What better way to end this column than with the words of our very own campus fashionistas? This week, I have taken to giving ink to the printless, badgering my friends for their hottest fashion takes and peeking inside their closets. These brave souls have given me a much-needed insight into the minds of some of our most stylish classmates, and for this we thank them. Although some of their looks may appear effortless at first, these icons are putting a lot of thought into creating unique outfits that reimagine the pieces they already own.
Skylar Cohen SC ’27 told me her style is “basic but with a flair of weirdness … My favorite article of clothing is a loose-knit grey sweater,” she said. “It is perfect for any day, can be dressed up or down and matches almost anything. Super versatile and super comfortable.”
I have seen this beautiful sweater styled by her in a myriad of intriguing ways. It has become, for me, a Cohen staple that she likes to dress up with a cool chunky necklace and cute black bra or keep it casual with a white tank and her green Onitsuka Tigers. A layering piece like this lends itself well to endless reinvention.
Cohen’s girlfriend, SJ Caldwell HM ’27, is also a massive fan of knitwear. Perhaps this was the thread that tied them together? Good knits are quite romantic after all … “My current favorite article of clothing is a green crochet vest I made,” Caldwell said. “I like to wear it with a white tank top and either jeans or a skirt.” Pairing a piece like this with a simple base allows the craftsmanship of the sweater to be illuminated.
Further, sage green is evergreen for Caldwell, who creates a go-to uniform: “I base a lot of outfits around wearing my favorite color, which is green.”
Karina Klein SC ’25, on the other hand, sticks to a more subdued palette of neutrals that she can mix and match infinitely.
“My style is undone, polished, classic,” she told me. Her favorite piece, a loose-fitting pair of dark denim jeans like Cohen’s, is rooted in versatility. “I think this is an article of clothing that you could use to make an outfit for any occasion and always look put together,” Klein said. “Going to a nice dinner? Throw on a silk top and a kitten heel or heeled boot and you’re good to go. Going to the movies? Add a knit sweater and some cute sneakers and you’re comfy, casual and cute!”
Alongside versatility and subtle flair, these style aficionados value an outfit’s ability to dictate and reflect their mood.
“These brave souls have given me a much-needed insight into the minds of some of our most stylish classmates, and for this we thank them.“
“The way I dress has a big impact on my day,” Cohen said.
“It’s a way to express yourself and your mood,” Klein echoed.
“How I dress and what I wear changes my whole day and it makes me a lot more productive when I’m wearing something cute,” Caldwell said.
I am hearing nothing but facts. Fashion truly is transformative and has strong manifestation powers to change the whole course of your day. Choose wisely!
“I’m a very shy, quiet person naturally, so clothes are my way that I can show who I am without having to necessarily use words,” Klein said.
Your outfit choices can sow confidence into your day and yourself. Picking pieces that you love, that feel like you and that you can curate in a plethora of ways is crucial to building your personal style.
“When I started dressing more how I wanted to dress, I started to feel a lot more confident in my day-to-day,” Caldwell said. “Being who I am is a lot easier when I am wearing an outfit that outwardly shows who I am.”
These fashionistas are choosing to break normative boundaries stylishly and transcend traditional gender roles. “I love taking a masculine-style piece of clothing and making it feminine,” Klein told me.
Both Caldwell and Cohen also noted that across the campuses, people utilize dress to express themselves and their sexuality by disregarding gendered clothing. Fashion is a form of art and play, so be true to yourself and break those ancient rules!
“I am also happy to be seeing a more mature look trending: layering, classy tops, ballet flats, leather bags, leather jackets, chill colors, etc.,” Cohen said. “Especially considering the years of aggressive fast fashion that included really intense patterns and colors.”
Choosing versatile pieces is the golden lesson here! Caldwell echoed the desire to pursue fashion in ways that set aside consumerism by telling me all about her magical thrifting adventures. This diva knows where the good stuff is hidden!
“One of my favorite trends is denim on denim. I think people are changing the narrative of the unkept Canadian tuxedo and turning it into a chic western twist style,” Klein said.
Klein, like me, is a fan of the tried and true blue jeans but seeks to reimagine a classic and thereby unlock a new avenue for the clothing you already own and love.
I align myself very strongly with these style stars due to our shared love of the old being reinterpreted and re-envisioned. PSA: You do not need to buy a whole new wardrobe, just start reimagining the pieces you have. Create new combinations or get funky and wear your pieces in untraditional ways. Who says a shirt can’t be turned around and worn in an entirely new way? Get crafty, kids! I am a huge advocate for scissors and some thread (or the more beginner-friendly safety pin)!
My sweet friends have been incredibly kind by preaching to us from their style soapboxes. So if you feel like repaying them, I will be leaving their wish lists here: a pair of boots, a Fendi baguette bag and a black mini skirt for Cohen, an oversized dark denim button down/jacket for Klein and a pair of brown Mary Jane docs for Caldwell.
Stay cool, stay kind, stay stylish besties! It has been a pleasure sharing my fashion advice with you all, thanks for bearing with me and for giving me such great looks to write about! Claremont closets, over and out … at least until next time!
After a long, hard semester of fashion advice and commentary, Ellen Chapman SC ’27 signs off by telling the stories and styles of the campus fashionistas in her life.
Facebook Comments