Boise State students give their advice for curating and building your wardrobe to reflect your best self.
As the seasons change, it can be a challenge to keep up with the latest fashion trends. There is no perfect guide for picking out a daily outfit or personal style, and the majority of students The Arbiter spoke to say fashion sense is in the eyes of the beholder.
Whether you’re layering a new top or distressing your jeans, it’s clear that fashion is the essence of self-love to Boise State students.
“I love fashion because it feels like the truest form of self-expression,” said fourth-year Marketing major and Fashion Society club president Trevin James. “There are so many words to be said about somebody and their [personality]; fashion is the easiest way to express that.”
James feels passionate about curating a personal style. Through fashion, he said he has made friends and found a community.
“I think [clothing] drops borders between communities and between people who don’t know each other,” James said. “If you see somebody wearing an outfit you like, that’s an instant conversation starter.”
For first-year Pre-Nursing major Kaydene Frianeza, finding her personal style allowed her inner self to shine.
“I wasn’t very outspoken when I was younger,” Frianeza said. “It helped me find my true individuality, I didn’t have to worry about what other people thought anymore, and only dressed for myself.”
Touring the aisles of local thrift stores allows students to discover and express personal style while maintaining sustainable practices.
“You can repurpose anything from the thrift [store],” Frianeza said. “It’s so easy to turn something that you’d think you would never wear into something so much cooler — you can style anything when you put your mind to it.”
Whether they’re styling a fur coat or vintage denim, Boise State fashion icons said it’s “impossible” not to find something to spruce up their closet..
“Just try on everything, give yourself a little fashion show,” Second-year Biochemistry major Ella Landsberg said. “Your room will be a mess, but keep going until you find something that makes you feel good.”
The style-savvy club members consider discovering your personal style to be an art form, painting the blank canvas of basics into a curated ensemble.
“People have tons of different outlets to express their emotions, and I think that’s beautiful,” James said. “Some people make music, some people play sports —There’s different ways to have outlets – and for me personally, it’s always been fashion.”
Frianeza emphasized the need for self-expression in a world dominated by overconsumption and social trends. Students agreed that spending a few extra minutes coordinating your outfit is key to discovering your perfect style.
“Everyone should be more authentic to themselves,” Frianeza said. “Especially with so much consumerism going on, it’s really easy to get caught up in chasing trends. Fashion will connect you to the community that’s right for you.”
Students agreed that experimenting with your personal flair can be intimidating. It can be easy to fall into the seemingly endless pattern of searching your closet for hours at a time.
However, from playing around with accessories to exploring new patterns, stylists are open to the newest ideas and those beginning their fashion journeys. Their style represents their individuality.
“It’s scary to go out on campus in a new outfit, and it’s easy to feel uncomfortable,” James said. “I think that’s the biggest way to get past that mental barrier of feeling judged; you have to be the best version of yourself, no matter who’s watching.”
