First impressions are quite important, you know? When people hear my last name, they shriek! “What a long last name! Ten letters!” they complain, as they try desperately to comprehend three syllables. I happily inform them that I kindly asked my kindergarten teacher if I could shorten my name while learning how to write. “Elizabeth Dombrowski” wouldn’t even fit on the lined paper and left me with a cramped hand. Seven years later, I got my wish when “Liz” stuck around as my nickname.
Although my penmanship has improved since kindergarten, I am always left with the mystery of first impressions. How do people perceive me when they first meet me? Am I fierce like Beyoncé? (That is a rhetorical question clearly. The answer is always yes, I am fierce like Beyoncé.) I absolutely love meeting new people and getting to know all new faces. Other than a dazzling smile or a goofy grin, what do people notice first about you? When it comes down to it, it is your outfit that people see first. It’s the new midi skirt you bought overseas while on vacation, paired with your grandmother’s earrings. Maybe it’s the new shift dress you were nervous to wear since not many of your friends wear that dress silhouette. Regardless of what brand you’re wearing, it’s the outfit you carry yourself in that people first notice.
Every outfit is a first impression outfit, in my opinion. You wear the clothes that make you feel good and comfortable enough to go up and introduce yourself. There is quite a lot of fun in dressing yourself each morning, not knowing what you will encounter that day. That is what I love about fashion—the unexpected events that may arise while wearing certain outfits. I have “lucky” shirts that I swear are good luck charms and always are great during exam week. All my bags seem to be adorned with hairclips because you never know when a hairclip will be needed. Coming from a small Catholic high school, I happily awaited the weekends so I could strut my stuff in my “everyday” clothes. I ditched the uniform behind. I was welcomed with open arms at University of Delaware where I could plan outfits each day. A year later, I still find some joy in picking out an outfit the night before.
I walk around my beautiful campus and see inspiration everywhere. From the students to reading my Vogue magazine on my iPad before bed, its incredible how one item can spark so many ideas for style. I incorporate what I see on campus and apply it to my own wardrobe. As a Fashion Merchandising major, I am surrounded by creative students. Each Friday, I hope to bring you all some inspiration for your style. I’m incredibly excited to share my campus style with all of you. So before I go, fellow Fashionistas—hello, my name is Liz Dombrowski and its very nice to meet you.
