Looks on Campus: D – University of Michigan
D’s fashion fluidity is far from mainstream minimalism.
D exudes confidence and coolness with their modern, all-black look. With minimalism and androgynous trends taking runways and fashion blogs by storm, D offers insight into how style can impact the LGBTQ+ community and what fashion means to them personally.
D 101
Name: D
Year: Senior
Major: Art and Design
School: University of Michigan
Let’s Talk Fashion
Who or what inspires your style? “I feel like I haven’t really come across anyone who dresses in a minimalist style while also identifying as gender nonconforming. I feel like the standard fashion bloggers never have to consider things like wearing binders*, and how that plays into how you represent your gender. And understanding that based on how you dress, people will interpret you differently. It’s a lot of those nuances that I feel like I haven’t really seen in any style bloggers quite yet. I think the short of it is that individual people, items, and storefronts that I see really inspire me, and I try to make something of my own.”
*binders are used to constrict breasts and give the chest a flatter appearance
Where do you like to shop? “Strictly thrift stores. I think my politics have been radicalized in the past year. You don’t have to buy clothes new and items get thrown away all the time so I try to make use of that, which is why I really like to dumpster dive. But I mostly get things thrifted or secondhand from friends or from my mom.”
How would you describe your sense of style? “Queer [and/or] fluid. I think naturally everything that I want to dress like is more fluid and flexible. Like, sometimes I want to wear a binder, sometimes I don’t. The thought processes that other people go through when they’re deciding what to wear is nowhere near as difficult as when I get dressed, because depending on what I have on and how I present myself, people can misgender me and my identity.”
Why did you choose this particular outfit? “I really like the more modern, all black look and I like when things look more contemporary. These high-waisted pants with pleats look sharp and are great because I don’t have to cut them shorter. I don’t usually wear tops this tight, but when paired with these pants it looks almost like a sleek jumpsuit. And I’ve been looking for slightly heeled shoes for a while now, so it’s perfect that I found all of these at Salvation Army!”
What fashion advice would you give others looking to improve their style? “I honestly feel like a lot of the fashion advice you see about what is/isn’t trendy or what does/does not work with your body is a little elitist. And I think people looking to improve their style should understand that if you’re wearing something and it makes you feel happy to be wearing it, that’s good style. And that’s what matters.”
What are your favorite trends right now? “I like how much more visible queer and androgynous style is becoming now! Sites like qwearfashion.com offer a community and means of self-expression and Zara’s unisex collection from a little while ago [offer] clothes that anyone and everyone can wear while bringing light to a style and identity that’s sometimes overlooked.
Do you have any favorite fashion designers? If so, who? “Sometimes it’s hard for me to list designers because I kind of am against buying things that are new, and so I don’t really try to follow them too much. But some people I really like are Eileen Fisher, Shaina Mote, and on Etsy I really like Saturday Project and Metaformose.”
What do you do for fun? Do you have any unique hobbies or interests? “Dumpster diving! Running is a hobby of mine and lately I’ve been into making myself cold brewed tea every morning.”
If you could raid anyone’s closet, who would it be and why? “Rihanna or Kanye West. I say Rihanna because she would have some really, really great shoes and I would want to know her as a person. And Kanye, because personal politics aside, it would be fun to try on some Yeezy season 4 stuff.”
Elements of D’s Outfit
1. Canvas Bag
Canvas bags are not only a great for errands and schlepping around your things; they can also express your personality. D’s Mark Gonzalez bag that they got in Kyoto streamlines their minimalist, modern style with a simple graphic.
2. Strappy Sandals
This look is all about clean lines and classic blacks and the fact that they cost $3 from Salvation Army is just a bonus!
3. Mixed Metals
Mixed, layered metallics add edge and variety to an otherwise simple outfit. As a bonus, all of D’s necklaces hold sentimental value. With the two gold necklaces belonging to their grandmother and the Chinese pendant being souvenir from a trip to China, they go to show that self-expression and identity can be expressed in all sorts of mediums.
Now we want to know your thoughts on D’s look!
Are you a fan of sleek, minimalistic style? Would you wear their sandals? Comment below and let us know what you think.
Source: #Fashionblogger #fashiontrends