Northwestern Students Put Their Own Personal Touches on Fashion Fads

Each year, there are several popular fashion trends that make their way into nearly everyone’s closet. Following popular trends is typically looked down on, especially by those who consider themselves fashionable. It is stereotypically hard to have an original style if you follow what everyone else is wearing.

However, it is easy to put your own twist on a popular style. The most widely worn brands around campus are typically reflected by shoes. Nike has always dominated shoe sales, and, most recently, their Air Force 1 style shoe has blown up. It is hard to go anywhere on campus without spotting these trendy white sneakers. Who could blame them? They’re clean, versatile and so in. Despite them being universally worn, it is also rare to see any two of the same styling. Students add their own twist with contrasting shoe lace colors, patterned socks and unique outfit styles. Megan Goetcheus, a Medill freshman, sported her pair of Air Force 1’s in a lecture paired with a colorful striped crop top and boyfriend jeans cuffed to expose white ankle socks. Despite her shoes being stereotypically “basic,” she made them her own by incorporating them into her colorful style.

In addition to Air Force 1’s, Vans’ Off the Wall shoes are seen practically everywhere. In contrast to Nikes, these shoes are offered in a wide variety of color, which allows for a little more expression in the shoe itself. However, the main style of the shoe is the same: a simple tennis shoe with the iconic line down either side. The most popular style is probably the black pair with white lines; however, you can spot virtually any color of these shoes on campus if you look around long enough.

Liam Bohen-Meissener, a Medill sophomore, sported his pair of inverted color Vans in an English lecture with jogger style khakis, green knit socks and a dark blue sweater. The distress of his shoes, along with his outfit, added more personality to them.

Freshman Sylvia Goodman styled her pair of beige Vans with snowflake patterned tights and an olive green corduroy skirt. Her outfit perfectly encapsulated the “it’s still fall, but it feels like winter” sentiment that November brings to Evanston.

These three students show how easy it is to make popular brands unique through one’s personal style. Each had an original way to wear their not-so-original shoes. They took a fad – and made it fashion.