YouSpeak: Fall Fashion
Students talk about what they’re wearing and where they’re shopping
With the official end of daylight saving time next Sunday (don’t forget to set clocks back an hour) come shorter days, and shorter days mean colder temperatures. T-shirts, shorts, and sandals are being replaced with sweaters, vests, and boots. (Gloves and scarves to follow shortly.)
This fall, fringe and faux fur are big. Ditto bomber jackets.
What prized item have you added to your fall wardrobe? What’s the one thing you’d love to buy if you could? Where do you shop for clothes and accessories? What’s your preferred style? Classic? Grunge?
This week’s special edition of “YouSpeak” put all of those questions and more to a number of students.
Crystal Hermond (COM’16)
What I’m wearing:
“My top is from Francesca’s, my pants and headband from Forever 21, and the jacket from Gap.”My style:
“I don’t really have a specific style. One day I can channel my inner bohemian and then the next day I can be preppy chic or have an urban edge flare. It all depends on my mood and how I’m feeling that day.”Where I shop:
“My favorite stores to shop at are Francesca’s, Zara, fab’rik, J.Crew, and H&M.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“I would like to own leather leggings for the fall. ”Fashion philosophy:
“Just to feel comfortable in whatever I’m wearing and make sure to try and dress for myself and not others. I try not to follow all the latest trends. I just pick the ones that are most authentic to my style aesthetic and taste.”
Isabelle Epskamp (COM’16)
What I’m wearing:
“I’m wearing a black jumpsuit from Urban Outfitters and boots from ShoeMint. This green jacket from the Gap is one of my main pieces this fall. It goes with everything.”My style:
“Really simple, classic, and clean-cut. My favorite colors are black, white, and blue, or stripes. I keep what I’m wearing pretty minimal so I can make more of a statement with my shoes.”Where I shop:
“I usually shop at Zara, AllSaints, rag & bone, Urban Outfitters, Free People.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“A good vest I can dress up or down, depending on what I’m wearing.”Fashion philosophy:
“You should always dress in what you feel the most comfortable in. You’ll feel good about what you’re wearing.”
Alex Guan (SMG’17)
What I’m wearing:
“The redwings I’m wearing have a deeper meaning for me—a close friend whose wisdom I value gave me these—and in a way every time I put these boots on, I’m walking in his shoes.”My style:
“Extra-‘Ordinary’: I stick to clothing basics: my outfits aren’t particularly avant-garde, but fairly well made, with an emphasis on fit.”Where I shop:
“Uniqlo and J.Crew comprise the majority of my wardrobe—they are both companies that have mission statements I agree with and enjoy supporting.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“I’ve been looking at copping a Barbour jacket.”Fashion philosophy:
“I think clothing is an extension of your personality: when you dress confidently, acting confidently becomes easy.”
Juan Lesmes (SHA’17)
What I’m wearing:
“A Topman faux leather sweater on top of an AllSaints printed black and white shirt, black jeans, and suede moccasins from Zara.”My style:
“Bold, refined, European urban–style.”Where I shop:
“AllSaints, Zara, Topman, ASOS, American Apparel.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“A pair of ’80s-style black leather boots.”Fashion philosophy:
“Black and white over color. Edgy and bold over safe.”
Tianna Gallinaro (SMG’17, COM’17)
What I’m wearing:
“My sweater is from Anthropologie, the skirt from J.Crew. The shoes, by Jack Rogers, I bought at a sample sale in NYC.”My style:
“Classic with a twist, and definitely a preppy undertone.”Where I shop:
“J.Crew, Brooks Brothers, Kate Spade, and Kiel James Patrick. I also love to go thrifting.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“Navy-colored riding boots.”Fashion philosophy:
“Coco Chanel put it best: ‘Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
Colby Rymes (CAS’17)
What I’m wearing:
“My pants, T-shirt, and flannel are from American Eagle. The scarf was super-cheap at Forever 21. These boots are actually my mom’s.”My style:
“Some days, I wake up and feel like dressing super-girly and wearing a dress and cute shoes. Other days, like today, I feel like wearing something a little edgier.”Where I shop:
“My favorite stores are American Eagle, J.Crew, and H&M. J.Crew can be pretty pricey, but I make sure to take advantage of their sales and use the 15 percent student discount they offer.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“A faux fur vest. I just like the look of them and think they can really shape a whole outfit.”Fashion philosophy:
“Wear what makes you feel good.”
David Lowe (SMG’16)
What I’m wearing:
“This jacket is from Zara and it’s my new favorite thing. My shirt’s from Zara, too, my pants are from H&M, and my shoes are by Cole Haan.”My style:
“Classic but daring.”Where I shop:
“Zara and H&M tend to have the cheaper prices for the stuff I like.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“I would definitely love Chelsea boots and a solid overcoat.”Fashion philosophy:
“Try something different. I like to think of clothes as a way to be someone else sometimes.”
Phuong Anh Nguyen (COM’15)
What I’m wearing:
“My simple black tank top and orange trousers were tailored back home in Vietnam. The striped jacket I got from Zara during my trip to London. I’m wearing leather heels from Clarks to extend my height—I’m short.”My style:
“Sleek, professional, but fun. A combination of traditional forms and modern colors.”Where I shop:
“I usually shop at boutique stores back home.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“Knee-high brown boots.”Fashion philosophy:
“Express to impress.”
Paisley Piasecki (COM’17)
What I’m wearing:
“I always love wearing this scarf (from J.Crew) because it’s soft and it adds a little pop to any simple outfit.”My style:
“My style changes all the time, but I would say it is always very classic. I enjoy wearing simple pieces and pairing them with something that stands out.”Where I shop:
“I love Kate Spade, Gap, J.Crew, Francesca’s, Express, Nordstrom, and the occasional trip to Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus. I also love Etsy because I like supporting small businesses.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“I would love to find a new hat. I love the look of comfy beanies that go well with a side braid or long curls.”Fashion philosophy:
“I dress to impress myself. Stay true to you.”
Michael Montesi (SMG’16)
What I’m wearing:
“Matte Ray-Ban sunglasses, J.Crew crew neck, All Saints trousers, a faux fur collar knit cardigan from Zara, and Cole Haan shoes.”My style:
“I usually follow the three Cs: classic, comfy, and casual. The classic elements tend to form the basis for all my outfits. I always want to be comfortable in the clothes I’m wearing. I always try to be casual, because that gives me the opportunity to make an outfit more formal by adding a blazer and tie.”Where I shop:
“If I see something I like in a window, I’ll walk in and get it. The stores that I visit most are J.Crew, AllSaints, Zara, and Cole Haan.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“I’ve had my eye on this black Abson denim jacket from AllSaints.”Fashion philosophy:
“Only buy things that match two other items you already own. It’ll save you a lot of money.”
Xaulanda Thorpe (CGS’16)
What I’m wearing:
“I bought this scarf for less than a dollar in the Garment District by-the-pound section.”My style:
“My style is very laid-back. I kind of just throw things together and see what works.”Where I shop:
“Savers is my number-one store. I get a lot of jewelry from Forever 21.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“I love kimono-style jackets and military jackets. I used to have one, but I lost it.”Fashion philosophy:
“Wear whatever you want to wear. Everything’s always going to come back in style.”
Dana Finley (COM’15)
What I’m wearing:
“The boots are from Gilt, my pants from J.Crew, and this men’s shirt came from a thrift store. The jacket was purchased in Ireland and the necklace is from J.Crew.”My style:
“My style is preppy, but I like to sometimes add a twist, like a ball cap.”Where I shop:
“I like to shop online on sites like Ru La La and Gilt. I also like J.Crew and I like thrift shops.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“I’ve been on the hunt for a good booty. It’s hard to find one with a heel size that’s appropriate—something that I can wear during the day but also wear out at night.”Fashion philosophy:
“Don’t be afraid to add your own personal touch; I like a good monogram. I like to be overdressed rather than underdressed.”
Chris Sanchez (CAS’17, SED’17)
What I’m wearing:
“I try and focus on one article of clothing and centralize my outfit around that piece. Here, I’m focusing on a fall-colored patterned floral print shirt that I purchased at Urban Outfitters. My jeans are from a thrift store.”My style:
“My style changes quite often. One day I may be feeling more preppy while on another day I may pair my Dr. Martens with my thrift store army jacket.”Where I shop:
“I have been shopping on random, independently owned stores online.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“Casual sneakers that are all-white. I also am on the search for a trench coat.”Fashion philosophy:
“Art is a part of fashion, and art is represented differently from person to person, as is fashion.”
Liza Moskowitz (COM’15)
What I’m wearing:
“My coat and pants are from J.Crew, my scarf is a pashmina bought on the street in New York, the shoes are from Tory Burch, and the bag is from Kate Spade.”My style:
“My style is classic, with pieces that have a lot of longevity to them, mixed with more trendy pieces. I like a neutral outfit with a pop of color.”Where I shop:
“J. Crew, Gap, places with a more classic vibe.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“Dark brown riding boots.”Fashion philosophy:
“I like what Oscar Wilde said: “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” Dress for the part you want, not the part you have.”
Joseph Curtin (COM’17)
What I’m wearing:
“My denim jacket is from the Garment District in Cambridge. My shirt and hat came from Urban Outfitters, the jeans are black Levi’s, and I’m wearing a pair of Doc Martens.”My style:
“I always wear either Docs or Converse, usually with jeans or cutoff shorts. I wear flannels and other button downs when it’s cold, and usually just T-shirts or short-sleeved collared shirts in the summer.”Where I shop:
“I usually shop at places like Goodwill, the Garment District, Salvation Army, a place in LA called It’s a Wrap, and other secondhand stores.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“A turquoise and purple windbreaker.”Fashion philosophy:
“I mostly just wear what makes me feel the happiest and most comfortable.”
Roshni Shukla (COM’17, SHA’17)
What I’m wearing:
“A plain black long-sleeve top from Express, and patterned pants and sandals from Bombay. I topped the outfit off with a necklace I got at a market in Jaipur. My friend brought me this beautiful shawl from Dubai and my purse was made in Kinshasa.”My style:
“Influenced by culture. Ethnic, classy, and put-together.”Where I shop:
“Usually I go for H&M, Zara, Aldo, Express, Primark, Topshop, or even River Island. But one of the perks of being an international student is that I get to shop everywhere. I love shopping at boutiques, because that’s where you find that one unique classy dress, silk blouse, or piece of jewelry.”Article of clothing I’d like this fall:
“A navy blue fall coat.”Fashion philosophy:
“Wear what makes you feel good.”
What kind of look do you favor? Do you have a favorite designer or fashion icon? Any item on your wish list for fall? Let us know in the Comment section below.
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