The clothing a person wears can say a lot about who they are and what they like. Fashion is not just the clothes people wear or the latest trends. Through fashion, students are able to express themselves and their values. Fashion can be an art and a sanctuary.
“I think through fashion it helps me develop a sense of self because the way that you dress reflects your inner values and personality and your character,” says senior Isabella (Zabe) Lee. “I think by dressing the way that I do… it’s a way to be like, I’m okay with who I am now, and this is who I am.”
Trends have also made a huge difference in the way society currently dresses and shops. Brands like Hollister, American Eagle, Pacsun, Brandy Melville, and many more stores with a similar “Y2K” vibe have reshaped the fashion industry with closet staples like henley tops, baggy jeans, sweatpants, and tank tops. Many individuals express themselves through the outfits that are trending and can be found shopping at the same stores.
“I like keeping up with the trends, but also if you fall too much into the trends, then you stop becoming your own person,” says Kash.
Students should be able to express themselves through trends if it is what makes them the most comfortable.
“True fashion should be about reflecting. Reflecting who you are on the inside, and you feeling good and happy,” says Lee.
All around campus, there are many individuals who wear and experiment with different styles. For some students, fashion plays a big role in their daily lives. Just the daily routine of putting on an outfit and getting ready can make a huge difference for them.
“[Fashion] helped me become a lot more confident in myself,” says freshman Lola Kash. “I feel more open and ready to talk to people when I am in a cute outfit, you know?”
On the other hand, some students may feel like fashion has become something more naturally incorporated into their lifestyle, but they still take pride in expressing individuality through it.
“I just [dress up]. I think it’s fun,” says freshman class president Benjamin Beteta. “ I think it’s cool to learn about the history of the clothes that I wear, their stories, and how they came to be.”
Sophomores Briseis Diaz and Quinn Ebs are also people who express individuality through fashion by starting the Fashion Media Club, which is a community for students who have an interest in arts and fashion. Both individuals are extremely dedicated to pursuing a future in fashion and expressed how they had always known they would want to start the Fashion Media Club.
“I want to have the impression that we all are a community, and that everyone has their own sense of style,” says Diaz. “Everyone can express themselves and show and explore their individual style, and they get to know each other,” adds Ebs.