Tracking NU Fashion with @northwesterngarb

Graphic by Wendy Zhu.

Julianna Zitron, a south campus sophomore majoring in Journalism and Political Science, and Andrea Rosa, a north campus sophomore majoring in Economics and Environmental Science, seem like an unlikely duo. Once the both of them discovered their mutual passion for fashion, specifically on Northwestern’s campus, Rosa had an idea. 

At the beginning of the school year, the pair created the Instagram account @northwesterngarb to highlight noteworthy outfits among Northwestern’s undergraduate student body.

“A friend of mine at USC runs a USC outfits account, and she inspired me to make it,” Rosa said.

“I was just invited,” Zitron joked.

Zitron and Rosa both have an eye for fashion. 

Rosa’s mom was a fashion design major in college. “She taught me how to express myself through my clothing,” Rosa said. “My sophomore year of high school, I gave up fast fashion and started thrifting, and I have thrifted ever since.”

Zitron’s interest in fashion was sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic.  “I couldn’t do anything, so I decided to start dressing up for fun at home,” she said.

The account owners aim to feature a barrage of eclectic styles including bohemian chic, cottagecore, emo, preppy, casual and more. When choosing who to feature on their Instagram, they look more for confidence and than a certain aesthetic.

“If they look happy, that's a big factor,” Rosa said.

“We also have to look for students who don’t look like they’re in a hurry,” Zitron added. 

Both Zitron and Rosa struggle to approach strangers and ask them for photos. However, once  they explain the concept of @northwesterngarb, most students are eager to be featured.

“Being rejected is scary,” Zitron said. “But when people get excited, we get to have the most fun conversations about clothing and fashion. We get to meet new people we would have never met before.”

For instance, when Zitron and Rosa stopped student Lulu Madise to ask for a photo of her outfit, they were able to learn the beautiful story behind her butterfly tattoo. With each student they approach, they learn about a new aspect of fashion or the story behind a certain garment.

Because of Rosa and Zitron’s love for fashion, STITCH had to ask the girls for their fashion hot takes.

Most underrated fashion trend?

“Wearing your parents’ or grandparents’ clothes,” Rosa immediately said.

“The Canadian tuxedo!” Zitron smiled (a Canadian tuxedo is a full-denim outfit). 

Most overrated fashion trend?

“The Shein going-out top, 100%,” Zitron said. Rosa added on and said, “Shein hauls in general. Not my thing.”

“We just love to find people who love fashion as much as us,” Zitron said.