Welcome to Humans of Weldon, where we deconstruct the thought process behind notable styles from Weldonites.
Grace Longmire, 3L
Inspiration lately…
I’ve been exploring the new space of no longer working in the office. This has manifested where I wear something that could work in an office environment – but adding a spin. When thrifting, I lean into Rachel Zane for office wear that’s beyond a black pantsuit: something that’s super fun but meets professional requirements.
Go-to outfit combo…
Button down + baggy jeans
I love button-downs: specifically, I’ve been enjoying the shape and fit of a boxy button-down. Lately, I lean on big, baggy, androgynous silhouettes where I can create shapes outside of their original forms. Baggy clothes are often seen as off-limits to short people, but I had more fun expressing myself when I started putting on the outfits that I like the most – not what I thought others would like on me.
I was a serial hoodie + leggings person. Midway through my undergrad, I started to buy my clothing more intentionally. Soon after, my friend Zeynep from @zealoushfx was my intro to thrifting.
For a while, I thought only one mode of dress reflected my style. But I realized that my style wasn’t restricted to one aesthetic: I could dress androgynously one day and wear something frilly the next day.
But I realized that my style wasn’t restricted to one aesthetic
Wise words…
Find humility in trying new things. Lean into going all out with it and trust you can pull it off by being confident. Often, I leave my entire closet on the floor: it’s trial and error. Let it be fun!
Mina Ali, 2L
Inspiration lately…
While corporate office siren looks have been inspiring me lately, I worry about how much social media determines creative expression. I’m not looking for an algorithm-generated personality, and it’s important to remind myself that fashion is looked at. It’s a visual thing. It’s a lookbook where fashion is an expression of self. When I think of dressing myself, I am oriented to the future. I’m drawn to edgy and dark visuals and find myself shaped by my environment.
John Berger talks about how women are used to being perceived – like they’re “on” all the time for a camera. This makes me more intentional with this corporate office siren
lookbook that I’m finding inspiration from. Is this for me, or is this so others may perceive me? Returning to this allows me to nurture my creative expression in a way that continues to feel authentic to me.
I’ve been exploring “double bagging” lately where I have a functional bag for my school stuff and another one that’s more fashionable. I visited this antique shop in Georgetown where I picked up a vintage polo Ralph Lauren plaid satchel with an attached brush. It works great as the fashionable, less functional part of double bagging. The key here is the difference in texture between the two. It’s another moment to add an element of surprise or visual interest.
Go-to outfit combo…
Small shirt + big pants.
It’s all about proportions and balancing a silhouette. I like to add a visual interest through juxtaposition – think leather and florals.
Wise words…
You know how Coco Chanel tells you to take one thing off before you leave the house? Do the opposite. Put one more thing on. In creating a visual interest, jewelry works and so does an interesting layer. I started nurturing my expression when I started caring for myself by giving myself time to figure out my clothes in the morning. There’s a connection between making time for your expression and your overall wellness.
Next up for Humans of Weldon
Creating self through expression in how you dress yourself is an essential part of getting to know yourself. We’ll explore Sybil’s choices in self-presentation in our Winter issue – so stay tuned!
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