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Confessions of a College Shopaholic: Where I find style inspiration

Only through a variety of influences can unique styles form.

Confessions of a College Shopaholic

Graphic by Jaylin Cho

No one’s style is truly original. Whether conscious or subconscious, we as consumers constantly draw inspiration from the world around us, and fashion is no different. As I’ve grown up and worked on developing my style, I’ve realized that personal style isn’t about reinventing the wheel and being 100% original — it’s about finding pieces and influences that reflect who you are or who you want to be. Over the years, I’ve drawn from a variety of sources, from celebrities to designers. Perhaps sharing my inspirations will help you.

Princess Diana: Few figures in fashion history have left a mark as memorable as the late Princess Diana, who has remained a fashion icon years after her death. Her seemingly effortless blend of elegance and casual cool remains unmatched. From sweatshirts paired with biker shorts to casual outfits paired with designer handbags, Diana embodied a streetwear style that we can still see reflections of today. Diana’s looks, even amid her wealth, somehow felt accessible and easily replicated. That well tailored blazer over a relaxed hoodie you see on the city streets? That’s Diana’s magic at work.  

Jonathan Anderson: Jonathan Anderson’s work at both Loewe and JW Anderson, his own fashion label, is some of the most creative coming out of major fashion houses today. Anderson challenges traditional gender norms, creating pieces that feel simultaneously playful and deeply intentional. His designs reflect a sense of curiosity, encouraging people to be more experimental and break with the norms. Outside of the brands he works for, Anderson’s work for the 2024 films “Queer” and “Challengers” are perfect for fashion inspiration, from the well tailored linens in Queer” to the sporty tennis looks in “Challengers.” And if you’re intrigued by his work but cannot pay the hefty price tags of Loewe or JW Anderson, his collaborations with Uniqlo are much more financially accessible and well worth the cost.

Vogue and GQ: It’s impossible to talk about style without mentioning the influence of fashion media. Reading Vogue and GQ has been instrumental in shaping how I approach fashion, not just as a way to dress but as a form of cultural literacy and knowledge. Vogue offers a glimpse into the high-fashion world, while GQ breaks down menswear in a way that feels accessible and applicable to everyday life. Through both, I’ve learned the language of fashion — how to identify cuts and silhouettes that work for my body, how to know when different textures work together and how to understand trends. Understanding the why behind what we wear — the references, the craftsmanship, the cultural significance — gives you power and knowledge. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about knowing why it works.

Celebrities: Celebrities have always been a powerful source of style inspiration, and today’s red carpets and street style moments feel more influential than ever. On the menswear side, celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Jacob Elordi embody modern menswear and provide great street style inspiration, while Colman Domingo encourages creativity and effortlessly proves that men should really be experimenting more on red carpets instead of opting for boring black suits. On the women’s side, Ayo Edebiri beautifully balances femininity and masculinity in her clothing choices, whether she is sporting florals at the Met Gala or a stunning grey suit at the Golden Globes.