Basil Atari
Edited by Naomi Gupta
Open Air Pub (OAP) represents McGill’s beloved back-to-school tradition, blending the vibrant essence of summer with its inviting outdoor atmosphere, while also showcasing the most coveted summer fashion trends to be seen on campus. We interviewed students at OAP to get a feel of some of the most sought-after—and infamous—looks on campus and compiled this list of dos and don’ts that will help you create the right OAP fit.
Do wear a pair of beat-up sneakers. You do not want to get your new pair of off-white Chuck 70s dirty in the muddy lower field at OAP. Trust me; this is a lived experience and will take you about a whole pack of Lysol wipes and an expensive bottle of Brown’s shoe polish that you impulsively bought after your impulsive Chuck 70s purchase. In the words of Ella, a U1 Psychology student: “Wear a dirty shoe that is still kind of cute and presentable that you won’t be upset about dirtying, like shoes you don’t mind wearing to a frat.”
Do pair a tiny top with big bottoms. Seana, a U3 Computer Science student, wisely claimed, “If you have baggy bottoms, you’ve got to wear a tiny top.” This makes your outfit look more put-together and in general, is a great fashion tip. Think baby tees with some big parachute pants, or a cute tank top with a pair of long-flared jeans. This creates a cute and flowy fit that is comfy enough to withstand the OAP heat.
Don’t overlook oversized tees (just yet!) Anna, a U1 Sociology major, wore a great one-dollar, “free sissy” oversized tee that is truly a one-of-a-kind piece (#freesissy). Follow Anna’s example by wearing oversized tees that are comfy, creative, and lightweight enough for you to wear to OAP without suffocating in the heat. Consider tucking your oversized tees into your pants and then pulling them out in certain areas to create a more put-together look.
Do toss away your sandals. OAP is infamously known for its mud. Especially after a whole night of rain—not fun. Drew, a U1 Political Science student, stated, “It’s so muddy. All you can think about is the mud getting on your feet!” For the sake of avoiding this image, please set your sandals aside; this is OAP at McGill’s lower field, not your hot-beach-babe-summer. Kit, a U1 History student, thought that sandals “Brought back bad memories of girls that I used to go to camp with.” This doesn’t mean that you should not dress like a hot babe, or like you’re in summer camp, but avoid wearing sandals unless you want to give your feet a mud bath.
Don’t carry your school backpack. Do you really want to be slinging your heavy bag crammed with your laptop and other belongings all the way through security, where they will check your bag for 5 minutes and further elongate your OAP wait? I’m guessing not. A tote bag will suffice—besides, it’s way more flattering. So don’t be like the infamous backpacker Nadia, otherwise known as @grapejuicenads on TikTok. (We love you, Nadia!)
Do wear a tank top. A wife beater. Or as Philippe, a U1 International Development major, so greatly rephrased it: “A wife lover.” Whatever you want to call them, they’re hot and cool—so wear them. They are perfect for OAP.
Don’t bring your AirPods. Do you know what OAP is known for? Enjoying live music. ‘Nuff said. As absurd as this may sound, some McGillians have been caught committing this sin. This is what Miley, a U1 Education student, had to say about it: “People have been walking around with AirPods as a fashion statement—wearing them sideways, and even mid-conversation! You’re in the middle of a conversation, dude; you don’t need noise-cancelling audio.”
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