Comm Ave Runway: November Edition
Our ongoing series returns, exploring all kinds of fashion, right on BU’s campus
Comm Ave Runway: November Edition
Our ongoing series returns, exploring all kinds of fashion, right on BU’s campus
It’s finally fall in Boston, which means it’s the season of puffer jackets, scarves, and about a dozen layers. Despite the oncoming chill, BU’s style-savvy students aren’t shying away from striking patterns, vibrant colors, and a range of self-expression.
Meet some of BU’s most fashionable students, who demonstrate that outfit inspiration doesn’t have to come from a celebrity: it can be found right here on Comm Ave.
Caleb Stevens (CGS’26, ENG’28)
Tell us about your outfit. Where did you get each piece?
I have Birkenstocks on right now, which I got about two years ago. This is a Six Nations rugby shirt from Depop. Pants are from thrifting in Alaska; I got them at an expo for hunting gear, so they were on sale. I’m also wearing a Deftones T-shirt that I think I got from a comic store.
How would you describe your fashion sense in a few words?
Athleisure and thrift.
Your favorite places to shop?
I’m usually going by price, and not by location.
What are your fashion influences?
I really like [fashion brands] YoungLA and Gymshark. Athletes definitely influence my style.
Your advice for students who want to look good on a budget?
Go to the thrift store and don’t buy a lot of stuff. The best things will come around once every 100 times; you piece it together over time.
Monica Chu (CFA’27)
Tell us about your outfit. Where did you get each piece?
My jacket is from RainSisters, an Australian company owned by two sisters. They have really fashionable raincoats, and it was definitely an investment piece—but I love it a lot. My shoes were thrifted. My bag is also thrifted; the brand is ECOSUSI—it’s one of those Instagram brands.
How would you describe your fashion sense in a few words?
Feminine, classic, and comfortable.
Your favorite places to shop?
I do a lot of my shopping secondhand, whether in-store or on sites like Depop, eBay, and Poshmark. I thrift a lot of my finds, so I can splurge on some other things. I also used to use Japanese fashion sites. If you have your [Instagram or TikTok] algorithm finely tuned to your taste, a lot of reverse image searching will help you find the way—and sometimes it’s just luck.
What are your fashion influences?
I definitely have a vintage American style. I really love that retro look, but with modern sensibilities. I like things that are very classic, well-made, and well-tailored.
Your advice for students who want to look good on a budget?
I would explore more thrift stores. It’s easy to shop online, but being in person, looking at things, and feeling the material helps. If it makes you happy, get it, but if there’s any doubt, save your money.
David Fils-Aime (CAS’26)
Tell us about your outfit. Where did you get each piece?
My white button-up, jeans, and shoes are from ASOS. All my ties are from Goodwill.
How would you describe your fashion sense in a few words?
Dandyism and fluid.
Your favorite places to shop?
For jeans, I usually go online because I’m super tall. ASOS usually has my size. For everything else, I like to thrift and look around wherever.
What are your fashion influences?
Pinterest is my best friend, I love looking there for inspo. I also love looking at random people on the street, and seeing what they wear and how they style it.
Your advice for students who want to look good on a budget?
A lot of what I wear I just cycle through, but style it in a different way. Just play around with what you already have, be confident in what you wear, even if you don’t think anybody else will like it. If you like it, that’s the only thing that really matters.
Erica Schwartz (COM’26)
Tell us about your outfit. Where did you get each piece?
My boots are the LoveShackFancy x Hunter collab. My mom found them on eBay for me because they sold out really fast. My jeans, I think I got them at a boutique. My top and sweater, I got separately from Depop, but they’re the exact matching set. I love my poodle sweater. I always say I’m gonna have a good day when I wear my poodle sweater.
How would you describe your fashion sense in a few words?
Very vintage, very preppy, girly, and whimsical.
Your favorite places to shop?
eBay and Depop, and I buy a lot from small vintage sellers. LoveShackFancy, if I’m not wearing vintage.
What are your fashion influences?
A lot of old media—just, like, what makes me happy and what’s comfortable as well as cute—inspired by old films and music that I like.
Your advice for students who want to look good on a budget?
Don’t go for the things you think other people will like you to wear, because a lot of times those things are very expensive and marketed to us very heavily. Go for what brings you joy.
Danielle O’Connor (CAS’26, Sargent’26)
Tell us about your outfit. Where did you get each piece?
I got my denim jacket from the Fenway Flea market two years ago. I think my blouse I got abroad when I was in Madrid—probably at a thrift store. My tank top I got from Free People and my jeans are Urban Outfitters. My shoes I got off of Depop.
How would you describe your fashion sense in a few words?
Kind of boho, maybe a little beachy.
Your favorite places to shop?
If I’m looking to go to a store, it’s probably Free People—if I can afford it. Otherwise, I really do like to thrift and do a lot of online shopping on Depop and stuff.
What are your fashion influences?
I get a lot of inspiration from the ’60s and ’70s, and also brighter colors.
Your advice for students who want to look good on a budget?
I think people underestimate thrifting in Boston. I think Fenway Flea’s really good, even the Comm Ave Goodwill.
Megan Amato (COM’27)
Tell us about your outfit. Where did you get each piece?
My jacket I got at the Comm Ave Goodwill. My shirt I stole from my little sister, so it’s probably Brandy Melville. My jeans are from Zara—but [thrifted from] Depop—and my shoes are Converse.
How would you describe your fashion sense in a few words?
Preppy and nautical.
Your favorite places to shop?
I do really like shopping at Zara, even though I know it’s fast fashion. Also, the Comm Ave Goodwill.
What are your fashion influences?
My friend Ellie Watson (COM’25). She wears red, white, and blue a lot. Also, Meredith Blake from The Parent Trap.
Your advice for students who want to look good on a budget?
Comm Ave Goodwill!
Ali Cook (COM’26)
Tell us about your outfit. Where did you get each piece?
I’m pretty sure my sweater was thrifted; either that or it’s from the costume closet of my childhood community theater. My jeans are from Pacsun, and my shoes are Converse.
How would you describe your fashion sense in a few words?
I feel like it’s kind of varied. Sometimes it’s more feminine, and sometimes it’s like an ’80s dad.
Your favorite places to shop?
I like thrifting a lot. I’m a big fan of sweaters with cool patterns, like very retro. Other than that, I like Pacsun and American Eagle. I like TJ Maxx, too.
What are your fashion influences?
A mix of ’80s and 2000s, and just what’s popular on Pinterest. It’s not like I’m going to wear something just because it’s popular. But if I like something that’s trending? Yeah, I’ll wear it.
Your advice for students who want to look good on a budget?
Go thrifting. You can find stuff that’s popular and also unique.