Can you believe this cute and quirky outfit was assembled in less than five minutes by Sharen before she rushed off to her morning classes? This busy law student has epic style on a budget. The best way I can think of describing her outfit today is Blair Waldorf meets {throwback) Avril Lavigne.
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Sharen 101
Name: Sharen
Hometown: Farnborough, England
School: University of Westminster, London, England
Year: Second Year
Major: Law
Let’s Talk Fashion
Who or what inspires your style? “Instagram models, aesthetic posts on Tumblr, [and] subjectivity. Whenever I like an outfit that someone [is wearing], I try [to] implement something similar into my style. It’s not really copying them exactly, but more so adding to my own sense of style. My style on a day-to-day basis is mainly inspired by my mood or the nature of the day… for instance if I am going to an event, who I am going to see, [or if I am] running student errands.”
Where do you like to shop? “H&M [which is] basically a cheaper version of Topshop. Honestly, some tops are cringe [worthy] but they have a nice selection of graphic tees, jumpers, and hoodies. Penshoppe: I pretty much love every [piece of] clothing in this shop. It is a real shame that there aren’t any shops in the UK. Primark: it’s cheap and [has] a terrible ethical reputation, but I am a student in debt. I can shop smart when I have a comfortable income. In terms of shoes, I value comfort and versatility so Converse and Vans are my go-to shoes.”
How would you describe your sense of style? “Usually boyish… influenced by [my] older brother whom I had always tried to imitate growing up, and sometimes something that captures a sense of delicate femininity when I feel like making an effort in being a ‘girl’.”
What fashion advice would you give to other students looking to improve their style? “Take risks. If you like two different pieces on [their] own, why not combine them to better showcase your own unique look? Even if you get a few snarky comments from your peers, at the end of the day being able to put yourself out there through your fashion [taste] builds confidence and expresses your character to the world. Style is not just about what everyone else is wearing [and] what is in season. It’s subjective [about] how you see yourself in your own eyes and attempting to reflect that in how you dress. Dressing plain or casual is completely fine! Unless you have a lot of time [on] your hands, thinking of trendy outfits and creating bold looks are too difficult. If it bothers you that much, wear a top with words or a captivating image or design to add that extra zest… or simply make accessories your best friend.”
What are your favorite trends right now? “Tartan and plaid designs were popular in the past, but this autumn I feel like [they are] coming back and [hopefully] here to stay. [They] just make your style look more chic and you come across as more powerful… maybe it is just me who feels that way when wearing it. Vibrant colors have been more apparent in recent years. As much as it is sad to see the emo and minimalist trends go, it makes me so happy to see a sea full of colors in crowds rather than just black and white. I know some people are still clinging onto the ‘I am dead inside’ look, but embracing the colors just make me feel more like myself. [I also love] Korean streetwear! I don’t know how the outfits always look so on-point even though [they are] not conventionally ‘on trend’. I feel like a lot of teenagers and young adults from all over have latched on to this sort-of look and I am definitely down for it… now, if only it didn’t cost so much!”
Do you have any favorite fashion designers? If so, who? “Not really. I do love looking at the clips and images of their fashion shows though. I am more obsessed with the models than the designers themselves because they make the clothing their own. My favorite model has been Barbara Palvin for as long as I could remember – she is just stunning!”
What do you do for fun – do you have any unique hobbies or interests? “I like video games, watching TV (mostly anime and asian dramas), and creating art in some way, either through drawing or writing. I absolutely adore poetry and learning new things that help me get closer to figuring out how things work such as people, nature, the world itself and myself.”
If you could raid anyone’s closet, who would it be and why? “Maia Mitchell. She has such a nonchalant style with a mix of both a tomboy and a girly look. At the same time there is something timeless about how she dresses. In one outfit it looks like it was taken in the ’60s and in others, the ’90s. Having this sort of variety is great for me because I like to change it up regularly rather than have a fundamental style consistently.”
Elements of Sharen’s Outfit
1. Embellished Beret
This lilac beret matches with Sharen’s Converse low-top sneakers to ensure there aren’t too many colors in the already varied palette of yellow, green, and white. The shiny embellishments along the brim add a sweet, playful touch to the vintage tweed-like material.
2. Knee-High Socks + Classic Kicks
Sharen dares to wear knee-high socks with a plaid skirt; the classic schoolgirl look. To keep her outfit from looking too traditionally cutesy, Sharen has swapped out mary janes for casual and comfy lavender Converse sneakers.
What do you think of Sharen’s outfit?
Do you love her colorful schoolgirl style? Would you wear knee-high socks with sneakers? Let us know what you think in the comments!