Staff Writer: André Rowe, Jr.
Photographer: Jordan Peterkin
One of the most discussed topics among college students is Fashion. It is a requirement to know the latest trends, when to wear them, and how to pull them off. There are numerous tips on making smart, fashionable decisions. Most use the “trial and error” approach. This means experimenting with different styles and techniques until the best choice is discovered. However, this does not always work in every case. As a part of Black Ink’s “28 Days of Ink,” we are providing the Dos and Don’ts of being dressed to impress. Personally, I could go on and on about fashion. I could easily give you every tip I have in hopes they could be of some assistance to your wardrobe. However, I have a different idea. What better way to learn than from some fellow Tar Heels? Check out what some UNC trendsetters said when asked about their style choices!
Meet Dontaya!
Senior, Business Administration
Top: White Button-up, J.Crew
Bottoms: Printed Pants, India
Shoes: Black Flats, Marshalls
Outerwear: Brown Leather Jacket, Nordstrom
Accessories: Choker, a gift
Studded Silver Earrings
Q: What/who inspires you fashionably?
A: I would definitely say my mom inspires me. I would say not fashion wise, but she is the person who has introduced me to style; how to be classy, how to be a woman, and how to really exude your confidence through your outfits.
Q: If you could name your style, what would it be?
A: My style is “sophisticated funk.” As a business major, you always have to hold a level of professionalism. However, I love to accentuate my outfits with a pop of color, or a cool silhouette that hasn’t been tried in the business field.
Q: How can one incorporate their culture into their wardrobe?
A: You have to be conscious of fashion repeating itself. Everything is a cycle. This white-collar shirt is cyclical from 10-20 years. It will always come back. This leather jacket that I’m wearing is very vintage. You’ve probably seen it back in the 1940’s, during the war. Just knowing that fashion repeats itself, you can always tap into a time in history and make it fit for today. Also, even though these funky pants may be from India, they look a bit afro-centric. Just knowing the origin of your outfit and the origin of your style will allow you to tap into your culture.
Q: What tips can you give other students on shopping with a budget?
A: Whew, hello! We have a budget. I say be true to your finances, be true to your budget, and be true to your bank account. Don’t go buy the most expensive thing. Know that there is a store or online stores that are providing the same style, if not better quality, at the same time. What I would do is, one, make sure you are aware of certain websites such as polyvore.com. If you are looking for black slacks, you search the item, and they’ll give you an array of different websites and stores that have black slacks available, allowing you to compare prices. Also, if you are in need of an outfit, know that your friends are resources too. You can look into a friend’s closet and raid what they have there. Once you match with something from your closet, you have a new outfit. Lastly, thrift okay? I have gotten outfits for very formal events from thrift stores, I have gotten my homecoming outfit from the thrift store, and it’s all of $20. So, definitely be aware of that.
Q: What is a must-have component of your everyday look?
A: A must-have component is accessories. Your outfit can be so simple, such as leggings and a t-shirt. If you put some gold hoop earrings on, or if you wear your watch, it can definitely make the outfit come out. People will know while you’re accessorizing that you have great style. Always accessorize, even when you feel down about your outfit or down about the day.
Meet Lauren!
Junior, Public Relations
Top: Leather crop top, China
Bottoms: High-waisted harem pants, Forever 21
Accessories: Black wedges, Steve Madden
Necklace, Threadsence Online Shop
Bracelets, a gift from Mom
Q: What/who inspires you fashionably?
A: Honestly, my friends. I look at the things they wear and see what I have that is similar. Then, I try to just make it my own. Obviously celebrities and award shows create the type of looks you want. However, you can’t achieve that with college student funds. So, pretty much looking at my surroundings.
Q: If you could name your style, what would it be?
A: I would say maybe “bohemian chic,” or “glam-hipster.” Something that involves me being comfortable at all times. However, I love shiny things.
Q: How can one incorporate their culture into their wardrobe?
A: I think just any prints that are characteristic of your culture or how you perceive your culture can be helpful in trying to portray that in your wardrobe. So, if you have any fabrics from your childhood or anything, you could remix that into a crop-top or wide-legged pant. Anything can be incorporated into your wardrobe and still look great.
Q: What tips can you give other students on shopping with a budget?
A: Thrift shopping is the best thing that you can do for your closet. I could repeat that 100 times. People downplay but you can find a lot of gems. There’s Goodwill right down the street in Durham, or the Clothing Warehouse, Rumours, and Time After Time. I find so many good deals at these places.
Q: What is a must-have component of your everyday look?
A: I would say harem pants if I could wear them everyday but probably something around my neck. Whether it’s a necklace or a scarf, I have to have something on my collar bone.
Meet Rodedrick!
Junior, Chemistry
Top: Striped Button-up, Tommy Hilfiger
Bottoms: Navy Blue Chinos, Brooke’s Brothers
Shoes: Dark Brown Loafers, Cole Haan
Outerwear: Khaki Trench, Banana Republic
Accessories: Leather Belt, Coach
Gold-faced Watch, Michael Kors
Eyeglasses, Joseph Marc
Q: What or who inspires you fashionably?
A: That’s a great question! Mostly my mom inspired me with my fashion sense. She taught me the ins and outs of color blocking, what to wear, and how to wear it.
Q: If you could name your style, what would it be?
A: My style is very transitive. One day I may dress preppy, the next day I may dress very modern, similar to a New Yorker. Majority of the time, it is very preppy.
Q: How can one incorporate their culture or heritage into their wardrobe?
A: I think it’s very easy to incorporate your culture into your wardrobe. For me, it’s as simple as incorporating black, red, and green into what I wear. You can also take a jean jacket and add different patches or badges to it. During Black History Month, being that modern clothes aren’t as defined those from the past, finding retro items can easily be symbolic of Black culture.
Q: What tips can you give other students on shopping with a budget?
A: Buy off-season. Many times I’ll buy my winter clothes in January or February because they are marked down, or I’ll buy my summer clothes in August or September. I like to buy stuff in advance and recycle it. Also, I’ve shopped at Goodwill a couple of times and bought a few blazers. I feel like for guys, getting blazers from there is a pretty beneficial strategy. Also, I feel like female clothes are typically cheaper than guys. They can easily go to Forever 21 and put a great outfit together. However, for guys, definitely buying off-season or wholesale at outlet venues.
Q: What is a must-have component of your everyday look?
A: Definitely my watch, because I can always tell time of course. I feel like one thing that makes me unique on campus is that no one else has this watch. It defines me with the alligator leather strap and the gold face. Just like the rest of my wardrobe, it allows me to express myself in some way.
Meet Morad!
Junior, Business and Economics
Top: Printed top, Zara
Bottoms: Colored pants, H&M
Shoes: Black suede loafers, Steve Madden
Outerwear: Blazer, Top Man
Accessories: Beaded jewelry, ALDO
Q: What/who inspires you fashionably?
A: Tumblr and other fashion blogs inspire me. I have re-blog pages such as GQ and use what they have as inspiration. Also, Kanye West, Pharrell, and a Nigerian musician named D’Banj. I also followed Tom Ford before the infamous song.
Q: If you could name your style, what would it be?
A: I would say a bit “classy urban,” but more classy. I’m into loafers, suede shoes, and trying to deviate from sneakers. Being that I’m in college, it’s time to grow up and be more like a man.
Q: How can one incorporate their culture into their wardrobe?
A: Being that I’m African, I try to wear a lot of African prints, and follow African designers. For others, if you find anything in your culture that will set you apart, you should definitely incorporate that. Most importantly, don’t be ashamed of it! It can be any little thing like shoes, beads, shirts with pocketed patterns, anything. Just make it your style.
Q: What tips can you give other students on shopping with a budget?
A: Thrift store shopping is always good! I’ve been to some for men but they don’t have that much to choose from. However, stores that are more pocket friendly such as H&M and ASOS are great choices. I also tend to find random websites online that offer great deals to shoppers.
Q: What is a must-have component of your everyday look?
A: Personally, accessories are always a good choice. However, I suggest that guys must have some good button-up shirts, well-fitted pants, and a pair of loafers. Being that we are in college, wearing sneakers all the time is not acceptable. Also, ill-fitted clothes are not good choices. Your appearance matters a great deal and it’s important that we display it at all times.
I hope these four, trending Tar Heels, gave you some useful information. To take full advantage of what they’ve shared, take a potion from each of their experiences and make it applicable in your fashion decisions. Find what works for you personally, and build on that. After all, who knows you individually better than yourself? Until next time, keep making wise fashion choices!
Amazing photography!