Students dress up in personalized styles

The personal style of the most stylish OC students is just that: personal.

In fact, those who dress up for class say they don’t pay much attention to fashion trends on social media. They like what they like and dress accordingly.

Second-year media production student Maria Bejaran said social media trends and influencers “don’t play a role, if I’m honest. I just throw whatever I want.”

No matter what they wore, the students said their outfits are an expression of their personalities.

Environmental science student George Sines, who wore green Tillys shorts, a brown tank top and a black sweatshirt with some skeletons on it on a recent warm, windy day, agreed.

“I feel like bigger things like baggy pants and baggy jeans that are coming into fashion suit me just fine,” Sines said. “I’ll do that. But then we hate microtrends, boo.”

First-year graphic design student Lilika Farrell said her wardrobe changes as she explores her style.

“I would say I pick and choose certain styles because I’ve been exploring them for a long time,” Farrell said. “You develop a kind of intuition of what you like and don’t like and what suits your style.”

Like Farrell, several students said their style has evolved over time.

“A good example would be that in high school, when I was a freshman, I wore a lot of skinny jeans, sweaters and Vans,” Bejaran said. “And now it’s like, I hate skinny jeans. I only like baggy stuff. Yeah, none of that. I wear a lot of crop tops now. I used to be so insecure about that, but now I have my stomach all the time.”

Still, Farrell said, “I don’t really like to adopt a different aesthetic every trend cycle or anything like that because I can’t afford to live like that.” And secondly, it’s not good for the planet.”

Farrell said thrift shopping and reusing clothes are good for both the planet and her budget.

While many students simply put on the sweatpants and hoodie that is clean every morning, others carefully curate their outfits to showcase their creativity and unique style.

“You know, it’s just school, but I like to dress up like I’m going somewhere special because life is too short to be boring,” said Jaymee Green, a second-year forensic studies student. “I’d rather feel good about myself and radiate an aura of, even when people look and say, ‘Oh my God, what is she wearing?’ they are looking.”

However, some students style their clothes by incorporating comfortable items into their outfits while still looking stylish.

First-year psychology student Samantha Lindsey, who wore a PacSun sweater and baggy pants, a ring and black Converse sneakers, said, “I think there has to be a balance.”

“I guess I don’t have to value comfort anymore because then I’m wearing sweatpants every day,” Lindsey said. “(But) I’m not the type of person who’s going to wear something really uncomfortable just because it looks good. So I like to find a balance between the two.”

Sophomore business student Kailyn Mcilree said her style has been called “tomboy chic.”

“I’ve always liked to dress a little looser…guy style, but I do like to add a feminine touch with chunky jewelry,” said Mcilree.