Walking my dog, I feel free to wear the most unhinged outfits
Recently, I've seen more than one glamorous woman on TikTok warn her followers never to go to the gym without wearing makeup and a cute outfit, in case they have to interact with their weights room crush. Any time I see a friend who's recently given birth, she apologises so profusely for her dark circles and old T-shirt that you'd think she'd committed a minor commonwealth offence. I've heard about someone who puts on a full corporate outfit, including high heels, to sit at the kitchen table in her own home to work.
I despair. Where are our opportunities to look an absolute mess?
Grooming standards are a personal thing. Mine have always been minimal enough to appal every member of my immediate family: unbrushed hair, bare face, no bra. I enjoy dressing up sometimes, but my everyday vibe is more Adam Sandler going for a stroll.
Lucky for me, I've found a loophole in the social expectation of put-togetherness: dog walking fashion.
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When I have my handsome shih tzu trotting by my side, I can go out in the most unhinged ensembles and nobody seems bothered. I am invisible, I am untouchable, I am immune to the judgment of others because I am out with my dog.
Let me paint you a picture. In the summer months, I might step out in a pair of fuchsia linen harem pants that my mum bought in Greece (that have a hole in the crotch), paired with a 2017 Britney Spears concert memorabilia T-shirt and knee-high, shark-print compression socks tucked into faded blue Birkenstocks that have been worn so many times they bear the dark imprint of my foot sweat. Another day, it might be striped boxer shorts, a tank top that's hanging on for dear life, and no shoes; it is my right, as an Australian, to feel the warmth of the pavement on my footsies.
When it's cold, I'll slip into something like this: pants that are, technically speaking, pyjamas, tucked into lilac ankle gumboots, an old jumper of my dad's, finished with a thigh-length raincoat buttoned in a hurry, inaccurately. Or fleece-lined track pants, a jumper with an otter on it, socks and thongs. I work from home, so often it's a case of chucking my favourite item of clothing – a second-hand coat my sister bought in 2009 that looks like a picnic rug with sleeves and has become mine by squatter's rights – over the top of whatever cosy outfit I've cobbled together that morning.
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It's a grab what's near and what's comfortable situation; the less thought put into it, the better. And it's a precious chance for me to take the clothes I am not yet prepared to retire for a spin in the outside world. Stained? No problem. Threadbare? Get it on. When I am with my dog, anything goes.
Nobody blinks an eye. Nobody raises their phone ominously to film me for an Instagram round up of worst dressed strangers. I am free. I am a mess. I am just a girl walking her dog.
And I am not alone. I see you, my chaotically dressed dog-walking brethren: in pyjamas and ugg boots, in animal onesies, in long socks and sandals, short shorts, disintegrating T-shirts, charity shop jumpers. Baseball caps over unwashed hair. Muddy paw prints on your trackpants from the last wet walk. We're in this together and hey, we might not be catwalk ready, but we do have our dogs.
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‘I met my best friend': two students on the many benefits of joining university clubs
There are few times in life better suited to trying new things than your student years. In fact, many people would say that's the whole point of going to university. Higher education is about more than just the subject you study – it's a time to meet new people, step outside of your comfort zone and discover new things about yourself. And one of the best ways to do that is by joining student clubs and societies. Now in the third year of his philosophy degree at the University of Lincoln, Thomas Woodcock is a member of no less than seven student societies – ranging from archery to animal sciences, the book club to bellringing, and Kin-Ball to philosophy. The 22-year-old's choice of societies perfectly illustrates the huge range of clubs on offer at universities – whether you're looking to keep fit, learn or maintain skills, dive deeper into your degree subject or simply socialise, there will almost definitely be something that ticks the box. While many of Woodcock's activities are new to him, the hobby that's proved most meaningful is one he's had since childhood, and has continued at university. 'I joined Lincoln University Guides and Scouts (Lugs) at the start of my first year, having been Scouting since I was six years old,' he says. 'Although it's a relatively small society, the community I have because of Lugs has really contributed to my enjoyment of uni. Many of the friends I have made are from Lugs, and I don't know what my experience would have been like if hadn't joined, but I do believe I would have been worse off – that's how important this society, the community, and the people within it have been to me and my student experience.' It's a sentiment that 19-year-old Maya Mathiou-Rose, now in the second year of her psychology degree at the University of York, can relate to. Unlike Woodcock, Mathiou-Rose has channelled her time and energy into just one passion – volleyball – but she has also found that the impact on her university experience has extended far beyond the court. 'Joining any society allows you to find like-minded people and form lifelong connections,' she says. 'I can personally attest to this – having met my best friend, Aurelie, during the team tryouts in first year, we've been inseparable ever since. I also met my three current housemates through the University of York volleyball club (UYVC) and the James College volleyball club. Playing volleyball has not only brought us together, but also strengthened the bond between us.' Woodcock and Mathiou-Rose are far from alone in feeling that their university experience has been enhanced by joining a club or society. A study released by British University and College Sports (BUCS) in May 2025, covering the previous year, found that almost 94% of students agreed that being involved in sport gave them a sense of belonging to their institution and its community. Another recent study, conducted by the University of Lincoln students' union, found that students who were members of a society (of 17,414 students, 4,351 were involved in an activity) were more likely to complete their studies. 'Of the 1,774 who have withdrawn this year, only 86 (5%) were activity members,' reads the report. 'This means that just 2% of activity members withdrew, compared to 10% of non-activity members, highlighting that students involved in sports or societies are five times more likely to continue their studies than those who are not activity members.' Joining a society (or seven) isn't just a great way to enrich your university experience, it can also positively affect your life post-graduation. Extracurricular activities don't only look great on your CV – adding depth and breadth to your life experience – they're also a great way to learn new skills and build your confidence. This is especially true if, like Woodcock and Mathiou-Rose, you go one step further and take on a leadership role. 'As the secretary of the UYVC I've developed key skills which are directly relevant to the career I want to pursue in human resources,' says Mathiou-Rose. 'It's given me real, tangible experiences to reflect on in interviews, like managing stakeholder relationships, handling logistics under pressure, and maintaining clear and professional communication.' As for their advice for the next generation of students about to embark on their own higher education journeys, Woodcock says: 'Go to the sports and societies fairs during freshers' week and talk to the committees and members. Register your interest in those that sound good, and go to the taster sessions. I promise you it will be worth it. The communities and support I have built have massively helped me over the last three years – I can't recommend joining a society more.' Mathiou-Rose recommends not just joining societies, but getting involved in their structure and management. 'It's through this deeper engagement that you gain experiences and lessons that you'll cherish for a lifetime.' For more guidance on the right course for you, check out the Guardian university league tables for 2025. The Guardian league tables for 2026 will be out on 13 September in print and online
