India Matthews, president of the Oxford Fashion Society, shares her style secrets and where she’s shopping right now.
Cherwell’s style inspiration of the week is India Matthews, a third-year English Literature and Language student at St Hugh’s College. You might know her as the president of the Oxford Fashion Society. Or you may have seen her out and about (especially in the English Faculty Library) wearing one of her signature jackets paired with her impressive hand-drawn nail designs. I caught up with her on the phone in late August to hear all about her own style and fashion tips.
Cherwell: What are you wearing right now?
India: I’m literally in my pyjamas. I think it’s important to have low-effort days, so when I do dress up, it actually feels fun. Fashion is all about balance – I can’t be all decked out head to toe 24/7 because then it would stop being special.
Cherwell: When did you first become interested in fashion?
India: I’ve always been interested in fashion, but my taste definitely used to be very questionable. I’ve been buying second-hand clothes and going to local charity shops ever since year six. By 16, I’d started reselling stuff on Depop – I was literally one of those hated Depop girlies! I feel like each year I’ve gotten more into it, especially with TikTok and Instagram making me curious about new styles and what people from different places are wearing. Now I always look at the latest runway looks and past archival pieces for inspiration – I’ve got more into the history of fashion as time has gone on.
Cherwell: How would you describe your personal style?
India: Honestly, I never know how to describe my personal style because it’s always changing. I like to be diverse – I never want to rule anything out, and I’m not afraid to do different things. I think putting a strict label on people’s style can be unproductive, because you start limiting yourself to those categories. If I had to pin it down, I would say 90s and 2000s street style, but I like to play around rather than sticking to those as a strict formula.
Cherwell: Tell me about your nails!
India: If I don’t have my nails done, then the outfit isn’t good. I design them on my iPad and then get them done at Amy’s Nails in Oxford Golden Cross Market. Everyone better not be booking appointments now!
Cherwell: How does being in Oxford affect your personal style?
India: I was quite apprehensive before I arrived, as I couldn’t imagine there being a fashion scene in Oxford, but when I’m out and about, I definitely spot cute outfits and try to find similar things on Vinted later. Whenever I walk down the street, the first thing I’ll take in about someone is what they’re wearing. Sometimes I feel bad because I’ll be looking someone up and down, and it probably looks like I’m being really judgmental, but I’m just taking in their outfit! Oxford is definitely a trendier scene than at home (Swansea), where I sometimes feel judged walking around in something that’s a bit more out there. In Oxford, I’m not afraid to play with it a bit more because everyone is trying different things.
Cherwell: What’s your go-to Oxford everyday library outfit?
India: If it’s an all-nighter in my college library, then definitely pyjamas! Usually, if I’m going to the Radcam or just out and about, I like to put in a bit of effort. I love dressing up for lectures! The EFL is a fashion hotspot; everyone is so well dressed, it’s insane. I feel like it’s the Hannah Montana effect, where you feel more productive when you’re more put together. I will definitely go for style over comfort. My go-to outfit is probably tailored trousers, boots, any top, and a funky jacket, but I do like to wear something different every day.
Cherwell: What’s your favourite item in your wardrobe?
India: That’s like asking me to pick my favourite child! Definitely my jackets – they’re all vintage. The top three would be the Avirex faux leather I wear pretty much every day, a faux pony hair jacket from Vinted, and the Mugler skeleton jacket from Depop. They’ve got very different vibes, and each of them can change the mood of my outfit.
Cherwell: What are the clothing items you think everyone should have in their wardrobe?
India: I’m really into statement belts – belts with big buckles or the utility style with big pockets. Belts are a fun way to make a simple outfit feel more interesting without putting in any effort. I have this fake deer hair one from a small brand called Parallel X Studio – I feel like that’s my staple right now to elevate an outfit.
Cherwell: What is one item of clothing you would never wear and why?
India: It’s not really an item of clothing, but anything from a fast fashion brand. The quality is poor, it doesn’t last, and you can tell immediately when something is from Shein. Beyond that, the ethical side puts me off – how badly workers are treated, the environmental impact, and the encouragement of overconsumption.
Cherwell: What’s your biggest fashion faux pas?
India: This one moment literally keeps me awake at night. It was the trend in year 8 to wear chains on your trousers, so for a non-uniform day I went to my local pet shop and bought two literal dog chains and pinned them to my trousers. At the time, I thought I was the height of fashion, but looking back, it was not the vibe at all!
Cherwell: Where are you shopping right now?
India: Vinted (it’s Indiamatthews, if you’re interested) and Depop, but I’m quite into my small brands at the minute. Places like Akino London, Parallel X Studio, Gina Corrieri, and Paloma Wool (even though they are a bit pricey – so I’ll tend to get them second hand). I love independent websites that curate vintage pieces, such as Vival Studios. They use an app called Tilt, where sellers go on live streams to show the items, and you bid on them in real time.
Cherwell: What is your favourite place to shop in Oxford?
India: I’m more of an online shopper, but I do like Gloucester Green Market for the vibe and variety of sellers. They always have a great selection of rings.
Cherwell: What is your role in Oxford Fashion Society?
India: I’ve been president of the society since Hilary Term 2025; it’s a year-long position, so I’m in the position until the end of Michaelmas Term this year. We revamped the society when I took over, from the trendy visuals on Instagram to partnering with the Advertising Society to bring speakers in and promote events.
We want to look holistically at the creative industry and keep our finger on the pulse of the fashion scene here. We’ve done arts and crafts, nightlife events in collaboration with Industry Magazine, and last term, we even had a talk from the CMO of Burberry. Fashion is a hard industry to get into, but being a part of the Fashion Society has brought me so many opportunities. This summer, I’ve got an internship at Burberry in London to help with their fashion week preparations – so I would definitely encourage people to get involved in the Fashion Society! Committee applications are opening in Michaelmas.
Cherwell: Do you have a fashion icon or designer that inspires you?
India: My favourite fashion designer is Vivienne Westwood – there’s something about the orb as a symbol that I just love, as well as the messages behind her looks. I’m honestly a sucker for my favourite Instagram influencer girlies, such as Susie Lola (@susiegarvie), Rivers Walters (@riverswalterss), and Sadie Ludlam (@sadieludlam).
Cherwell: Finally, who in Oxford is your fashion icon?
India: Everyone from the EFL – there is this one girl who is always pulling looks. I also really love the timeless style of Alice Robey-Cave, who used to be EIC of The Isis.
