Spotlight on Student Style: Dressing for Themselves
While it may seem that social media gets to see outfits first, dressing up for many people can still be a private thing. At Northwestern, getting from class to class in the winter requires so many layers that it is easy to give little effort into what you wear. For some though, dressing up can be a way to turn the bitter winter around and feel a little bit more fun – giving students on the grind a creative outlet, however seemingly small.
Ignacio Gonsalez, a second-year Northwestern student, pays attention to little details in his style. Externally, fashion is not a main point of conversation for him. He wears lots of blacks, whites and greys, but he likes to add stylistic touches. He will fold black pants, pull them in different ways or choose a material like cotton or polyester that differs from traditional jeans. He doesn’t like to dress formally.
Whether he is by himself, with his family or going out, his style remains consistent. Gonsalez is from Peru and believes that his style originates from his home. His older brother, Andres, is also very interested in fashion. He has been doing courses and projects in fashion, and Gonsalez believes him to be his biggest style influence. Growing up, he went with his mother to pick out clothes as well.
As a second child, he naturally took on a lot of hand-me-downs. When he sees ads on Instagram, he admits he might be tempted to click the sweater or shirt on his feed, but then remembers a more special piece can come from his brother’s closet. He notes that he and his brother share a lot of similar tastes, but they dress differently. For example, Gonsalez opts for more fitted clothing while his brother wears baggier clothes.
Gonsalez has also become more mindful of sustainability when making fashion decisions. He restricts what he buys because a lot of his clothes come from his brother. “When I find something that I would like, I always try to see if there is a sustainable alternative,” Gonsalez says. A sustainable brand that he has recently come across is called Paynter Jackets. He has read up on a field book where they write about their jackets, comparing the flight miles on the fabric that they use versus another material option. Though he has not bought one of these pricey pieces yet, he checks their layout and = products for inspiration.
Gonsalez mentions that this interest in sustainable fashion and his fashion in general is not something he likes to flaunt in conversation. Rather, it is something that he is only beginning to do. He dresses sustainably for himself simply because it feels nice.
Image via Sarah Rosenblum
Devon Pollack, a second-year student at Northwestern, unapologetically flaunts her funky style. Growing up surrounded by art, she developed her own taste at a young age. Her sister has been a particular influence, showing her that she can pick up inspiration from a bunch of different places in her life, whether it be as simple as flipping through magazines or noticing people walking down the street.
Pollack enjoys thrifting her clothes and acknowledges her eclectic style. “I like things that don’t totally make sense together because I think that’s more fun than being totally utilitarian,” Pollack said.
This winter, she has been big on layering and wearing different patterns together, like the cheetah jumpsuit and striped shirt pictured.
Image via Sarah Rosenblum
Coming from California, she rebels against wearing simple clothes for practical weather purposes while in the midst of Chicago winter. She chooses bright pieces and layers them to be suitable for the winter.
However, back home, more than practicality limits her style. A conservative family affects how she dresses. While her sister paved the way for introducing more of an artistic eye, her parents are more traditional. Her father was the principal at her high school.
“I think I got used to trying to navigate that fine line —-still being my own person, but also not pissing him off,” Pollack said.
At college, no longer having to think about him when she is getting ready for school or worrying about potential comments she would get for buying something has been liberating. She has noticed that she has become more creative with her style while at Northwestern. Living in an apartment this year, she appreciates getting positive reinforcement from her supportive roommates. She values their opinions and will continue to wear things that her friends share positive comments on.
Although off the bat Pollack is a little shy, she is a loud person once cracked open. Fashion is her way of expressing herself to people who don’t know her yet. She likes to break the norm and let people know that she appreciates people and things that do the same.