Developing a sense of style can be very cut-and-dry or very haphazard. There are rules that some think must be followed at all times, and some who disregard them all together. I’ll tell you what – rules or no rules- there are no right or wrong answers in fashion. No matter how much I can critique and analyze fashion and style, it is -at the same time- evolving into something else. All I can do is make suggestions to someone about finding their own style and give them something to think about their individual scenario.
Looking closely into this idea of developing personal style, I’m going to focus on Leah Schreiner, the current SLCC Fashion Club president and Fashion Institute design student. Her style is timeless, although crisp and modern with a few tweaks here and there. Leah is a thrift shopper; she’s a mastermind of creating endless possibilities with unlikely candidates found on the racks of secondhand stores. She explained to me “I think I am a bit unique in that I never spend more than a few dollars on each article of clothing unless it is a piece I know I will have for years to come. . . I generally shop at Deseret Industries, Savers, and Auction Houses.”
Beginning with a great top can be the foundation to any look. Leah favors plaid and solid tops and says she “used to be into plaids in a big way, which I am glad they are back because I love plaid.” Even though plaids are rampant in the malls and department stores, they are also easily found at thrift stores by the dozens and much less costly. By thrifty and conscious shopping, you are keeping up with trends, saving money and taking charge of your own style.
For pants, Leah says, “I like to wear tunics or short dresses paired with leggings or jeans.” As simple as it sounds, it is ok to use a simple pair of jeans or skirt when you are creating an eclectic thrift ensemble. Leggings and jeans are the solution when there is nothing else; more often than not, they always work! When I’m dressing I prefer jeans with most looks, but sometimes choose to mix it up with corduroy or even an-odd colored denim can be interesting too.
Accessories are -as I’m always saying- very crucial to your end result. Whether someone is very modest or very ornate in his or her appearance, a little bauble never hurt anyone. “I love jewelry and accessories, but I don’t wear them that often to be honest because I am a pretty active person and they get in the way for the most part,” says Leah about her views on accessorizing. I would have to disagree with her because she looks great with her scarf and jade earrings all the while working hard on her collection for the SLCC Spring fashion show -Raw Couture.
An incredible pair of shoes is always good for completing any look. Most would agree that shoes make a huge impact on an outfit. Leah feels that suede shoes are in -and she looks great in hers! She also explains that her staple shoe is a Converse low top Chuck. She feels that everyone should own a pair – I own eight!
Great style is not something reserved for those going into the fashion industry; anyone can have it and should have it. The point to remember is to match your clothing with your lifestyle. If you’re active, incorporate sportswear into your look (and I don’t mean wear your college hoodie over basketball shorts). If you’re creative, dare to take a risk on an incredible silk scarf that doesn’t match anything, but adds spice to your outfit. Great style comes from all around; it just needs to be translated into your own sense of individuality.
