Quad Style: Daisy Okoye

Dude--this is so cool. Okay, hey guys! I’m Daisy Okoye, a freshman in the College who should be reading Nicomachean Ethics right now… but here we are. As far as majors go, I’ve been looking into Law, Letters, and Society, Psychology, and Business Econ (surprise) as well as a possible East Asian Languages and Civilization minor focusing on Korean. I’m a Program Intern at Kids In Danger, a non-profit advocating for safety regulations on children’s products, who’s managed to claim the position of Community Engagement/Sustainability Ambassador of Salisbury house in BJ. If you can’t catch me doing any of these things (or my actual coursework), I might be running through pieces of choreography with Excolatur Dance Crew, attending ACSA or OBS events, avoiding Mansueto like the plague, or having a family dinner with my friends. Relaxation usually involves me reorganizing Spotify playlists (current addictions: Mulherin, Hyukoh, Flo Milli) and styling any willing members of my house.

What are you wearing for this shoot?

“After an unreasonable amount of deliberation, I decided to wear something I really enjoy. Every item kind of has a story.”

The first outfit (pictured above) features one of my closet favorites: a long black raincoat with bold, yellow, METALLICA-related text. Underneath this is a black turtleneck with a pair of pale green denim overalls. The last touch on this one is a mini beanie in my favorite color (bright yellow). Plus, of course, I had to throw on a much-loved, over-worn closet staple--my leather Chelsea boots.

In outfit two (pictured below), the base is a pair of black jeans that I ripped at the knees (during Lizzo’s performance on TV at the VMAs, for context) and wear folded to the ankles. The innermost top layer is a black fishnet-sleeved shirt. On that is this sick El Toro shirt I got from Six Flags in Jersey on Senior Night. The last layer here is my ultra-oversized and thrifted button-up, sleeves hiked up past my elbows. I threw in a mess of accessories to play around with detail. Make it a bit kitschy with the mock gold chains, heavy chainmail/metallic lion-detailed belt, and my actual glasses (near-sighted gang). White socks with tiny grey dots under my black and white Nike’s and my white and tan patterned headscarf for a couple extra statements of contrast just about tie everything together (at least to me haha).

Lastly, I tapped into a bit of that feminine energy with a flowy black silk skirt with a long leg slit and sheer puff-sleeved crop top. Air Forces back in their rightful places on my feet, I accessorized just a bit before grabbing a face sketch button-up shirt I’d salvaged from an underground market in Korea. This last look was meant to be simple, focusing more attention on the black-and-white details than anything else.

How would you describe your personal style?

My sense of style is… a bit difficult to pin down. At the core of it, though, I play around a lot with androgynous fashion. On one end, this equates to a combination of “skater boi” and urban comfort styles, a love for power-move business casual, and solid-colored jumpsuits. On the other, it’s a backless lace dress and space buns balanced with a growing chain collection. These parts, plus a particular affinity for Timberland boots (resulting from living in New York for my entire life), encompass just about every aspect of my fashion sense.

Where do you like to shop?

I am extremely unattached to brands, so I will honestly get clothes from anywhere that is A) reasonably priced (i.e. has a sale section I can beeline for and not laugh at the prices) and B) has some weird gems. Ridiculously enough, I never really knew where to thrift shop back in New York, but Goodwill is always a great place to be. Also, lowkey, jump into the clothing section of Target… it’s a high quality experience. 

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Regrets? Hm… I don’t think I have those with fashion. I mean, yeah, never again will I unironically wear those obnoxious graphic tees from Justice or let my mom take over my everyday wardrobe for any amount of valid currency you could offer me, but I don’t necessarily regret wearing them at the time. It’s the Progress Principle; through the years, I’ve enjoyed this ever-continuing process of developing my style most of all. 

“Through the years, I’ve enjoyed this ever-continuing process of developing my style."

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

At first I didn’t really have one. Like I said, in elementary school, my mom had full command of what I wore. My designated “school clothes” were typically boring and distinctly less trendy by 2000s mom standards than “going out clothes” or “church clothes”. By middle school, I just wanted to wear what the popular kids were wearing. I would’ve traded existences with one girl in particular just to experience her life of endless Abercrombie and Uggs. High school was the biggest turn around for me; I saw people actually making an effort to express their tastes beyond the Hollister fads and started trying things out. By the time I got to senior year, I was a French-tucking, pant-folding, Pinterest board-making, oversized-wearing, color-blocking machine. Now, at college, I’ve gotten to branch into things my mom maybe wouldn’t let me want me to walk out with on a cold day for “the sake of the fit”. My relationship with fashion, I suppose, is similar to what a musician has with their favorite instrument. Practicing everyday, feeling weird when you haven’t picked it up in a minute, sharing what you’ve done with other people, taking pride in it—the whole simile. It’s my own personal art. I recently realized I call my clothes “pieces” for this exact reason. Outfits are finished products. 

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is important to me for a multitude of reasons, but I’ll level it off to a few. First, it presents a point of relative stability in my life. The only constant ritual of my morning routine is the time I allot myself to coordinate a look, so if you see me running across campus in the morning, I probably maxxed out on that time. I come from a pretty artsy town in New York--fashion and music are the pieces of artistic freedom I need to grant myself time for on the daily. It reminds me of home, I think. Also, the clothes I choose to wear represent the vibe I want to embody that day. If I get a rather unfortunate grade on a p-set or need a pick-me-up to get me through my nth midterm of the quarter, there is nothing, nothing better than experimenting with a killer combination of clothes and walking across campus blasting Beef by Flo Milli on headphones. Guaranteed 105% success rate. Especially if you watched America’s Next Top Model from the womb until the 7th grade. Last, it’s so much easier to accept and embrace my more androgynous features and tastes when I remember that it’s just a testament to my versatility. Trust me, I can do “frat boy chic” like no one’s business but switch seamlessly into “sorority girl summer” the next day. Having the power to be so adaptable has made me enjoy being, well, me a lot more than I used to. There’s always something new to try, some piece of me that is evolving that aligns with an expansion in style. Some new happiness to be derived, I suppose.

Having the power to be so versatile has made me enjoy being…well, me a lot more than I used to. There is always something new to try, some piece of me that is evolving and aligns with an expansion in style.

Photos courtesy of Fatou Ndoye

Quad Style: Aanya Jhaveri

My name is Aanya Jhaveri, and I’m a fourth year double majoring in Computational and Applied Mathematics and Statistics. On campus, I’m involved in Pi Phi, where I just wrapped up my term as the Vice President of Membership, and in my free time I love cooking and working out.

The red sweater outfit) Marissa Webb Sweater (Rented), Pants from Zara, Jewelry is kind of an amalgam of things my mom passed down or got for me (my necklace and the small hoops in my second piercing) and the big hoops are from Lulus. My shoes are from Nordstrom Rack.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is pretty much anything I find comfortable. I like to work out so I spend maybe 75% of my time in workout clothes, but the rest of the time I’m usually in my “uniform” of black pants, a belt, and a sweater or tee that I can throw on pretty quickly before class. I’ve recently gotten a bit more adventurous with my style since I can rent items without having to commit to them, so I’ve tried out a fair number of interesting coats and dresses as well. I wouldn’t really count them as my personal style, but more statement pieces.

Where do you find style inspiration?

I find most of my inspiration on the Rent the Runway app (I promise this is not sponsored!!) because they let you see how other people styled the exact same item you are about to rent. Other than that, mostly instagram or whatever randomly comes up on Pinterest. I wouldn’t say I’m a super adventurous dresser, but if something has good reviews in the RTR app, I’ll probably try it even if it doesn’t really fit my vibe just to check it out.

Where do you like to shop?

I don’t really shop anymore because I’m part of the Rent the Runway Unlimited program. I get to rent pieces I’d never be able to purchase and swap them out as often as I like. It’s been a dream for me to be able to experiment with my style in a noncommittal and sustainable way. I’d say most of the staple pieces in my closet like jeans and basic tops that I’ve had for years are from Zara, & Other Stories, and TJ Maxx.

“It’s been a dream for me to be able to experiment with my style in a noncommittal and sustainable way”

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Nothing specific, but I regret all the purchases I’ve made of clothes that don’t fit me perfectly. I used to love to shop a lot when I was a teenager and I would buy all of these clothes that were cute in theory but not in practice, and I’d definitely be so much better off having not spent that money or just buying one well-fitting item instead.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

I guess the only think that’s really changed about my relationship to fashion is the amount of care and consideration I put into making a purchase. For reference, the only things I’ve bought since April (aside from workout clothes or pajamas) are a plain white t-shirt and the rainboots in this shoot, which are both very practical and versatile purchases. I won’t buy a piece until I can try it out, I usually rent it to try it out, then I mostly end up getting sick of it anyways, and finally I just return the rental and end up not buying the piece in the end. This, compared to high-school me buying random stuff at fast fashion stores just for the sake of having variety, is so much more eco and budget friendly for my needs.

Mock neck top from Zara, Paige jeans, Belt from & Other Stories, Puffer from Louna (Rented). Jewelry and Shoes are the same.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion has always been the small bit of self-expression I have in my day, because my other interests don’t leave too much room to be creative. I’ve also always felt like the effort I put into my outfit was directly correlated to both the quality of day I would have as well as how productive I was, so fashion has been a great tool for feeling put-together even when its super gross outside or finals week stress hits

Images courtesy of Angela Fung

Quad Style: Katherine Maschka Hitchcock

I’m Katherine Maschka Hitchcock and I’m a second year History major from Pasadena, CA. I love cats, goat cheese, and vintage shopping and on campus I write for the MODA blog and try to stay healthy and sane. When I’m not in class I’m usually in Harper drinking green tea or procrastinating in Bartlett. 

How would you describe your personal style?

I don’t think I can accurately describe it. I buy what I like which tends to be 50s and 60s dresses, beachy tops and jeans, and colorful but classic menswear. I gravitate towards classic silhouettes in weird patterns and colors. This year I decided to bring only a capsule wardrobe to school based on the idea of easy tailored menswear so I have a lot of blazers, pants, and button downs mixed with oversize cardigans and simple tshirts this quarter.

I’m wearing a vintage blouse from Playclothes in Burbank, a pair of vintage men’s Levis from Crossroads, a Ralph Lauren belt, Coach boots from TheRealReal, secondhand Chloe sunglasses, a suede jacket from a vintage shop in Florence, an opal ring, and my great grandma’s earrings, watch, and necklace.

Where do you find style inspiration?

I subscribe to 4 magazines and I read ManRepeller and Vogue.com daily. I screenshot or cut out anything that speaks to me and then create collages based on the themes I find. I also read a lot of fashion history and watch too many period dramas. At home I have a large shelf dedicated to my fashion library.

Where do you like to shop?

I shop and buy pretty much exclusively secondhand. I have a few special items from TheRealReal but most of my clothes are thrifted or from vintage stores and flea markets. When I buy new I usually buy from Everlane. My mom and I are completely obsessed; I’m pretty sure half her closet is their stuff. The Rose Bowl Flea Market is my absolute favorite though. I live within walking distance of it and would go every month when I lived back at home. Unfortunately, last year I could only go once in the summer. I have a few favorite vintage stores in LA, a few on Magnolia in Burbank and also a consignment shop in Pasadena called Clothes Heaven. That’s where I got the black dress I’m wearing in the shoot. I would go to browse and play dress up at least once a week because the store is a block away from the coffee shop where I’d do my homework in high school. I ended up making friends with the women who own the shop and whenever I’d get frustrated with calculus I’d go in and they’d dress me up in vintage Prada and Chanel and have a wonderful time.

“ I think the only thing I regret is holding onto items that didn’t make me feel good about myself.”

Do you have any fashion regrets?

There are quite a few entirely questionable choices in my past, but none that I regret per say.  I think the only thing I regret is holding onto items that didn’t make me feel good about myself.

Do you have any fond memories with Fashion?

Every Halloween I consider a fond memory with fashion. Costumes were the first avenue in which I was exposed to fashion and I got more and more into costumes, especially historical costumes, as a way to gain confidence through clothing. My favorite costume I’ve ever had was Elizabeth the First. I had a replica of her coronation dress made through Etsy and I threw a huge costume party for my 16th birthday. It is a super impressive dress and I felt so powerful wearing it, even though I had a severely sprained ankle at the time!

I’m wearing a Calypso dress I got from Clothes Heaven consignment shop in Pasadena, a thrifted shirt, earmuffs from TheRealReal, my dad’s ski beanie from the 80s, another pair of Madova gloves from Florence, cotton socks from Etsy, and Doc Marten Leona boots

“ Costumes were the first avenue in which I was exposed to fashion and I got more and more into costumes, especially historical costumes, as a way to gain confidence through clothing”

I’m wearing a vintage skirt from a shop in Boystown, an Isaac Misrahi button down from the new Target revival, cotton knee high socks from Etsy, a beanie from my summer camp on Catalina Island, Madova gloves from Florence, a vintage Italian Coca-Cola purse I purchased for too much money at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, and vintage cowboy boots from the Flea Market as well.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

Fashion is my costume and my armor. In middle school my clothing was both what made me miserable and what made me feel the most powerful. I am nearly 6 feet tall and my school had a really strict dress code that allowed the administration and therefore the other students to single me out and comment on my clothes and my body. I developed an eating disorder during that time and clothing was the only way to help me feel confident about myself and how I looked, but I couldn’t wear anything above my knee because I would be subject to commentary and public humiliation if I did. It was an extremely difficult time, but that experience is what solidified the intensely personal relationship I have to fashion. Fashion gives me the confidence and power to get through the hard days. It is my barrier against self-loathing and it is an extension of myself.

“Fashion gives me the confidence and power to get through the hard days. It is my barrier against self-loathing and it is an extension of myself. ”

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Photos courtesy of Andrew Chang

Quad Style: Adeyemi Thomas

Yemi, as he introduces himself, occupies his space easily, with a strong thread of self-assurance that thrums throughout our chat. His smiles come easily, though his smolder is strong, and he begins each sentence with purpose.

Can you introduce yourself to our readers? (e.g. name, year, majors + minors, RSOs + hobbies)

Hey, I’m Yemi! I’m a second-year premed Neuroscience and potential Psychology double major from western Massachusetts (not Boston). I’ve always had a passion for community service: I’m the Service Chair of Phi Delt and I’m involved in Alpha Phi Omega (Michelle Obama’s frat!) On campus, I’m also involved in OBS (Organization of Black Students) and the NEURO Club. Besides helping out in my community, I’m super passionate about art and music (I love *most* genres) and find it hard not to play every piano I see. 

This is one of my casual, sunny-day fits. I’m wearing a matching floral button-up and shorts from Fashion Nova and a pair of Bacco Bucci Oxfords that I love to wear and stole from my dad. My accessories are a pair of Ray-Ban Clubmasters, a Citizen Eco-Drive wristwatch, an Adidas Originals fanny pack, a *handful* of rings off Amazon that I’ve grown attached to, and gold Africa and scroll pendant necklaces that were gifts from my mum that I wear nearly every day because they remind me of my Nigerian heritage and my mum’s constant stream of advice.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is entirely dependent on Chicago’s inconsistent weather, my activities for the day, or my mood at the moment I’m deciding what I want to spend a day in. As expected, my style can seem more or less all over the place, ranging from “extra af” splashes of colour or graphics to more minimalistic solid colours which are easier to coordinate. Being in Chicago, my outfits typically have some element of practicality to them, like a fanny pack or crossbody bag on warmer days (since deep-pocketed shorts don’t exist in my wardrobe) to a light jacket or oversized hoodie on cooler days. When I’m not wearing a pair of Oxfords or Chelseas, I tend to go for a solid pair of Vans since I get around on a longboard and they’ve proven to be both reliable and comfortable.

Where do you find style inspiration?

My fashion was initially inspired by my dad and oldest brother, who both gravitated towards more classic looks like layering turtlenecks and wool sweaters with a double-breasted wool peacoat or camel coat. As I grew, especially after starting college, I began to place more of my personality in my style (at least for my spring and summer fashion), going for obscure graphics, anything with a flower on it, and whatever hidden gems I manage to thrift. Nowadays, I tend to style myself after what would look good to me, and some of my looks “work” while some don’t and my style is always changing.

Where do you like to shop?

I already know the Gucci belt kids are totally gonna drag me for this (and I don’t care), but no, I’m not dropping hundreds on clothes. One thing that I know is a constant is my love for finding great deals and saving money. I’m loath to pay full price for anything so when I shop, it usually consists of me online shopping, jumping from site to site until I find a piece that’s both realistically priced and screams “Yemi.” Most of my clothes are from sales at Urban Outfitters, Pac-sun, Macys (they have great turtlenecks) and a select few items from, dare I say, *Forever 21* (audible gasps). Besides this, I love finding clothes in thrift stores that you wouldn’t normally see anywhere else and picking out some vintage shirts from my dad’s closet. 

Why is fashion important to you?

More or less, fashion to me is the way I express myself to the world. Ever since I was much younger, like many kids, I’d loved to express myself through drawing or painting, as it provided a sense of freedom. For me, I’ve always placed fashion as existing as this same sense of freedom. Fashion allows people to make themselves their own canvas where they can truly express themselves simply by what they choose to wear. Like painting, people are allowed to start a new canvas with a new style or a new outfit, becoming a different person each day. Fashion has always been important to me because my style represents my personality and my feelings on any given day or time better than any other medium. It allows us to  be subtle, or to be loud, to make a statement, and to truly be the people we want to be. To me, fashion represents so much more than just the clothes you wear.

All images via Jaire Byers. View his online photography portfolio here.

Quad Style: Richard Wu

My name is Richard Wu and I’m a fourth year Public Policy major. I’m involved with GlobeMed and I’m on the Fencing team. Outside of school, I’m working on a food review startup called Foodie. I love to watch food travel shows, cook, and eat-- often in that order.

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How would you describe your personal style?
I learned two important fashion lessons from my dad: how I dress is a sign of respect for my station, and to never skimp on quality. I don’t own anything avant garde and I’m probably a few trends behind, but I’m proud to say my personal style is one that champions occasion and comfort.

Where do you find style inspiration?
I’m inspired most by people who break the rules. It’s one thing to respect fashion and trends, but another thing entirely to be so comfortable in your personal style that you erase the concept of faux pas.

Where do you like to shop?

Like the next guy, I like a well-stocked thrift store, and bargain hunting at Banana Republic and UNIQLO. I’m also a big fan of online shops that are moving the needle like CAUSEGEAR, a brand which pays their workers self-sustaining wages. I’m a sucker for concert swag and, at the end of the day, there’s nothing like a good free t-shirt at a career fair.

My first sweater was a gift from the grandparents after they heard I would be headed to Chicago. I’m wearing a Jack London coat over it with Johnston & Murphy Chelsea boots and Banana Republic Aiden fit Chinos.

Do you have any fashion regrets?
I took some bold risks my first year with shoes with tassels and thrifted oxfords that later fell apart. I quickly learned that “weird and vintage” does not always make for “cool and comfortable”.

“In college, I was able to really explore what clothes made me feel happy and confident. ”

I’m wearing a Webmore Houndstooth blazer and a Uniqlo crew neck underneath. The socks were a gift from my girlfriend, with whom I share a love of odd socks (just be glad I didn’t break out my fa-la-la-la-llama or Iron Man ones). The watch I have on is the Daniel Wellington Classic Durham, given to me by my brother when I was his best man last year.The bracelet is actually two pieces of yarn from the WNDR museum - my girlfriend wears a matching pair, but with a less cool teal and pink.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time? / Why is fashion important to you?

Being a first generation Asian American defined my relationship to fashion in many ways. Fashion was never a part of my parents’ identities - growing up, they wore a handful of t-shirts, and patched them up in preparation to be handed down to the next generation. In a life where frugality was paramount, the thought of having a closetful of clothes was almost offensive. My fashion (or lack thereof) made me feel different -- or lesser -- than my classmates. As a result, I compensated by stealing whatever clothes my brother would let me take. He’s eight years older, and had a cache of what I considered to be all-American wear - graphic tees, college club shirts, etc.

As I entered high school and had pocket money to spend, I started buying all the brands I’d seen my brother and friends wear. I thought I would feel more “American,” but I discovered this “style” didn’t speak to my character at all. I was dressing for others, not myself. In college, I was able to really explore what clothes made me feel happy and confident. I realized I could still have discriminating taste while supporting environmentally and ethically sound brands. In many ways, I’ve come full circle to my childhood, but comfortable with unconventional fashion and a small closet.

“In many ways, I’ve come full circle to my childhood, but comfortable with unconventional fashion and a small closet.”

I have on a Lee denim bomber jacket and a sweater I purchased while on a trip to Peru with friends

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Photos Courtesy of Jaire Byers. Check out his portfolio for more photos here!

Quad Style: Isabella Martin

My name is Isabella, and I’m a 4th year majoring in Biological Sciences (Ecology and Evolution) and History. I love music — especially folk music — and help organize the annual 2-day U of C Folk Festival as president of the Folklore Society. I also love to sing, and perform with Men in Drag a cappella. I’m also a big fan of global health and medicine in general, so I’m a crew chief on the University of Chicago Emergency Medical Services unit as well. After all that, in my free time I like to dance at Zumba, bake (I like to pretend I’m on the Bake-Off), and binge TV (I’ve seen RuPaul’s Drag Race season 5 about 8 times).

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How would you describe your personal style?

In my mind, my style’s a combination of vintage and bohemian. In reality, it’s more like ‘business professional with a cool necklace and booties, a crop top when it’s not hypothermically cold outside, and a jean jacket.’ I don’t have a lot of clothing, which apparently is called a ‘capsule wardrobe.’ I’m interested in environmental sustainability and sustainable fashion; however, because I don’t necessarily have the funds to buy sustainably yet, I try to shop very little, put a lot of consideration into purchasing accent pieces, focus on thrifting, and incorporating familial and ‘borrowed’ pieces - like jewelry - into my wardrobe.

For my first outfit, I’m wearing my ‘business casual’ pants from Ann Taylor, Steve Madden booties, and a shirt I had sewn for me while working in Kumasi, Ghana this summer. I spent way to much time picking out fabric, and had initially planned to sew something myself, but when I actually bought the fabric I was like ‘nah I’m too afraid I’ll screw this up,’ and ended up going to a tailor — I think that’s the first time I’ve ever spent money on wanting something to fit well! I’m also wearing earrings from the 2017 Metropolitan Museum of Art jewelry catalogue and a necklace and bracelet I stole from my classy mother.

Where do you find style inspiration?

Because my style often incorporates opposing elements — i.e. a pearl necklace with trousers and a jean jacket — my inspiration comes from how my clothes make me feel, rather than literal inspiration. Recently, I’ve been dressing to feel powerful. I also take a lot of inspiration for these ‘feelings’ from the music I listen to — whether that be folk music like First Aid Kit, Red Tail Ring, or Emmylou Harris or pop like Lana Del Rey, RuPaul and Lizzo.

Where do you like to shop?

I don’t shop much, but I mainly stick to thrift stores or cheaper local stores, and Nordstrom Rack if I’m feeling fancy.

“My inspiration comes from how my clothes make me feel, rather than literal inspiration”

For my second outfit, my shirt-dress is actually from H&M. My necklace and bracelet are, again, stolen from my mother, and my jean jacket is from a Goodwill in Paramus, NJ. Boots and earrings are the same as before.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

When I was younger, I hated my body and myself. I wore a lot of scarves, sweaters, and layers to draw attention away from my body, and wore necklaces to draw attention away from my face. Because of this, fashion and shopping were points of anxiety, not self-expression. At the end of my senior year of high school, I asked some advice from a teacher about an upcoming audition. The first thing she had me to do was take off my scarf and sweater. She told me ’you can’t really live if you’re always trying to hide.’ I wish I hadn’t spent so much of my life trying to hide, and I wish I hadn’t used fashion as a tool to do that. Now, I try to use fashion to help me like my body, not hide it. Fashion — and especially fashion’s relationship to the body positivity movement — is important to me because it helps me feel accepted and helps me accept myself.

“I try to use fashion to help me like my body, not hide it”

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All photos courtesy of Rebecca Cho. See more of her work here!

Quad Style: Elizabeth Myles

My name is Elizabeth and I’m a third year Cinema and Media Studies Major/Visual Arts Minor. I’m a projectionist with the Film Studies Center, President of Fire Escape Films, and I’m currently directing an animated documentary called “Love Stories.” A couple things people probably don’t know about me is that I love to run and I’ve played cello for 11+ years. Other things people probably do know about me are that I love cheese and laughing is my favorite activity.

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How would you describe your personal style?

I love being playful with my outfits, whether it’s wearing a bralette as a top, color-coordinating my earrings and shoes, or doing something unexpected. Sometimes I pair things that wouldn’t seem like they’d work together, so it’s a mix of tacky and chic, cute but maybe a little bit off (like me?). Spontaneity is kind of my thing.

I found the wool pants at a boutique in Paris when I studied abroad last year.

Where do you find style inspiration?

I choose bits and pieces of what I see in the world and put together outfits that best reflect my personality. I also like to buy things that other people may have overlooked at thrift shops or on eBay. There are a lot of ways to make things your own without directly copying fashion trends.

“Sometimes I pair things that wouldn’t seem like they’d work together, so it’s a mix of tacky and chic, cute but maybe a little bit off (like me?). Spontaneity is kind of my thing.”

I like how fashion can take me out of this moment in time— when I put on the color-blocked dress and pink ankle boots, I feel like I’m stepping into the 60s (cue These Boots Are Made for Walking by Nancy Sinatra)

Where do you like to shop?

In high school, I exclusively bought clothes at my favorite thrift shop in my hometown, Oklahoma City. Nowadays, it’s a combination of thrift shops, consignment stores, the occasional mainstream store online (where I got some of my earrings and my pink boots!), and eBay.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Over the past couple years, I’ve become much more comfortable with wearing bolder or even weirder outfits, so my only regret is that in the past, I didn’t always have the confidence in my sense of style to really rock a look.

When I wear my velvet pants, it’s as if I’m on my way to a roller disco.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

I’ve always been interested in how unique fashion can be. It’s more fun for me to pair random items together, such as a fun pair of pants and a sweater I found in my dad’s room, than to go to a store and buy whatever’s in style. At least to me, the way I pair different styles and accessories is unique and I don’t see that changing any time soon.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is a form of self-expression. My high school had a dress code where we could only wear black, white, or navy, so I felt very limited in how I could express myself. I ended up dyeing my hair bright colors as an outlet and I’m revisiting that now, only I get to mix and match my hair color with vibrant outfits. Above all, I like to have fun with what I’m wearing and I think that my style reflects that aspect of my personality.

“Above all, I like to have fun with what I’m wearing and I think that my style reflects that aspect of my personality.”

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Photos courtesy of Isaac Tannenbaum. View more of his work on his website or Instagram.

Quad Style: Emily Robb

Meet Emily Robb, a second-year hoping to double major in Philosophy and Political Science. She’s from Los Angeles but went to boarding school on the East Coast. On campus, she’s CAO of Theta and involved with Jumpstart, Women in Law, and Amnesty International. She’s super passionate about reading, writing, and music, everything from Ariana Grande to old Monteverdi madrigals.

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How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style definitely varies day to day and is so different based on my environment (LA vs. East Coast vs. Chicago). Sometimes I’ll wear more traditionally effeminate dresses or skirts, other times I’ll wear more playful and distressed loose jeans with fun sneakers and a plain t-shirt. I think my most consistent outfit is a pair of skinny jeans, boots, a cashmere sweater, and a leather jacket.

Any favorite or least favorite fashion trends?

I honestly don’t pay enough attention to fashion trends as much as I should. When I go shopping I can’t help but run my hands over every item of clothing on the rack, so I’d say a lot of what dictates the clothes that I choose to wear is how they feel.

What are your favorite places to shop?

My mom’s closet, thrift stores, Urban Outfitters, Reformation, Madewell, Vince, Rag & Bone. And Current/Elliott has the BEST over-sized men’s cashmere sweaters.

“... although I don’t have the most clear-cut and identifiable relationship with fashion, I’m mostly just grateful it’s become a bit more nuanced and subdued over time.”

What’s your relationship to fashion and how has it changed over time?

If you look at pictures of me in elementary school, you’ll notice that I’m wearing pink in every single one. Apparently I refused to wear anything that wasn’t pink, sparkly, or adorned with hearts, so although I don’t have the most clear-cut and identifiable relationship with fashion, I’m mostly just grateful it’s become a bit more nuanced and subdued over time.

Any fashion regrets?

Literally everything I wore to 7th grade bar and bat mitzvahs.

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All images courtesy of Justin Pan

Quad Style: Wendy Xiao

Hi, my name is Wendy Xiao and I’m a first year with intentions to major in History and Visual Arts; this is how I start all my cover letters! I’m also currently involved in MODA. I enjoy visiting art galleries and I make lots of art myself. I love Kermit and the colour pink, and, lastly, I can also use Microsoft Excel and do basic math because I took a quarter of STAT 200.

What are you wearing for this shoot?

For this shoot, I am wearing mostly Chinese and South Korean brands that I found online, as well as some Uniqlo. For footwear, I’m in my Nike Tartans and Wotherspoons, and I am also accompanied by my pink Kermit portable charger. I did try to go hard on different fabrics for these looks so one is heavy on the corduroy, and the other is a quadruple plaid look (there was supposed to be 5 plaid items but I left my socks at home).

How would you describe your personal style?

I’ve noticed that my style shifts with the climate that I currently reside in. Currently, I’ve been wearing a lot of pinks, purples and neon colours, because I’m resisting against the dull winter weather and seasonal depression. Whereas over fall quarter, I found myself wearing lots of yellows and browns. Overall, my styling preference leans towards streetwear and I’d like to achieve the title of “a tasteful hypebeast art hoe who dresses well.” One look I really want to have is wearing colourful full piece suits, kinda like RuPaul or Cate Blanchett’s character in Ocean’s 8.

“I’d like to achieve the title of ‘a tasteful hypebeast art hoe who dresses well.’”

Where do you find style inspiration?

I follow a lot of Instagram streetwear accounts that pull together the coolest outfits, and seeing how they play with accessories, colours and shapes often give me fun ideas to try. I also get inspiration from Korean celebrities and those “what people are wearing to Fashion Week” photos.

Where do you like to shop?

I’m still discovering Chicago’s local fashion scene but I’ve definitely been getting into vintage and thrift shopping, which isn’t something that was available where I lived. I recently picked up some great stuff! There are a few streets in downtown Chengdu/Singapore where I go every time, and hit up all my favourite stores. One of my favourites is definitely Dover Street Market, I always take my time to walk around there every few weeks or so. I am such a big fan of their collaborations with brands and designers, creating these gorgeous art spaces that truly blend the boundaries between art, high fashion and streetwear. Some of my favourites include the Gucci and Nike collabs, as well as those ASSC Vans, and this Carhartt x DSM jacket I discovered. It’s really a religious experience walking around DSM and trying things on, 12/10 would recommend.

I mainly do my shopping online because I’m still a bit of a brand hoe and I like my New Year's/Black Friday discounts and you can really cop some expensive things for a very good price. I did get scammed on Grailed once trying to buy a Fenty sweater so idk what to tell ya. I also enter raffles for sneakers but I’ve never won any...

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Yikes, let's just say that it took me a while to get where I am and I would say that pre-2016 Wendy was a big fashion don’t. Before getting into fashion I dressed like every boy you knew in 9th grade. I found a photo of me wearing a grey Zara beanie, H&M zip-up hoodie, Adidas shorts and navy converse. Yes, I wore grey, navy, and black in the same outfit.

What’s your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

Initially, I got into fashion because I had friends who were very invested in streetwear and sneakers. I lived in Singapore and the streetwear culture there was growing, meaning that there were more and more opportunities to explore looks. Slowly, I’ve become obsessed with the challenge of dressing myself in ways that would be compositionally balanced, colour coordinated, and aesthetically pleasing. It’s quite a pretentious thing to say but I also just love it so much. My love for fashion also increased as there has been an increase of overlaps between high fashion, the arts and streetwear; three things that I absolutely adore!

“... fashion is an artistic outlet for me to mould and shape my identity... ”

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion has definitely helped me a lot in finding the confidence in being comfortable with who I am. I struggled a lot with my gender identity back in high school and having the freedom to experiment with my visual presentation. As an art form, I am a fan of how [fashion can] exist above the boundaries of gender. I like that fashion is an artistic outlet for me to mould and shape my identity, but it is also an art form that is explored by designers around the world.

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All images courtesy of Dasha Askenova. View more of her work on her Instagram.

You can also check out Wendy’s artwork on her website.

Quad Style: Andrew Chang

Hi, I’m Andrew! I’m a second year English major from Toronto and the incoming Editor-in-Chief of the MODA Blog. This year I designed for the MODA Show as part of the Designer Boot Camp Program, which was an amazing experience! When I’m not studying, editing articles for the Blog or bouncing very aggressively back and forth between classes, I’ll likely be drawing or taking photos.

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I love wearing suits, but styling them to be more casual. Here, I’m wearing a sports coat and skinny trousers from H&M with a pair of adidas Stan Smith sneakers. I’ve paired the look with a t-shirt that my best friend and I found at a thrift shop in Toronto; we somehow managed to find two and whenever I wear it, I’m reminded of the wonderful times we’ve had together.

How would you describe your personal style?

Honestly, I’d say that I’m pretty basic. I have a sense of what works on my body and I’d say that most of my wardrobe is made up of items that can be easily mixed and matched together with one or two more eccentric statement pieces that I like to play with.

I like to wear pieces that are quite classic but with subversive touches, whether that’s an unexpected icon or a slightly off-kilter phrase. It makes me feel rebellious to play with people’s expectations about fashion; I enjoy watching the shock on people’s faces when they see that I’m wearing a Peppa Pig watch or that I have ‘Canadian as Fuck’ printed onto an otherwise plain white tee.

Where do you find style inspiration?

I get inspired by people with really bold fashion perspectives who can translate their eccentricity into something more accessible. I am obsessed with Ezra Miller right now as I find myself getting more and more interested in exploring androgyny and various subcultures and how they interact with mainstream fashion.

I’d say other inspirations are people like David Bowie, Michael Jackson and Elvis because they really understood how to push the boundaries of style and fashion to translate themselves as characters rather than just people wearing clothes. I admire a lot of stylists as well such as Grace Coddington, Katie Grand and Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele because they understand how to bring fashion to the level of fantasy.

For me, style is all about collecting, mixing and subverting garments to project the image of who you want to be; that kind of persona play excites me the most about the possibilities of fashion.

“For me, style is all about collecting, mixing and subverting garments to project the image of who you want to be”

For this look, I’m wearing a leather jacket from Forever21 with a pair of black jeans from H&M. The T-shirt is a gift from a friend who read my article on Peppa Pig’s growing influence on the streetwear scene and the ring and necklace are from Amazon.

“These virtual personas we craft through fashion are simply images of unspoken desires, fantasies and dreams.”

For this look, I’m wearing a T-shirt from Peace Collective, a Toronto based apparel brand that celebrates Canadian identity, a pair of blue jeans from H&M, a pair of Nike sneakers and a thrifted bowling jacket that I got from Black Market Thrift in Toronto. I got lucky and somehow found a black satin bomber with my name embroidered on it. I’m not sure who Andy is, but I’m glad that they decided to donate their championship bowling jacket to a thrift shop, because now I have it and I am obsessed with it.

Why is fashion important to you?

At the end of the day, fashion for me is about self expression, and I think internally, I understood that from quite a young age. I got really invested in fashion when I was in middle school and I was designing outfits for the characters in a comic book I was writing. I was always thinking about how different garments or different style choices translated into personality traits, desires, fears, and emotions; I wanted people to be able to understand a character through what they wore and how they wore it and I think unconsciously, those thoughts began to leave the pages of my sketchbook and enter my own life.

Fashion gives people the opportunity to design their own character, to be whoever they want to be that day, and to erase it all and start over again the next day. I think we’re so fortunate to live in a time and place where we can feel more free to express our identities or to project our ideal personas through fashion and hair and makeup.

I never thought of this process as deceptive or fake because in some ways, who we are and who we want to be are one and the same. Our projected selves or these virtual personas we craft through fashion are simply images of unspoken desires, fantasies and dreams. Years from now, I’m sure I’ll have a completely different perspective on fashion, but for the time being I’m just enjoying how it all makes me feel. There’s something so uplifting and empowering in choosing to dress a certain way and in choosing to be the person I want to be.

“I’m just enjoying how fashion makes me feel. There’s something so uplifting and empowering in choosing to dress a certain way and in choosing to be the person I want to be.”

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All images courtesy of Isaac Tannenbaum. View more of his work on his website or Instagram.

Quad Style: Josie Sabbath

I’m Josie, I’m a first year, and right now I think I’m going to do a Creative Writing major. Maybe Jewish Studies too. Shout out to Students Organizing United with Labor (we meet Tuesdays at 7pm), #CareNotCops and SWAP (Students Working Against Prisons)—we’ve got an art show coming up that everyone should submit to—and to Southside Scribblers, which is an RSO that teaches creative writing at Ray Elementary every Friday. 

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My masc outfit is all goodwill.

How would you describe your personal style?

To be honest, I feel like my style is always changing, and that’s part of the reason why I like thrifting so much, since it makes it a lot less of a commitment to try out a look I’m not sure about. I’ve worn a TON  of really unfortunate outfits just trying to see if I can make them work. I love really loud patterns, like the ones you could find on your grandma’s upholstery. Right now, with masculine clothes, I think I might fit the “indie” scene, but to be honest I don’t really know what that means. With feminine stuff, it’s really more of a game of whatever fits, but I wear a lot of pink.

Where do you find style inspiration?

I think most of my fashion inspiration just comes from shopping with my friends and trying to take what I love about their clothes and make it work for me so I’m not totally stealing their style. I take a little from the queer punk scene and this one ‘90s HBO show, Queer as Folk. Mostly though, I end up wearing whatever catches my eye when I’m actually in a store.

“Embracing the way I look when I dress closer to how I feel has made me a lot more confident in my appearance.”

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Those unfortunate outfits I mentioned were mostly just clashing patterns. I think five [different patterns] are the most I’ve worn at once. That was good day. Honestly, if I were only dressing for myself, I’d always have more than one pattern on—I think there’s something that’s just so fun about seeing what color combinations come out and the way all the different designs come together to make a new whole. But for everyone else’s sake (people complained about headaches), I hold myself back.

The feminine [outfit] is a skirt and jacket from Value Village (a chain kinda like Village Discount) and a shirt from the Hyde Park Target. I love Target.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

I only really started thinking about what I was wearing in middle school, and since then, fashion has always just been a way to try to make a good first impression. I think that’s all my relationship with fashion was until I actually started listening to the part of me that felt more feminine. I don’t think fashion is limited to menswear versus womenswear, but finding womenswear that’s flattering on a body like mine can be really challenging.

At the same time, finding clothes that fit well is hard no matter what your body [looks like], and embracing the way I look when I dress closer to how I feel has made me a lot more confident in my appearance. For some reason, it’s way easier for me to look in a mirror and hype myself up when I’m wearing a skirt. But in general, I’m pretty much just thinking about wearing stuff that makes me feel good about myself, and trying to find clothes that’ll make me excited to wake up and get dressed.

“I’m pretty much just thinking about wearing stuff that makes me feel good about myself, and trying to find clothes that’ll make me excited to wake up and get dressed.”

All photos courtesy of Natalia Rodriguez. View her online photography portfolio here.

Quad Style: Veronica Myers

Meet Veronica Myers, a third year double majoring in Sociology and Art History and minoring in Human Rights. She’s one of the captains for the Women’s Varsity Lacrosse Team and an intern at the Smart Museum!

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The top, jeans, belt, and shoes are all thrifted. The only part of this outfit that I actually bought retail are the socks, because Uniqlo was having a sale.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is definitely heavily influenced by the 70s and 80s, not because I intentionally try to make it so, but because thrift stores are chock full of shoulder pads and tailored pants and bold prints, and I also steal a lot of clothing from my mom and dad’s closets. Someone once told me that I dress like a kindergarten teacher... I’m not really sure what that means, but I guess that’s also something to consider.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

This might sound cliché, but my friends!! Especially in college, where we’re all just trying to figure things out and push boundaries, I feel like we’re more willing to take risks and try new things, which leads to a lot of really fascinating looks. 

Where do you like to shop?

Village Discount is my holy grail and definitely where I shop the most, but back home in downtown Ventura there’s a line of thrift stores that my friends and I will hit up every time we’re home for break. If I’m shopping retail, my go-to stores are usually Uniqlo, Zara, Gap, or Target. Also, a good deal of my clothing comes from pieces my parents have held onto but don’t wear anymore (the best being a grey crop top that my dad used to wear during his football playing UCLA college days!).

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

I used to try way too hard in high school and took everything I wore very seriously. I was so focused on a highly curated look that at one point I carried around an artist satchel/briefcase as my school backpack for like, two years? I don’t really regret being so willing to dive into something, but I do regret committing to the satchel itself because I could only fit one notebook and a pencil pouch in it, so I ended up having to carry all of my textbooks in my arms.

The trench coat is my mom’s from when she was a young adult, the top and pants are both thrifted, and the shoes I’m pretty sure are from DSW.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

My relationship to fashion has changed dramatically over time, and it continues to evolve. I think growing up, we (especially young women) are taught that we need to fit into clothes, or modify ourselves to fit within a certain style, and for a really long time I tried to do that.

I think that’s why I love thrifted clothes so much, because you have no idea and no control over what kind of sizes/shapes/forms/fits you’re going to find. Suddenly, rather than trying to fit into clothing, it becomes a process of tailoring the clothing to you; a belt here, a shirt tuck there, cuffing an ankle, etc. In that way fashion has become such a personalized and individualized experience for me, and it’s become so much more fun and so much more freeing to discover the ways in which I can fashion clothing to this body of mine. 

Why is fashion important to you?

I never put too much time or effort or thought into what I’m wearing, and I think that’s why it’s so important to me. My personal style reminds me not to take life too seriously, and to just have fun with it. If I want to wear a floor length velvet gown, or bright red overalls, or high waisted jeans for the fifth day in a row, why not?

With so many other things going on, sourcing joy from what you wear seems so insignificant, but it can be so gratifying. Maybe ten years from now I’ll look back at what I’m wearing today and think, “wow what was I thinking,” but it doesn’t really matter because I’m thoroughly enjoying being me in this moment, and that to me is everything.

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All images courtesy of Angela Liu.

Quad Style: Michael Tolchinsky

How would you describe your personal style? Do you have a go-to look?

I’d say it’s a little all over the place in the sense that I don’t have a consistent look to go to, but generally it’s quite minimalistic. It’s not really in my personality to be super flashy, but I try to add little touches of colour, texture, or a graphic of some kind to keep it interesting. I sort of wish I could commit to a particular style since that would probably make life more convenient, but I appreciate a lot of different styles and enjoy putting different parts together.

Where do you get your style inspiration?

Honestly, despite what some people may say, since I’ve come to campus I’ve consistently noticed a lot of really well dressed people and that’s inspired me in a lot of ways. I think in general seeing someone wear something cool in person makes much more of an impression on me than a picture does. That said, I do spend a too much time browsing the internet for clothes, and I’m only mildly ashamed to say that. My dad also has a lot of really cool clothes and I like to take a lot of his advice (or making fun of me) on board.

Where do you like to shop?

I’m a sucker for a really good deal, so I do a lot of online shopping since I’ve found browsing around different stores you can find high quality, brand names for a fraction of the price. I also like walking around retailers at home in London, or in Chicago, then going online and trying to find anything I tried on for half the price. For this reason, I also spend a fair amount of time on Grailed to find used/old items from name brands for non face melting prices.

Any favorite and/or least favorite trends?

This isn’t a trend per se, but I love how fashion has exploded as an interest with the advent of social media, and how there are probably more unique styles that people show than ever. There’s so many cool things people are creating that might not necessarily be for me, but that I can appreciate. As far as what I’ve personally enjoyed recently, I’ve been wearing a lot of woolly, comfy cardigans and trying to go looser with the pants, although that’s still a work in progress.   

On the flip side, I’m personally not a huge fan of intentionally garish designer patterns and labels that have made a resurgence, particularly in a university environment.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

I’ve always been interested in fashion, but I went to school with a uniform policy, so getting to college has been the first time I can actually wear my clothes outside of the weekend, which has been exciting to say the least. I also find it to be very comforting to be wearing something I think looks passable when I leave the house in the morning. I personally find that I feel much more confident if I’m happy with how I look, and of course what I’m wearing plays an important part in that.

Any fashion regrets?

When I was like 13 or 14, I wore a lot of very tight, multi colored chinos. Coupled with the fact that I tried to convince people I was cool by wearing various snapbacks about 3 sizes too big for my head or a beanie at all times, that was a rough period for me.

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All photos courtesy of Owen Rudalevige

Quad Style: Zhenru Zhou

Meet Zhenru Zhou, third year PhD student in the Art History department. She enjoys swimming, painting and traveling in her free time.

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What are you wearing for this shoot?

A folk-style dress from Chinese Turkestan, a long jacket from Zara, a long coat from the London Frog, a nylon scarf and two hair-wraps from Northwest China, heatech pants from Uniqlo.

How would you describe your personal style?

I don’t know if I have a style. Typically I wear a mixture of old and new, ethnic and generic, similar or complementary colors, but mostly cheap.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

Weather forecasts, seasonal colors, people I meet, and mural paintings that I study.

Where do you like to shop?

Folk costume markets when traveling, Uniqlo when in Chicago, Taobao when in China. Sometimes I get old clothes from my mom and friends.

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

I used to buy too many new clothes before I knew I could wear second-hand things. [I also regret] not being able to give away an old piece of clothing whenever I would get a new one.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

When I was in my teens and early-twenties, I wanted to look good. When I was in my mid-twenties, I wanted to look unconventional. Now that I am in my late-twenties, I neither want to look good nor be unconventional, but I don’t know how to shed those identities!

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion and style are not important to me, but realizing the artistic potential of my clothes and actualizing a personal response to their cosmic vital energy are meaningful [to me].

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All images courtesy of Amelia Frank.

Quad Style: Tyler He

Hi, I’m Tyler and I’m a 4th year majoring in Public Policy Studies! I’m a co-president of Phoenix Survivors Alliance and I’m involved with other activism/organizing groups on and off-campus. I listen to so much music, think about tattoos all the time, am obsessed with Twitter, and I also love to box and work out.

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In this outfit I’m wearing a bright neon orange shirt with a patterned polo (both thrifted) that I cropped with Dickie’s pants and Dr. Martens boots (the laces are different because I broke the laces for the right boot). I also have a gold Timex watch and a necklace and earring that my friend made for me.

How would you describe your personal style?

I feel most of the people that do these shoots say this, but I actually don’t know how to describe my personal style. I do think about it a lot though, and I think at this point I want to say that I always aim to be in the gray area where I am visually and aesthetically pleasing but still look out of the ordinary and unique. I want people to look at me and think that I look weird but in a good way.

Where do you find style inspiration?

I pay a lot of attention to what other people around me are wearing all the time, particularly what my female and gender non-conforming friends are wearing because I find that they often are way more stylish and creative in their style than men. I also follow a bunch of artists and other creatives on social media and often find myself trying to emulate pieces of their outfits and changing up my own fashion through them.

Where do you like to shop?

I spent my whole life buying clothing from retail stores and online until about a year or two ago, but now I essentially buy all my clothing through thrifting. I’m from Chicago and there’s a thrift store in my neighborhood that has a 50% sale on everything every Monday and I usually go at least once a quarter. Before I stopped shopping retail, a lot of old T-shirts and other pieces of clothing that I still wear frequently are mostly all from Uniqlo!

In this outfit I’m wearing a beige hoodie that I got from a Tasha show (@wowtashawow on Instagram and Twitter) that says “I love myself and hate the police” on the front with striped baseball pants (thrifted) and white Air Force 1s.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

I think most of my fashion regrets really stemmed from my self-esteem issues and lack of body confidence, but I did spend a significant portion of college wearing a lot of sweaters and sweatpants (no offense) even though I wanted to look different and be more visually stimulating. A couple things do stick out though. In high school all the other popular guys would pinroll their jeans really tightly, and I definitely spent a ton agonizing over that. I was also obsessed with whether the ankle of my jeans looked too big or weren’t tight enough because everyone else wore skinny jeans, so I always tried to buy and wear tighter jeans even though they were incredibly restrictive and uncomfortable for my body!

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

When I was younger I would often get very anxious and stressed out about following the latest trend or conforming to what other people around me were wearing, and I spent a lot of time feeling insecure about my body and how well I can appeal to others through my fashion. I think a lot of that intersected with class; going to high school on the near northside of Chicago with my background, I internalized and connected so much of my dissatisfaction with my life with being poor and unable dress as (arguably) well as the people I was surrounded by. As I’ve matured emotionally and changed physically I’ve gained a lot more self confidence, and I finally feel like I am in a place where I can experiment with fashion, feel comfortable with myself, and look good no matter what I wear or do.

Why is fashion important to you?

I’m constantly engaged with my surroundings and am always paying attention to what people around me are wearing, and I assume that everyone around me does the same. I think a lot about how “the personal is political” and how it relates to fashion; fashion allows me to make a statement about myself and my being without uttering a word, and I think that’s incredibly powerful. Fashion is endlessly changing over time, but what I’m wearing every day is just a singular instance of my life experiences, my relationships with people around me, cultural shifts, and so many other things. Also, I just love looking good and feeling good about myself!

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All images courtesy of Dasha Aksenova.

Quad Style: Kira Leadholm

Meet Kira, a fourth year painter and artist majoring in Creative Writing and Visual Arts. Beyond her classes, she is part of an a capella group called Men in Drag and designs for MODA, in addition to leading their Designer Boot Camp. program

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How would you describe your personal style?

My style is really variable, depending on factors like the weather and my current stress levels. On my best days, I aim for classy-chic. An over-sized sweater, skinny jeans or slacks, and some sort of platform heel always make a great ensemble. I’m also into 70s-inspired pieces, especially during the warmer months. I’m thrilled that flares are back in, and I love pairing them with striped turtlenecks or flowy blouses. When my schedule becomes heinous, it’s harder to plan outfits every day and my style errs on the side of wannabe hipster. I turn to reliable pieces like mom jeans, blanket scarves, thrifted sweaters that probably belonged to someone’s grandpa and Chuck Taylors. 

What inspires your style?

I’m most inspired by the people around me. I’ll see someone on campus wearing a cool outfit and think “I could probably emulate that.” I also read lifestyle blogs like Refinery29 and Goop, and I skim the New York Times fashion section every morning. 

What are your favorite places to shop?

My all-time favorite store is Aritzia, because it carries classic brands like Wilbur and Wilbur Free, Tna, and Babaton. However, I interned at a fair-trade fashion company last summer and I learned a lot about how my purchases impact the environment and contribute to inhumane labor practices. Since then I’ve been more conscious of where I buy my clothes. I prefer to shop sustainable brands like Reformation and Amour Vert. Unfortunately, sustainable clothing can be really expensive, so I’ve begun to thrift more frequently, and I abstain from shopping unless I really need a new piece.  

Do you have any fashion regrets?

I went to a preppy high school where kids wore brands like Vineyard Vines and Lily Pulitzer. As a fourteen-year-old wanting nothing more than to fit in at her new school, I acquiesced to this fashion standard. I regret wearing most of the clothes I wore from ages 14-17. My closet consisted of garish, printed dresses, cable knit crew necks, and Sperry Topsiders. Not that anything is wrong with these brands—if you love a good polo, you do you—but this style was decidedly not me. I was trying to squeeze into an unfamiliar mold, and that’s what I regret the most.

 How has your relationship to fashion evolved over the years?

As I stated above, I spent a sizeable portion of my life acquiescing to trends that were touted by society. My fashion sense became more autonomous my senior year of high school, when I began to reject fashion mores. I didn’t show up to school in a meat dress or anything like that; I just wore clothes that I liked and that I felt good in. I’ve been designing for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always been interested in fashion as an art form. During my second year in college, I had the opportunity to participate in MODA’s Designer Boot Camp (DBC), where I learned to sew and was able to make a collection for the annual show. DBC changed my life, and I don’t think I’ll ever stop creating clothes now that I have this skill. 

All images courtesy of Aisha Rubio

Quad Style: Allan Lake

Meet Allan Lake, a fourth year Visual Arts and Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies double major. On campus he’s involved with OBS (Organization of Black Students), and in his free time he enjoys making art and pursuing photography.

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What are you wearing for this shoot?

Fit one is my casual, work vibe. I’m wearing Levis blue denim, a denim shirt, dark walnut Timberland boots and a Deko Workman's jacket. Fit two is my eccentric look. I’m wearing white chino pants, 1/4 button up shirt, a white lightweight jacket, a Gucci Mane Le Flaire Ice Cream Hat, Reebok Classics and a Cancer Medallion.

How would you describe your personal style?

I would describe my personal style as either practical and [informed by] classic looking workers' wear, or loud and proud and all about the fits that just show off a plethora of things on a budget.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

My style inspirations come from classic imitations of labor jobs and every glow-up scene a developing character has had. From Nerd to Noice.

Where do you like to shop?

I shop at like Sears and Target but also thrifts stores. I try and aim for [thrift stores] that have articles that aren’t typically in every store or stuff that’s a diamond among coals. Who knows what you will find in those kinds of stores.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

The biggest would be this cloak I got that doesn’t really fit any colors or styles I wear. It’s very blue and hand crafted so it’s nice but it doesn't fit the styles I wear.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

My relationship to fashion is one that has definitely evolved over time but never lost its true form. I love to dress comfortably but still have a distinct style and make subtle flashes of high fashion for low prices (HFLP) into a everyday stunt.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion to me means any style or non-style that a person might wear being on display and amassing a group of people to agree, disagree or even change their own perspective and sense of style to show their relationship to those fashions… Every decision you make for a fit to convey a certain style can be fashionable, even if no one likes the colorway you got going on.

“Every decision you make for a fit to convey a certain style can be fashionable, even if no one likes the colorway you got going on.”

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All images courtesy of Ashley Mao

Quad Style: Paris Bezanis

My name is Paris Bezanis and I am a third year in the College studying Russian Eastern European Studies and Visual Art. I am involved with University Theatre as a scenic designer.

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This look is a combination of some old and new pieces. The shoes are Allen Edmonds, a graduation gift. I’ve worn them religiously since getting them, and they are a little worn out now. Nonetheless, these are great shoes and they mean a lot to me. The pants and coat are both new pieces I bought while abroad last quarter. They are by a Russian design brand named Blizko.

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How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style changes seasonally and is definitely dependent on what I’m working on at the moment but there are a few constancies: texture, color coordination, and fit are all important to me. I am a big fan of material with unique visual and tactile properties such as leather, cashmere, wool, and denim, and I generally prefer natural materials. I also tend to wear solid colors, as those are easier to coordinate. Lastly a good fit is very important to my personal style. I tend to avoid loose fitting or oversized articles and instead opt for something more form fitting. In my mind, you want to work with what you’ve got, and a few well-fitted pieces will help accentuate that.

A foundational piece in my wardrobe is the turtleneck. As so many months of the year are cold in Chicago, turtlenecks are a very versatile and practical base for any outfit. It’s actually pretty funny–as a kid, I used to loathe turtlenecks, I found them uncomfortable and I hated being forced to wear them. Now I spend my own money to buy a well-fitted (usually black) turtleneck. All this said however, I definitely frequent the jeans-and-a-t-shirt look. If I’m working in the shop or in the studio, the comfort and practicality of a worn pair of jeans and an old t-shirt is unparalleled.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

In general I find style inspiration in a lot of classic looks, which is why I opt for the pea and trench coat for my winter outerwear. I come from a family of tailors–both my great grandfather and grandfather worked building suits and coats in Chicago. I think I draw a lot of style inspiration from the heirloom wardrobe of my family which has been passed down to the men of each generation for almost 100 years now.  A lot of the pieces are time-honored staples in menswear–layered, double-breasted wool coats, silk scarves, vests. My sense of style has definitely been influenced by these pieces, which my father gave to me as I left for University. Outside the classic style, I draw a lot of my inspiration from mid-century looks. I love the layering of blazers, cardigans, and light coats. Plus, layering-inspired fashion really lends itself well to cold Chicago weather.

I’ve had this denim jacket since sophomore year of high school, and I’ve been working on it since. This jacket means a lot to me, as it’s seen a lot of different periods of my recent life. My favorite part of this jacket are the patches, of course. I’ve collected these patches over the years during travel or received them as gifts. Moreover, almost every patch on this coat has been sewn on by someone important to me. As such, this coat is the work of a lot of different people who are or were once close to me. The inside of the jacket has some signatures, too. I don’t wear this jacket often anymore, but it represents a lot of love for me. The pins are also important. They represent all kinds of things–a coqui frog from my mother’s home in Puerto Rico to a pin from a friend’s gallery opening. This jacket is still a work in progress. I bought some more patches and pins in my latest travels, and I hope to add them soon.

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Where do you like to shop?

I don’t think I have a particular store I love to shop at. A lot of the clothing I’ve accrued over the past years has been from an amalgam of thrift stores and outlet malls. But for staples (especially pants) I have a few go-to places. I like to buy Dockers Slim and Tapered fit pants and for jeans, I buy Lucky Brand on layaway. The fit of Lucky Brand is the best for me.

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

Fashion regrets? Not really. Not because I don’t have any horrible past outfits draping the skeletons in my closet, but because I don’t really look on them as regrets. Fashion is a fun and experimental thing, and sometimes we wear things we think are “the look” but are really not. I think it’s important to experiment and every once and awhile look a little silly. If I have to pick one misstep, I think the entire ten years I wore board shorts might qualify. Board shorts are certainly not “the look”.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

My relationship to fashion has certainly evolved over the years. When I was younger, I think like most kids, I didn’t really pay attention to what I wore and mostly just went with whatever trend was in. Growing up in Texas, that meant a lot of khaki shorts and polos. In high school I started to become more conscientious of what I wore and started making my own choices, which led to the development of my own style. I think developing one’s own style is important to formulating a notion of self. Now I am definitely more deliberate in my outfit choices; I choose things that make me happy. On a broader level too, fashion is something I am more aware of now. I notice how people present and arrange themselves.

Why is fashion important to you? 

To me fashion is a medium of synthesis. Fashion connects distinct times, locations, and realities and coalesces them into a singular image. I’ve found this in my own style. There are parts of my wardrobe that reflect different parts of my life and story, and as such, different parts of my identity. From my great grandfather’s coats to the rings I wear each day, these articles connect all the disparate aspects of my character and help create a cohesive narrative.

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All images courtesy of Owen Rudalevige.