Fashion is more than a trend, it’s an identity

Why do we hold so much value on the clothes we wear? 

Jane Siragusa, a cosmetology student at Bridgerland Technical College, believes one’s fashion and sense of style indicate one’s expression and perception of themselves and can extend to how one perceives others. 

“Whether we want to dress girly, boyish, skater kid, gothic— whatever — style is so important to our identity and self,” Siragusa said. “It crafts who we are and what we want to be going forward.” 

Siragusa gave some tips on how to build your own style. 

“Have various types of clothing for the way you are feeling,” Siragusa said. “Your style and comfort level may change from day to day to have options for yourself. Especially while you are still pinpointing your style.” 

Erin Porter, a USU undergraduate in advertising business, illustrated how versatile her style can be. 

“I feel like I don’t express one thing based on clothes,” Porter said. “I wear what I like and my likes are so different.” 

Janie Nelson, a USU student studying journalism, examined how her style, points out changes based on her mood. 

“If I am feeling confident my outfits are more bold, whereas if I am feeling down, my outfits tend to be more lounge-y,” Nelson said. 

Siragusa’s second tip is to find what style shows off who you are. 

“There is no wrong kind of style,” Siragusa said.  

According to USU social media major Tylin Ritchie, style can be something as simple as a color palette. Rather than wearing neutral colors, Ritchie often opts for bright colors to stand out in a crowd.  

“I think my fashion shows who I am. Though I am not into fashion, it shows my independence and self,” said Jessyka Harris, a self-proclaimed tomboy.  

On the other hand, USU business major Teegan Harris loves the confidence that flower -prints, dresses and heels provide her. 

“It makes me happy and feel sunshine-y throughout the day,” Harris said.  

“Style reflects who you are as a person. Like for me, I love wearing bright colors because it helps me stand out and is more fun than neutral colors,” Ritchie said. 

Marcus Lamb, a journalism major at Utah State University expressed his interests of anime, superheroes, and overall geeky style through his clothes when around his friends.  

Styles Campbell, a psychology graduate student, wears business clothing every day.  

“It helps me feel more professional and gives off a good impression to my professors that I am taking my education seriously,” Campbell said.  

Style can make one into the kind of person they want to be, according to Siragusa, whether it be a casual-fun hipster to a more business-casual look.  

“Style indicates who we want to be and where one wants to go,” Siragusa said. “Be confident in your style choices.” 

 One can be just as powerful in a suit as they are in Joey Tribbiani’s Thanksgiving maternity pants.  

USU student Emily Fuentes changes her hair color every month.  

“Though I wear a lot of neutral colors with my clothes I love expressing myself through color, just on my head,” Fuentes said. “It is such a fun way to illustrate the kind of fun and adventurous person that I am.” 

Tylin Ritchie loves how eccentric styles can really outline people’s personalities and things that they love.  

“Style truly indicates how someone markets themselves to their peers or coworkers,” Ritchie said.  

Siragusa encourages all students and people to continue to develop their style into something that will make them look in the mirror and smile.