From left to right:  Jesus Rivera wears: Jacket: Avalanche // Shirt: Cotton On // Slacks: J. Crew // Shoes: Sperry Topsider // Scarf: H&M // Watch: Fossil  Monica Arellano : Jacket: Marshalls // Shirt: Forever 21 // Skirt: Forever 21 // Shoes: Steve Madden // Laptop Case: Marshalls // Umbrella: Mod Cloth // Sunglasses: Marshalls Kevin Corona : Shirt: H&M // Jeans: Levis // Shoes: Sperry Top Sider // Shades: Amazon // Watch: Timex // Belt: Old Navy Lorena Villanueva: Shirt and Jeans: H&M // Shoes:Online // Necklace: Mexico
From left to right:
Jesus Rivera wears: Jacket: Avalanche // Shirt: Cotton On // Slacks: J. Crew // Shoes: Sperry Topsider // Scarf: H&M // Watch: Fossil
Monica Arellano : Jacket: Marshalls // Shirt: Forever 21 // Skirt: Forever 21 // Shoes: Steve Madden // Laptop Case: Marshalls // Umbrella: Mod Cloth // Sunglasses: Marshalls
Kevin Corona : Shirt: H&M // Jeans: Levis // Shoes: Sperry Top Sider // Shades: Amazon // Watch: Timex // Belt: Old Navy
Lorena Villanueva: Shirt and Jeans: H&M // Shoes:Online // Necklace: Mexico

When I was brainstorming ideas for what to write in my first column, I thought, “What better way to start a fashion column on campus than by showcasing student style?” Borrowing the style of “Humans of New York,” I found students around campus with interesting outfits, snapped their photo and asked them a few questions about their style. It’s somewhat nerve-wracking to go up to random people and ask to take a picture of their outfit. But for the most part, I’m met with positive responses and have been able to strike up some interesting conversations about personal style.

In light of the constantly changing weather in the past few weeks, I got to find some interesting looks from a range of students. As diverse as our campus is, so is the range of styles. Many of the people I interviewed seemed to welcome the chillier weather, especially with all the heat that lasted until mid-November.

One of the most interesting outfits I got to shoot was Monica Arellano. We got to talk about how she was interested in channeling the ‘40s in her outfits. Often opting for very feminine silhouettes using high-waisted skirts, blouses and curls, Monica said she enjoyed mimicking the style of the Golden Age of Hollywood in her own everyday wear.

I’m very partial to preppy men’s wear, which is why I was drawn to both Jesus’ and Kevin’s outfits. I shot Kevin’s outfit on a warmer and drier day than Jesus. In his interview, he said that he prides himself on being put together for everyday purposes. But for such unpredictable weather, he likes to throw on a light jacket to weather the cold mornings and not have to be weighed down too much when he has to take it off in the afternoon.

For Jesus, it’s always important to remember to stay comfortable even when being stylish. When you have to be on campus all day, comfort is king. That’s why he says that his Sperry Topsider shoes are some of his favorite shoes to wear while walking around campus. A light button-up shirt and windbreaker help him stay warm throughout the day but aren’t so thick and heavy that they get too uncomfortable.

Finally, I gravitated toward Lorena’s outfit with her pendant necklace and casual yet interesting shirt and jeans combo. Much like Jesus, she said that she prides herself on being stylish and comfortable at the same time. Because of the uncertain changes in temperature, she keeps her outfits simple so she can simply add or take off a jacket. She adds interest to her outfits by accessorizing with statement jewelry that shows off her personality.

I hope this first column gives you some inspiration when you’re out shopping after finals! This definitely isn’t going to be the only Style Spotlight I’ll be doing, so don’t fret if you didn’t get featured just yet! Perhaps sometime soon you’ll get a tap on your shoulder and a friendly “Hey, I work for the Highlander and I really like your outfit!” See you all next quarter!