2020-2023

Double Decker Arts Festival is back 

Oxford is gearing up for the biggest weekend the town has seen in over two years. With the 25th anniversary of the Double Decker Arts Festival returning this April, there are several things to get done to prepare for this iconic weekend. 

The weekend begins on Thursday, April 2, on Swayze Field with Ole Miss playing Mississippi State. Your best pair of denim shorts and Ole Miss tee will be the way to go for the baseball game that kickstarts your Thursday at 6:00 p.m

Friday kicks off the music festival on the square. Friday is a new addition to the festival this year, which, in the past, was hosted on Saturday as the main event. The lineup begins with the Wilkins Sisters at 6:15 p.m., followed by 49 Winchester, and finishing the opening night is Brett Young. 

But, that's not the end of the night in Oxford. Immediately following Brett Young’s set, the 90s country cover band—the Mustache Band—will begin their set at the Lyric. Tickets for this show are currently $21. For Friday, it is essential to have your best cowboy boots on for this country-filled night. 

Rise and shine on Saturday morning for a day filled with good food, great art and even better music. For the early birds, there are Double Decker 5K and 10K races in the morning. If running is not your speed, kick-off Saturday by going to hear local band Happy Landing at 11:00 a.m. Happy Landing is described as an alternative folk band from none other than Oxford, Mississippi. Buffalo Nichols follows, beginning at 12:30 p.m. 

Throughout the day, there will be over 100 art vendors and over 20 local food vendors set up around the square. Along with the vendors, stores on the square will have their doors open and sales going for Double Decker. The music continues with singer-songwriter Maggie Rose at 2:00 p.m. and blues, rock, and bluegrass artist Samantha Fish at 3:30 p.m. Don’t forget to take a tour of Oxford on the iconic Double Decker Buses, which will be running all day. If you need a break from the square before the night’s music kicks off, the Ole Miss and Mississippi State baseball series continues at 3:30 p.m. in Swayze.  

Gospel R&B legend Mavis Staples begins her set at 5:00 p.m. followed by jazz sensation Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue at 6:30 p.m. To wrap up the day, listen to the soulful rock headliner The Revivalists at 8:30 p.m. The town will be alive with songs like “Wish I Knew You” and “Keep Going.” 

Double Decker lifestyle is back and better than ever. It is a weekend to embrace a small town full of culture. The weekend is not for the faint of heart but is worth every step around the square. After a two-year absence, the festival certainly shows what we missed. Get your walking shoes and dance moves ready for the weekend.  

For more information about the Double Decker Arts Festival, visit doubledeckerfestival.com. For outfit inspiration and more, read umsquaremagazine.com and follow us on our Instagram @um.squaremagazine. 

What they're wearing in: London, England

London is a melting pot of culture, cuisine, history, and fashion. As I hopped off the plane in May, I noticed summers in England are a bit different from Mississippi. Thereis a lovely chill in the mornings and it begins warming up in the evenings. The sun does not set until 10 p.m. and everything is pleasantly green. How does one dress for such a climate? The best answer is a simple one: it depends. 

A blazer is a must have, and is treated as an everyday jacket for the London locals. Whether it is thrown over a white t-shirt and jeans for a day on the town or a full pantsuit ready for the work week, you simply cannot have too many variations of a blazer. 

Sunny days in London mean summer dresses are out to play. Flowy dresses are in this season, with all types of bold patterns and colors represented. In Kensington and Chelsea, sneakers and dresses are at their peak, worn for all types of weekend events. If you are planning a stroll through Kensington Gardens, this is a must-try look. 

Jackets are essential to the London lifestyle, with unpredictable weather meaning that a rainy morning can easily turn into a sunny afternoon. Londoners always have their favorite jacket, sweater, and umbrella with them to be prepared for whatever may come their way. 

Before heading out in London, it is important to ask yourself a few questions. Where are you going? What are you doing? The perfect London wardrobe has variation among the staples. You must be prepared for an afternoon tea that can quickly turn into a night out. Afternoon tea is the perfect place to showcase your best summer dress — nothing pairs with high fashion quite like scones and finger-sandwiches. A night out in London, on the other hand, requires something a bit edgier. Locals tend toward the classic bodysuit and jeans combo when dancing the night away in Shoreditch clubs. Accessorize with funky jewelry and bags to showcase your personality. 

For a more casual day out, ditch the American athletic wear and opt for trousers and a simple tee instead, with a canvas tote to round out the look. 

Immediately after arriving in London, I knew my wardrobe needed a refresh. Zara is a staple in the UK much like in the U.S., but upon talking to locals further, I was introduced to brands like Mango, Reiss, and Hobbs. Department stores like Harrods, Selfridges, and John Lewis are one stop shops for clothes, shoes, accessories, making it easy to pick up any and all pieces you deem necessary for your wardrobe. 

Summers in London are special. The city is buzzing, everyone is soaking in the sun and warm weather, and there is always something for someone to enjoy. Whether that be Sunday Roasts at the local pub, West End shows on a Tuesday night, high tea on a Thursday afternoon, or Shoreditch clubs on a Saturday, there is room for every type of fashion in the bustling city.  No matter the weather or event, London’s fashion scene is always interesting and exciting, so take a piece out of the local’s handbook and dress for wherever the day takes you. 

For more travel tips and fashion inspiration, keep reading umsquaremagazine.com and follow us on Instagram @um.squaremagazine. 

The Origin of Trends *Print Verison* can be seen on page 33