The Hamline student body is diverse in many ways—including fashion. The range of identities and personalities on campus is apparent through the various unique and individual styles that are seen throughout the student body.

Sophomore Parker Reindahl notes that he first started to become interested in fashion as a form of self-expression in high school, where he noticed that most of his male-identifying peers tended to dress similar to each other. Reindahl, who is color-coded down to his socks in fall attire, notes that he enjoys thrifting for versatile pieces and has a general rule that at least half of his outfit should be thrifted. 

“I would describe my style as a vintage-modern hybrid,” Reindahl said. “I’m more confident in clothes I’m comfortable in and express my personality.”

Self-expression through fashion is also very important to sophomore Sena Ross. Ross cites Blair Waldorf from “Gossip Girl” as one of her main fashion inspirations, which is apparent through the clean lines and classic silhouette of her outfit.

While she admits that weather has a large impact on how she chooses to dress each day, Ross says that her style varies from casual and comfortable to professional. She also notes that she used to focus a lot on trends, but now wears what makes her feel good.

“I went through various fashion stages growing up and I realized that I can wear whatever I want and like what I wear,” Ross said.

Junior Yasmin Hirsi says that her identity as a Muslim woman and hijabi has a huge impact on what she wears every day. Her wardrobe consists of many long, flowing dresses with prints, and she describes her style as elegant and classy. Hirsi notes that modesty is a huge part of her culture and values.

“You have to get really creative in what you wear and how you present yourself and how you want to be perceived by the world in how you portray your identity,” Hirsi said.

Hirsi also notes that she thinks fashion is highly individualistic and a way for people to feel good about themselves.

“I think [fashion] means that you can express yourself in any way and not necessarily abide by societal norms of what is expected and what is the trend. I think fashion looks very different for everybody,” Hirsi said.

To sophomore Summer Carleton, fashion exists within many genres and contexts.  Carleton dresses ‘nu goth,’ a subgenre of gothic fashion. Nu goth fashion takes modern trends like high-waisted bottoms and rounded glasses and incorporates gothic elements such as dark colors and occult symbols to create something new and in between.

“Nu goth is freeform goth. [There are] edgy elements, but I like to look classy,” Carleton said.

Fashion is also a means for Carleton to feel confident. She says there is not a reason that she chooses to dress the way that she does, it is just what makes her feel the best.

“It’s what feels right. I don’t have a specific rhyme or reason. I see something and I think ‘do I feel powerful in this?’” Carleton said.