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: 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: 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.

Quad Style: Anne Wang

Meet Anne, a fourth-year majoring in Economics and minoring in Visual Arts and NELC. On campus, she’s in AKPsi and helps run Pareto Solutions, a strategy consulting RSO. Her free time is largely spent on painting/drawing, creative writing, and studying Chinese history or Hittite.

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How would you describe your personal style?

The two outfits probably gave it away, but I pay basically zero attention to brand and all my attention to the vibe that a piece gives me. Although I’ve never thought of any labels as describing some sort of personal style, I can list things I like, and something might arise from them: turtlenecks, oversized things, muted colors, loose pants and loose sleeves, high waists, and having as many earrings as possible. So lots of muted colors, pairing loose with tight, and honing in on one standout accessory. I also have to credit a large part of my personal style to hair and glasses—they’re there everyday and not changeable in the short term, but people often underestimate how they affect others’ perceptions of their style.

I’m wearing a crop top from Forever 21, and L.L. Bean pants my grandma randomly gave me one day. No lie—she said that a houseguest from China had left it at her place and never came back for it.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

Generally, I find that people at UChicago dress in interesting ways and are pretty good sources of inspiration. I’ve been to plenty of other campuses and I think I can confidently say that we dress more interestingly as a school. Images on Instagram are fun to look at too, particularly the accounts that feature random people on a street rather than a set of curated models. I always pay more attention to someone’s clothing when they carry themselves confidently—I’m always interested in “how he/she pulls it off”.

Where do you like to shop?

Uniqlo, thrift stores, H&M, and my grandma and mom’s closets. I’ve got plenty of aspirational shopping destinations in mind, but they’re going to have to wait until I become a full time salaried worker.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Early middle school was rough—I think I wore all possible permutations that you can get from two polos and 3 pairs of Bermuda shorts. I don’t regret wearing clothes from Walmart throughout my adolescence, though. Walmart was where my mom really honed my instincts for finding an incredible deal—the kind that’s $15 or under.

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

Changing your outfit everyday is just fun. It actually used to be really tedious for me, particularly when high school started at 7:20 AM, but somewhere along the way I discovered that clothes could be convenient, comfortable AND look interesting. Once that epiphany was had, and since I’m always shopping on a budget, it became an exciting challenge to look for a piece I wanted that wasn’t going to break the bank. I was never big on watching runway shows or following high level trends, but clothing and “look” became another way, along with writing and painting, to explore what pleased me to make, wear, and be.

“I think understanding and appreciating the diversity of clothing styles and “looks” can be key to appreciating difference in general.”

Why is fashion important to you?

I think understanding and appreciating the diversity of clothing styles and “looks” can be key to appreciating difference in general. For example, I may think that neon colors look terrible on myself, but I will not stop gushing about a particular person’s ability to pull of neon athleisure. Whether it’s musculature, haircut, or lifestyle aesthetic, there’s a reason one person can rock a look that I can’t (yet). 

Being able to recognize how someone pulls something off goes a long way to appreciating your own unique qualities that allow you to pull off what you wear. Sometimes it can be a step to exploring something new for yourself. Honestly, this philosophy applies to lots of other things outside of fashion, but clothing is relatively accessible and common among all of us.

This ensemble is made up of a tank from H&M, pants from my grandma (who literally has the same waistline as me), and a jacket thrifted from Village Discount. The boots for both outfits were bought from a girl on campus for $5! Still happy with myself for that one.

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All images courtesy of Yamini Nambimadom. See more of her work on Instagram.

Quad Style: Stacy Wang

Meet Stacy! She’s a third year Economics and English double major and Dougan scholar from New Jersey. On campus, she’s a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and plays violin in the University Symphony Orchestra. She loves playing music and has studied the violin for the past sixteen years of her life. She loves poetry, calligraphy, golfing, and is a foodie! An interesting fact about her is that she throws knives!

Top by Zara, belt by Banana Republic, jeans by Guess, watch from my mother, opal necklace.

How would you describe your personal style?

I think I would definitely describe my personal style as sticking to the basics. I shop a lot less than I would like to, and having those more timeless pieces that won’t cycle in and out with various trends is a big plus. I like single, solid colors with a little bit of flare thrown in on the design or texture because it makes it easy to utilize my whole closet and try lots of different combinations of outfits.

Where do you find style inspiration?

Actually, a lot of my style is influenced by my friends. The people in my life are so important to me and I think that being surrounded by such incredible, inspiration individuals really makes a difference in the way I present myself and my perspective on everything, especially fashion.

What are your favorite places to shop?

A lot of my clothes are from Zara, Guess, Banana Republic, and Express, which is pretty basic, but it’s easy to find nice clothes that really fit into my closet.

“I definitely used to see clothing as being primarily functional, and trying to discover how to express myself through fashion has been a work in progress.”

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Luckily, I don’t have any real fashion regrets, but I do wish I started exploring fashion earlier than I did. I tend to be a little risk averse when it comes to wearing something new and outrageous but especially after the MODA fashion shows where everyone goes all out, I’ve seen how much fun it can be. And why not have fun in everyday life?

Grey tank by Zara, black jacket by Guess

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

I definitely used to see clothing as being primarily functional, and trying to discover how to express myself through fashion has been a work in progress. There’s so much more to clothing than just looking good or being on trend, and I’m just beginning to understand and apply that.

Before, I would use fashion as the easiest way to fit in, whenever I got to a new place. But now, I think that fashion [can be used] to set yourself apart, to stand out. My relationship to fashion has evolved to a point where I see it as a supplemental source of confidence. Wearing something new or putting thought into the clothing choices I make really changes the way I carry myself and how I experience the day.

All images courtesy of Justin Pan.

Missed the Launch? View the Latest MODA Mag Here!

Leave fall quarter behind you and destress with the latest and greatest MODA Magazine Winter 2019 issue! Check out the online version on Issuu here!

Photographed by Natalia Rodriguez

The MODA Mag team would like to thank all of the stores, businesses and individuals involved in creating, producing and printing this issue.

Cover image photographed by Daniel Chae.

Quad Style: Isabel Bloom

Hi, I’m Isabel Bloom, and I’m a 4th year Sociology major. I’m a member of UChicago Student Action and I’m on the UChicago Women’s Rugby Team. I also work at Fabiana’s Bakery and love to cook and bake for my friends in my spare time! 

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In the second outfit I’m wearing a white mock-neck shirt and black suede pants (both thrifted), and Vans sneakers. These are my favorite earrings and they are my mom’s also!

How would you describe your personal style?

Honestly I think my style is pretty all over the place because I love to mix it up. As you can see from these outfits I wear a lot of black and love to add a splash of red! I like to wear a fair mix of men’s clothes (both sets of pants for this shoot are men’s) because in college I have definitely been playing around with gender more in how I dress. 

My roommates and I always joke about wearing things that are a little off or weird — for example I love wearing these red vans with colors or patterns that don’t really match. Overall my bottom line is wearing stuff that I’m comfortable in and that makes me feel good about myself!

Where do you find style inspiration? 

There isn’t really one place were I draw my inspiration, I think it sort of comes from everywhere. I definitely notice what people wear on the street and also follow my favorite artists on Instagram and am sometimes inspired by what they wear. Recently, I think I have been intrigued by 90’s style because I have been watching a lot of Sabrina the Teenage Witch!

I also love sharing clothes with friends and family–it makes your wardrobe so much bigger! Also wearing something like my mom’s belt is kind of sentimental because it makes me think of her when I wear it.

Where do you like to shop?

Most of my clothes right now are from thrift stores. I love the process of digging through clothes in search of one special item. Thrift shopping also allows me to experiment a lot more with my fashion. 

I also buy some stuff at Uniqlo and occasionally stores like H&M. 

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

Wow yeah definitely a lot of regrets from middle school... I really like color and I think I used to express that a lot more through how I dressed—it yielded some color combinations that were probably painful to the eye. I specifically remember that I could choose the color of the rubber bands on my braces when I had them and so I walked around for a while with a different color on each tooth. I’m not sure if braces count as fashion but the fact that I considered them fashion still haunts me.

In one outfit I’m wearing a red button down shirt and black tank top (both thrifted) and black Wrangler jeans. My belt is my mom’s and my shoes are Nike A1’s.

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

I remember in middle school and most of high school fashion was largely about conforming– I really didn’t want to stand out because I was super insecure about my body. I used to wear skinny jeans all the time because they were trendy despite the fact that they were really uncomfortable. Since coming to college I have become a lot more comfortable in my body in part because I have figured out how to dress in a way that works for me and that feels comfortable. Now fashion is an everyday way to express myself and do a little something that feels like it’s just for me; like maybe I’ve been feeling down or super busy with work so I wear a wacky outfit that makes me laugh!

Why is fashion important to you?

I used to get so stressed about getting dressed for school in the morning–I remember wishing I had a uniform or some other way of opting out of choosing what to wear. Now I think of it in kind of the opposite way; i.e. what can I wear today that will make me happier or feel better about myself? I also think I just care a lot less about how people perceive of me now which is super liberating. I can wear more silly stuff just as a joke with myself or my friends!

All images courtesy of Charlotte Wang.

Quad Style: Sophie Hoyt

Hello hello! I’m Sophie, a fourth-year English major. I work as an actor in Chicago so between auditions and rehearsals, I don’t have a lot of time for RSOs. When I have some free time in my schedule, I try dramaturg UT shows because I’m a nerd and love being able to give actors and directors more background info that they can (hopefully!) use to flesh out their performances. I LOVE food so I’m always testing out new recipes, baking for my friends, and finding new restaurants to try.

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This outfit is textbook power clash – I thrifted the pants from Goodwill, both the sweater and linen jacket are from Beacon’s Closet, my glasses are Warby Parker, and I got the neck scarf from Madewell!

How would you describe your personal style?

One of my friends always calls my outfits a “power clash” and I think it really embodies my sense of style. I try to have fun with my outfits, playing with layers and texture and patterns. I’m definitely a maximalist in every sense of the word. More is more is more so I always try to add one last piece to my outfit before I leave the house.

Where do you find style inspiration?

I love the Man Repeller blog! I love the idea that women should dress for themselves and themselves alone. Their style has really helped me start wearing myself on my sleeves. And my mom, she’s a fashion icon in her own right and some of my favorite pieces in my closet are hand-me-downs/stolen from her.

“I love the idea that women should dress for themselves and themselves alone.”

Where do you like to shop?

I’ve been trying to shop more eco-consciously and a big part of that has been avoiding fast fashion, which can be really difficult when it comes to price and convenience. I definitely love Mango and Madewell, though, and they’re really the only stores I go to because the student discount and sales are just too good. Overall, though, I’ve been moving toward shopping mostly at independent, small-scale designers or stores like Lacausa or even Asos Eco Brands.

The one downside, of course, is that these brands tend to be more expensive, but it’s definitely been a good thing for me because I can’t impulse buy things I don’t need; so I try to find things I really like and then wait a couple of days to make sure I still want the piece before I commit. If I’m definitely in need of a closet revamp I go to thrift stores and vintage shops like Knee Deep or Beacon’s Closet, and sometimes trade or borrow things from my roommates.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

I definitely have a couple. In the 6th grade, I had the chance to meet Beyoncé and I wore lavender cargo shorts, a “Little Miss Bossy” t-shirt and a sweatshirt; it was tragic and there’s photographic evidence. I also had an unfortunate color pop phase that involved a pair of Crayola yellow ripped jeans. One of my biggest regrets, though, was not treating glasses like an accessory for a really long time. I think it’s important to treat everything that you put on your body as a statement and once I started caring about my glasses as an extension of my style I became more confident and started having more fun with my fashion.

I’m wearing two of my favorite accessories: the neck scarf is from Madewell and the ring is a family heirloom.

I’m wearing my favorite high-waisted trousers that I thrifted while on a road trip with my family in Colorado. The shirt is actually a bodysuit (I’m a bodysuit fiend) from Mango.

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

Fashion used to be something I tried to fit into, but now I see as something that I can adapt to myself, which sounds simple but it took me a long time to get there. I think my relationship to fashion really crystalized in college because I stopped trying to dress for other people or trends. Coming into my first year I was really worried about losing my sense of self so I promised myself that I’d never go to class in my pajamas or sweatpants, which sounds silly, but it’s really helped me make a small investment in myself every morning just by finding clothes that make me feel good about myself.

“Fashion used to be something I tried to fit into, but now I see as something that I can adapt to myself...”

My great uncle used to make rings for my dad’s birthdays when he was a kid. He collected all of the opals himself and built the ring around it.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is one of those things that will always be a constant in our lives and will always be in a state of metamorphosis. For me, I find clothing to be really grounding; even the slight difference in the way I style a piece of clothing acts as a marker for where I am in my life and how I’ve changed, no matter how small that difference it. We have to encounter fashion every day and if we choose to really engage with it and enjoy it, it can have a huge impact on how we receive ourselves.

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All images courtesy of Jaire Byers. View his photography portfolio here.

Quad Style: Yuna Song

Hi I’m Yuna Song, a fourth-year Environmental Studies and Visual Arts double major. My spirit animal is a grandma from the 80s. My hobbies include weaving, sewing, embroidering, and watching the Great British Bakeoff, all at the same time. I work as a Policy Intern for sustainability and resilience at City Hall, and on campus as a Communications Manager and barista at Ex Libris. Fourth year has been r o u g h and I’ve dropped all my RSOs this year except Phoenix Sustainability Initiative, for which I’m the Treasurer. I wish I were brave enough to get a tattoo, but honestly I can’t see that happening for at least another 43 years. 

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How would you describe your personal style?

Tan France (love of my life) from Queer Eye once said: “Style is dressing the way you feel confident, and what is appropriate for you, your age, and body type.” For better or for worse, as long as I feel good wearing it, I’ll take it. As a result, my personal style changes drastically on a daily basis, depending on how I want to present myself to the world, but more importantly, to myself.

For the longest time, I tried so hard to find that “one thing” that would define my style, something that would make me “unique.” But at some point, I sort of threw my metaphorical hands up in the air; there’s just too much fun to be had with fashion to walk down just one road. Consequently, I would define my personal style through my lack of personal style–give me a beret, corduroy overalls, and a Hawaiian shirt, and I swear I’ll make it work and make it my own.

 Where do you find style inspiration?

I’ve noticed that I’m unconsciously but strongly affected by color palettes. I’ll be wondering why I feel so pleased about my outfit despite the horrible wind threatening to rip it all off, when I realize that it’s because I managed to wear different shades of mustard from literally head to toe. It’s a good day when I can sneak in my favorite color combination of all three primary colors, but subtly; a red turtleneck, faded mom jeans, and a pair of mustard socks. I also love to wear an outfit consisting solely of black and white, and to finish with a singular accessory of a vibrant color, like a pair of baby blue studs or a bright red beret.

“I would define my personal style through my lack of personal style–give me a beret, corduroy overalls, and a Hawaiian shirt, and I swear I’ll make it work and make it my own.”

Where do you like to shop?

After I fell deep down the rabbit hole of the magical universe of thrifting, I grimace any time I spend more than five dollars on a piece of clothing. Village Discount Outlet is my no-brainer, go-to place to thrift. I have a bottomless well of physical and mental stamina for thrifting (why can’t I say the same for writing my thesis…?) and during finals week last spring quarter, went thrifting three times in one week (would not recommend). If you’re thinking of going, I advise you to wear leggings and a tight shirt so that you can try on things over your clothes as there is no fitting room, and to take the time to really look at each article of clothing on the rack.

“... I see myself viewing fashion as a field of great potential for change in terms of environmental conservation, human rights, and gender equality.”

Do you have any fashion regrets?

No regrets anymore. As a teenager, I was morbidly embarrassed of my childhood fashion choices. But now, I can proudly admit to wearing purple velvet bellbottoms in the sixth grade. That was definitely when I peaked.

What is your relationship to fashion? Why is fashion important to you?

Last year during winter quarter, I took an Independent Study course to learn more about the impact of the fast fashion industry on the environment. I was shocked to learn that in addition to the unsustainable ravaging of natural resources, the low price tags and “deals” on mass produced garments distract consumers from the harsh reality of the circumstances of female garment workers in developing countries.

This year, I’m writing my B.A. thesis on the slow fashion movement in comparison to the values and practices of fast fashion at the levels of production, retail, and post-purchase. Sustainable fashion is still a personal work in progress, and I have so much more to learn, but I see myself viewing fashion as a field of great potential for change in terms of environmental conservation, human rights, and gender equality.

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All images courtesy of Julia Rose Camus. View more of her work here and follow her on Instagram at @juliarosecamusphoto.

Quad Style: Felipe Bomeny

Hi, I’m Felipe Bomeny, a fourth year, History and Creative Writing double major. I manage Cobb Coffee so that takes up most of my time. Otherwise, I do a lot of writing-related things here and there; I also DJ at WHPK (I have an international variety show on Tuesdays from 5-6pm!).

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How would you describe your personal style?

I’m not very into monochromatic fits. I like a splash of color and a dash of humor in what I wear, but with restraint. I’d say I pull a lot of influences from workwear and streetwear, although I find that streetwear has really deviated from its roots and reached this circularity on logos and subversion. I’ve been experimenting with baggier fits and styles to accommodate wearing XL stuff.

Where do you find style inspiration?

For inspiration, I like the late 90s but I’m increasingly drawn to the early 2000s. The early 2000s were so messy but I love how wild people went with baggy outfits. I’m a sucker for the iconography of that era; as an immigrant, I love re-appropriating working Middle American culture (Nascar, Bass Pro Shops, Big League chew, etc) into my aesthetic.

Where do you like to shop?

In person, I mostly thrift. Otherwise, it’s all online— anything that catches my eye and I think will be versatile in my wardrobe. If I have cash to splash, I like Scandinavian menswear brands because I appreciate the proportions

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Lots.

What are you wearing for this shoot?

In one of my outfits, I am wearing Pistolero officer shoes, Dickies, a CAN band t-shirt, a thrifted Nautica knit, and a Kirkland Signature jacket

In the other, I am wearing Karhu Fusion 2.0 sneakers, Polar jeans, a thrifted NASCAR shirt, and a hoodie from Iggy.

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

My fashion has definitely evolved. I used to wear a lot of items I thought looked cool individually but really clashed in outfits. Then, I went to playing it safe with these really boring preppy fits. I’m glad I’ve moved past that. To me, fashion should be comfortable and utilitarian but most importantly, personal. Wear what makes you happy!

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All images courtesy of Natalia Rodriguez. View more of her work here.