wearing when the caffeine craving hit.
Students can often be spotted speed-walking toward the Bee Hive in sweatpants, oversized hoodies and slides, determined to get their energy drink before the line gets too long.
“It’s not about the outfit,” one student said. “It’s about getting the Stinger as fast as possible.”
The “I Have My Life Together” Look
Location: Presentations, internships or days when motivation hits
Uniform: Structured jacket, fitted jeans, boots or clean sneakers, coffee in hand
Accessories: Laptop bag, coffee cup, watch, tote or leather backpack
Energy: Confident and put together
Every student has a day when they show up looking like they have everything under control, even if their schedule says otherwise.
These outfits often appear on presentation days, networking events or internship shifts.
The Thrifted Statement Outfit
Location: Anywhere on campus, but always noticeable
Uniform: Vintage jacket, baggy jeans, unique accessories and one-of-a-kind pieces
Accessories: Tote bag, vintage sunglasses, rings, layered necklaces
Energy: Effortlessly cool
Thrifting has become increasingly popular among college students, and SAU is no exception. Many students build outfits around vintage pieces that stand out from typical retail styles.
“I love thrifting because no one else will have the same thing,” said sophomore Brody Miguel. “It makes your outfit feel more personal.”
The Library Lock-In Look
Location: The library during midterms and finals
Uniform: Sweatpants, hoodie, UGG’s, laptop charger and an energy drink
Accessories: Laptop, charger, highlighters, snacks, Stinger energy drink, Airpods
Energy: Academic endurance
When midterms and or finals roll around, fashion becomes practical. Comfort and warmth matter most during long study sessions.
Students settle in for hours with snacks, caffeine and layers that can survive a full night of studying.
Why Campus Style Matters
Fashion at SAU is not about following one trend. It reflects the rhythm of college life.
Students dress for comfort, self-expression, and whatever the day demands—from early morning classes to late-night study sessions.
The result is a constantly evolving mix of athleisure, school spirit, thrifted pieces, and the occasional “I have my life together” outfit.
At St. Ambrose, what you wear often says a lot about where you are headed next.
