When everyone on campus is shopping at the same department stores and boutiques, styles tend to blend together, making it difficult to sport a truly unique outfit; vintage and thrifted finds are a solution to this problem. When you look hard enough, you can find wardrobe items that make your outfit stand out from the rest. They can be paired with everyday attire to make it different, or combined with a fully thrift store fueled outfit for something distinctively you.
The key to vintage wear is embracing past trends. It’s easy to forget that styles go in and out of fashion. So when you find a show-stopping diamond in the rough, make sure to make a quick purchase. Even if the product isn’t necessarily “in style,” it probably will be soon; or you can take a chance and start the trend yourself! It’s even a good idea to research styles of decades past and use those trends to transform modern fashions. With a pair of scissors or a sewing machine, an outfit can give off a completely different image.
Name: Bryn Taubensee
Major: Fashion Design; Sculpture BFA
Year: 5th year senior
CollegeFashionista: Where did you find this awesome outfit?
Bryn Taubensee: My mom found my vintage coat at a garage sale, my leather jacket is from H&M and my pants are from Urban Outfitters. The rest I pretty much found either on Etsy or at Goodwill. I have my own Etsy shop so I shop there pretty often.
CF: What type of things do you sell on Etsy?
BT: I sell a lot of ’90s inspired styles. I like gothy and black clothes or graphic styles with big pictures of Minnie Mouse and cartoons and stuff.
CF: Where do you get the inspiration for your style?
BT: A lot comes from Etsy and a ton of fashion blogs.
CF: If you could change the way people dress at IU what would you do?
BT: Wow, I would do a lot. I would eliminate all sweats and VS PINK things. I just wish people would dress more uniquely.
CF: What are you most looking forward to wearing with the warm weather?
BT: I’m really excited for shorts and to see some of the upcoming trends.
How To: Bryn’s look revitalizes ’90s grunge, a trend that we’ve seen rising in our current era. Her style requires a lot of layering and variations of weights and textures. Try starting out with a sheer top and bandeau, then layer on a cardigan or a leather jacket. Find a statement coat with a bold color, pattern or fur to add interest and dimension to your outfit. Keep accessories simple and minimal. Shoes should be chunky and fairly heavy, like Dr, Martens or boots. While you can most likely find the pieces of this outfit at a normal store, step out of your comfort zone and peruse your local thrift stores. This is really the key to the grunge look, going with styles that are out of the ordinary and making them fabulous.
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