Quad Style: Fiona Fong
My name is Fiona Fong, and I’m a third year Public Policy major. I currently serve as the co-president of the MODA Board, and have been a member of the organization since I joined the sponsorship team as a first year. Outside of MODA, I’m also involved with Alpha Omicron Pi and GlobeMed. I spend 90% of my time on the first floor of the Reg, but if I’m not there I’m probably at the Med Bakery trying to snag a rice krispy treat!
I'm wearing an American Apparel bodysuit, Steve Madden sneakers, and a Zara jacket and skirt.
How would you describe your personal style?
There really isn't a deliberate style philosophy behind anything I wear, but if I had to define it, I would describe my style as elevated casual. I gravitate towards basic pieces rather than super trendy items, and I try to wear them in a way that I hope will come across as polished with a slight urban-glam twist. I stick to a pretty simple formula for my everyday uniform - denim, stripes, gray, and black. I will admit that it can read as kind of drab at times, but I like that sticking to more understated looks makes it even more special when I go all-out for special occasions.
For this outfit I'm wearing an Express tank, Zara joggers, New Balance sneakers, a Gap jacket and an A&F hoodie.
Where do you find style inspiration?
I get most of my style inspiration from fashion bloggers and celebrities. I’m a big fan of Monica Rose and the way she has styled Chrissy Teigen, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner. The looks she creates are luxe, effortless, and sexy, and while I can’t replicate the exact outfits, I try to borrow elements from her work when I can.
Where do you like to shop?
My favorite places to shop are Aritzia, Zara, J.Crew, and Madewell. I would say the majority of the everyday items in my closet are from these stores, but when it comes to statement pieces, I always know Revolve will have something I love.
“It’s important to me that the impression I make authentically communicates who I am and how I want to be perceived.”
Do you have any fashion regrets?
Many of my fashion regrets are related to being a chronic outfit repeater. I get really attached to certain pieces of clothing and will wear an item nonstop until someone (read: my mom) stops me. I went through a particularly bad phase in 6th grade when I wore the same blue Abercrombie hoodie every single day, even after my friend spilled hot chocolate on me and left a big stain. I’m still prone to wearing items to death, but now that my taste is more refined I hope that it’s not as obvious to everyone that I wear essentially the same outfit every single day!
What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?
My relationship to fashion used to be focused on blending in with the crowd, rather than finding my own style. These days, I feel a lot more comfortable picking and choosing which trends complement the image I’m trying to create for myself, and which just don’t suit me. Fashion is how you present yourself to the outside world without having to say a word, and it’s important to me that the impression I make authentically communicates who I am and how I want to be perceived.
Why is fashion important to you?
Fashion is important to me not just as a means of self-expression, but as an art form. Since the way we view fashion is so often tied to our own identities and tastes, I think it’s powerful that fashion can be thought-provoking and statement-making without having to be conventional or even aesthetically pleasing. I am constantly in awe of what others are able to create through fashion, and I enjoy that I can appreciate the intention behind the work without necessarily wanting it for myself.
“Fashion can be thought-provoking and statement-making without having to be conventional or even aesthetically pleasing.”
