Zoey Womick

What makes your style unique? How would you describe your style?

“I have never fit in based on what I wear. I think what most fundamentally went wrong on this track was that I never learned how to match. I don’t confine myself to the standards for what looks “good” on young bodies today. I like long skirts and dresses, less feminine or youthful silhouettes and even outfits that might be construed as ugly. My style is very heavily vintage inspired, like most trends today are, but I feel that my style is more true to [vintage fashion] than modern fashion. I don’t fit into one particular aesthetic or decade, and I think that’s kind of the best way to describe my style. I love brown and pinks, sparkles and tweed. I’m drawn to zany pieces that appear to have come from your grandmother’s closet. In so many words, I make old clothes new.”

How has virtual school changed your style? 

“Like a lot of kids, I used to actually get up and get dressed every day, but that is so much harder to do when you aren’t actually going anywhere. In some ways my style has improved as it has evolved a lot in this time of social isolation and I have thrift shopped a ton; however, I am much less inclined to actually put the outfits I pick out on. Some days I will wear a whole outfit- tights, boots, everything–– but they come off at lunchtime because the discomfort of real clothes is maximized when sitting at home.”

How does your style match your personality?

“My personality, in many ways, represents false dichotomies. I am both smart, bubbly, ambitious and considerate. I am a cheerleader and a debater. The transcendence of these perceived limitations to personality is present in my style. I like to wear crop tops with maxi skirts, and large masculine blazers with small dresses skirts and shorts. I like to make things that don’t traditionally go together, but that I like, look good. In all honesty, I think that is the very nature of personal style. What I wear is unique to me, and scarcely definable by words because it is so fitting of who I am. Just how each individual person is difficult to define, so is my style and it’s differentiation from others.”

How does your outfit affect the way you act?

“Despite what fashion bloggers and influencers might say, dressing has not made me more productive. Some days, I actually find it making me more tired and unfocused for school. Some days, wearing an outfit I love does help me focus and enjoy my school days and some days it doesn’t. I do find that wearing an outfit that is both comfortable and stylish, particularly those which channel a student or intellectual archetype, helps motivate me. “

What fashion advice would you give your peers?

“I think everyone, as long as they find it safe enough, should thrift shop. Of course, everyone says this, but picking out pieces that speak to you is the best way to build a unique style. So much of style is intuitive and personal, and wearing things that you feel uniquely represent who you are through the feeling you receive from them is the best way to express yourself through style.  You should wear what makes you feel good about yourself, no matter what the constructs of society say. You should experiment, always getting out of your comfort zone because that might be your new favorite thing.”

Why is it important to express yourself through your clothes?

“Clothes are the first, and often only, thing people see about you. Words can be misconstrued, body language and expression can be misleading, but when a person expresses them through their clothes, that tells more about them than anything else can. They can speak for themselves, and evoke a feeling as to who a person is. I think it is a completely unique utility. Beyond that, if I am going to wear things on my body all day every day, I want to be adorned with things I like, or even love. Clothing is a necessity of life, just like food and beverage. I think we should get as much joy as we can out of it, as well as expressing who we are as individuals. Clothing and fashion are a truly beautiful thing if you let it be.”