YouSpeak: Spring Fashion
Students on favorite clothes and stores and why they like what they like
Spring has finally arrived—maybe. So as the thermostat inches up and magnolias and azaleas begin to bloom, we can ditch the winter coats and don the warm weather outfits.
What’s hot this season? It depends who you talk to. Glamour is forecasting a “pastel trend.” Ditto Elle, which says we can expect to see women wearing “icy pastels and hints of pink.” For men? Printed pants and patterned jackets are predicted. Don’t believe us? Just stop by Vineyard Vines.
With the return of spring, we decided to canvas members of the BU community to see what they’re wearing. We also wanted to find out how they describe their style, whether they have a favorite designer and a favorite article of clothing, and where they find their wardrobe inspiration. So in this special edition of “YouSpeak,” we ask all of the above.
Jordan Pitts (CFA’14)
What I’m Wearing:
“I got the handmade leather jacket from a friend in New York. The blue shirt is by Scotch & Soda, worn over a single-thread Steven Alan button-down shirt. The jeans are a Japanese brand, Naked & Famous, and the boots are by All Saints.”
My Look:
“I’d describe it as European. I like to find clothes that fit well.”
Fashion Inspiration:
“I’ve spent a lot of time in Scandinavia, and I find the styles there interesting.”
Fashion Philosophy:
“I don’t let the clothes wear me. I try to wear the clothes.”
Karina Barroso (CGS’15)
What I’m Wearing:
“The skirt is from Fox’s, the designer off-price store in Chicago. It’s similar to Marshall’s.”
My Look:
“My style is a mix of edgy, bohemian, and rock. I like to look for bargains.”
Fashion Philosophy:
“I’m a good observer, and my own fashion is inspired by what I see on the people around me.”
Reginald Harris (SSW’15)
What I’m Wearing:
“My suit is from INC, my shoes are Dolce & Gabbana. The tie is from JCrew, and I bought the shirt at Express.”
My Look:
“I describe my style as less flamboyant dandy. I look to 1950s classic men’s fashion for inspiration.”
Ruisi Ding (CFA’15)
What I’m Wearing:
“My jacket is by Ochirly.”
Why I Like It:
“I like this color because I think it’s the color of spring.”
Where I Shop:
“I do most of my shopping when I’m home in China at malls there.”
Kelsey McNeely (CGS’15)
What I’m Wearing:
“The cardigan is by 14th & Union, and I bought it at a boutique called Dress Up in Georgia. My bag is by Longchamp.”
Where I Shop:
“My favorite store is Lucky Brand.”
My Look:
“Conservatively colorful. I like to keep it simple but have a splash of color.”
Trevor Kaminski (CGS’15)
What I’m Wearing:
“My pants are by Zanerobe (known for the sureshot style of pants—they have a slightly dropped crotch and cuffed ankles). The hat is a pork pie from Goorin Bros. The purple V-neck sweater and white button shirt are from Express, and my shoes are Nike Flyknit Lunar1+.”
Fashion Inspiration:
“My style is inspired by the hip-hop dance community.”
Paige Callahan (SMG’16)
What I’m Wearing:
“The plaid shirt is from Urban Outfitters, the purse is from Liebeskind Berlin in Germany. I bought the boots from a German street store and my leggings are fleece-lined leggings (the best invention ever) from Target.”
Where I Shop:
“I usually buy my stuff secondhand if I can because it’s cheaper, so I’ll go to Goodwill and thrift shops.”
Fashion Philosophy:
“I think it’s important to look presentable. I think what you look like on the outside is going to reflect who you are on the inside.”
Vince Calvi (CGS’14, COM’16), president and editor in chief, BU fashion magazine Off the Cuff
What I’m Wearing:
“My pants are from American Apparel, the shirt is a Lacoste, and my shoes are Aldo. My bag is a vintage Coach bag and my glasses are by Bulgari. I bought the jacket—a Billy London—at Goodwill.”
My Look:
“I’d describe my style as classy, preppy with an edge, mixed with European influences.”
Brooke Morgan (CAS’12), figure model at CFA
What I’m Wearing:
“The jacket’s from American Apparel and the bag is a vintage Kate Spade. My dress is from Silence + Noise. I made the red skirt.”
My Look:
“I’d describe my look as fashion forward gypsy.”
Fashion Philosophy:
“Fashion is art you wear.”
Eliot Reiniger (CAS’14)
What I’m Wearing:
“My favorite part of this outfit is my pants (Urban Outfitters) because I really like the color and I’ve had them four or five years and they’re still going strong.”
Where I Shop:
“Mostly H&M because they have some good basic things that can be put together.”
Kayla Nguyen (CAS’17)
What I’m Wearing:
“The leggings are from Timing. The sweater and the sandals are from Maurice’s, a store in the Midwest that has great clothing at reasonable prices. The pants are from 344—the brand is timing. The necklace is from Forever 21.”
Why I Like It:
“I really like these pants because they’re versatile and classy, but they’re also comfy. They can be dressed up or down, worn with patterned blouses or plain T-shirts. The sweater is great because it’s really light, perfect with shorts in summer or with pants and a scarf in fall. The necklace adds a pop of color and dresses up any outfit.”
Where I Shop:
“Here in Boston I like the Prudential Center a lot. I really like 344 because I know their clothing fits me well.”
Gregg Snyder, assistant director, budget and analysis, BU Facilities Management and Planning
What I’m Wearing:
“I’m wearing a custom-made shirt, which was a gift. The jacket, pants, and belt are from Banana Republic. The tie is Christian Dior.”
My Look:
“Classic and trendy.”
Fashion Inspiration:
“I look to my peers for my fashion inspiration.”
Sarah Lehmann (CAS’14)
What I’m Wearing:
“I’m not sure where the shoes are from. I got them in a clothes swap with a friend. The dress is from H&M and the tights are probably Target. This sweater’s my favorite (by Giorgio di Firenze) because I found it at Goodwill. I’m pretty sure it’s a grandpa sweater, and it’s actually from Italy.”
Where I Shop:
“I prefer thrift stores—Urban Renewal, Buffalo Exchange.”
Noah Yastrow (COM’15)
What I’m Wearing:
“Most of what I’m wearing is from thrift shops, and I’m not sure the brands still show. I know the jacket is from Obey Propaganda and the boots are from Timberland. I think the sweatshirt, hat, and pants are all from thrift stores.”
Why I Like It:
“I like my boots. I’m more of a utility person than a fashion one.”
Where I Shop:
“Buffalo Exchange. Sales at Macy’s. Anywhere I can find things pretty cheap.”
Heather Jenkins (CAS’14)
What I’m Wearing:
“My hoodie with the ears—by Crazyheads—was a gift from one of my sisters, and anything with ears is awesome. The jacket is from Leather Outfitters and the boots are from Sporto. I bought the pants at Limited. I’m not sure about the shirt—I got it at a local fair.”
Where I Shop:
“Usually I go to the mall, but I also like small boutiques, because sometimes the clothes are sustainably made or locally made.”
What kind of look do you favor? Do you have a favorite designer or fashion icon? Any fashion trends you wish would go away? Let us know in the Comment section below.
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