To begin my investigation of personal style, I asked my friends Sophie Singer-Santoro and Bruna Giampietro what style meant to them in a previous article. Both believe style is a way to express who you are. Sophie is a psychology major in BU’s College of Arts and Sciences while Bruna is a public relations major in the College of Communication. Sophie eats a bagel everyday and Bruna is Brazilian and trilingual!
This week they gave me a tour of their closets. Here’s what happened!
How would you describe your style?
Sophie: My style definitely has a focus on comfort while looking put together!
Bruna: Lately I really like to experiment with colors and textures. So right now my style is definitely in an experimental phase.
Who or what inspires your style?
Sophie: I think I’m most inspired by young professionals on their way to work. I’m inspired by them because when I dress like I have something to do or need to get something done, I feel like I work harder.
Bruna: I’m mostly inspired by the weather or how I feel that day. So if I’m doing something special that day, I would wear more colors and put more attention into my outfit. If I’m laying around, I will be more comfortable and casual.
Who’s closet would you want to raid?
Sophie: Your closet! It’s true!
(Writer’s note: I became very emotional at this moment because I did not expect Sophie to say this)
Bruna: I would want to raid Kali Uchis’s closet because she is such a style icon. I think she’s very talented and an empowering Latina artist. Her style is very experimental with vintage vibes yet has a modern twist.
What is your favorite item of clothing?
Sophie: My favorite item is my denim jacket because I bought it at a thrift store and it was covered in rhinestones. I loved the jacket but hated the rhinestones because it looked very childish so I spent hours picking all of them off. Now I wear it almost every day and I am obsessed with it.
Bruna: My favorite article of clothing is also a jacket! It’s my black bomber jacket with round studs from Topshop. I wear it all the time.
What are three items you would save in a fire?
Sophie: I think my favorite belt, which is from my dad. It has a really big buckle and different designs on it. I would also definitely save my Halloween scarf with the skeletons on it! And then, I would probably save my red boots from Zara.
Bruna: Probably my Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, a good lip balm or lip gloss to keep my lips moisturized, and some black high-waisted jeans.
What is your favorite store?
Sophie: My favorite store is definitely Zara because I think they have that young, business professional look that I like. They also have more casual stuff like sweaters and comfortable jackets. I also love their shoes.
Bruna: My favorite stores are between Zara and Urban Outfitters. I grew up wearing Zara in Brazil, because that was what people mostly wore. When I moved to the United States, Urban Outfitters was a big discovery because it has really cool and hip clothes.
How do you choose what you wear every day and for a night out?
Sophie: It depends on what I have to do that day. So if I have to take a test or work a lot on something, I tend to dress nicer because if I am comfortable with how I look and I feel good about how I’m dressed. I focus more because I’m not worrying about my outfit. I can just focus on other things. When I go out, I try to be as comfortable as possible because I get tired really early. If I’m out late and I’m wearing something uncomfortable, like heels, all I would want to do is sit. If I’m wearing something comfortable, I can focus on other things like having fun and dancing. So I’ll usually wear jeans or a skirt. It normally depends on the temperature but I usually wear a crop top or something mesh because I really like the texture of mesh and it’s really comfortable and makes me feel good about myself.
Bruna: For everyday, I wear black jeans and a lot of layering because I’m always cold. Sometimes I wear graphic tees under baggy crewneck sweaters and a jacket. For me, it mostly depends on the weather and how I’m feeling that day. My Tuesdays are my treat myself days so I put more effort in my outfits and try to do my makeup a little cuter. For a night out, I normally wear a skirt with a pair of Vans because I like to be comfortable but I would throw on a crop top or a sheer top with a crazy bra under it.
What’s the best style advice?
Sophie: I really don’t like the fast fashion idea because I don’t think you should buy something because it fits with a trend. I think you should just wear what you want and what makes you comfortable. Don’t dress for other people, only dress for yourself.
Bruna: Wear what you want because it doesn’t matter what other people think. In high school, I wanted to dress like other people and try to fit in because I was the new kid who just moved to America. Now I really don’t care what other people think, all I want to do is be comfortable and express who I am through my clothes.
Sophie and Bruna are dear friends of mine who inspire me everyday in my style and in life. They both have amazing style and are amazing people. The best thing to remember from Sophie and Bruna’s closet tour is to dress for yourself because it doesn’t matter what other people think!
Want to keep up with HCBU? Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, check out our Pinterest board, and read our latest Tweets!