Ladies and gentlemen, lend me your ears! Because it’s time to introduce WVWC’s newest Style Icon, Emily Akers!
This is Emily’s first semester here at Wesleyan, but she’s already managed to make quite an impression on her fellow classmates. With her violet locks, one-of-a-kind wardrobe, and kindhearted personality, Emily is by far one of Wesleyan’s most unique freshmen.
When Emily isn’t busy being her awesome self, she devotes most of her time to the We LEAD Animal Welfare Team. She says that she was inspired to join due to her long-term love of animals. When Emily leaves her Home Among the Hills for her old stomping grounds in Fayetteville, W.Va., she says that she spends all of her time with her beloved puppy, Alfie.
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Emily in person, she somehow manages to show off her fashionista savoir-faire every single day. For most of us, just getting out of bed and putting on a decent pair of jeans is nearly impossible. So, how on earth does Emily consistently manage to look so flawless? Let’s find out!
MS: How would you describe the way you dress?
EA: Describing the way I dress is quite a hard thing to do because it’s not something I think about often. My style has been something that I use to express myself, so I always view my clothing as something effortless because it just correlates with what I am feeling inside.
MS: Where do you like to shop?
EA: The main stores I love to shop at are PacSun, TJ Maxx, and Forever 21, but my clothes are not limited to any certain store because I like what I like and it doesn’t really matter what brand it is. Often times I find awesome clothes at Aeropostale and I have no shame in buying them! Also, I’m a crazy bargain shopper, so wherever the sale is, I am close behind.
MS: Do you usually follow trends or march to the beat of your own drum?
EA: I am certainly not against following trends, but only if I truly like the trend. I am not someone who will wear something I can’t stand only because it is a trend. Though, most of the time I put my own spin on trends or go completely against the crowd.
MS: Do you look to anyone else’s style for inspiration?
EA: Of course I look at celebrities and their style but there isn’t any that I follow closely and design my outfits around. Sometimes I find certain staple pieces that interest me from celebrities and go from there.
MS: What does the word “style” mean to you?
EA: To me style means how you express yourself through your clothing, accessories, hair, etc. Everybody has a different style and I think it makes for a very unique and special world. Also, style gives my brain an outlet to be creative.
MS: What advice would you give to your fellow collegiates in regard to style?
EA: My advice would be don’t try too hard to fit in because once you accept that it’s okay to wear whatever you like, life gets a lot more fun. Also, don’t worry what other people think! It doesn’t matter if your style is an athletic top and spandex shorts, a dress with high heels, or anything in between; rock it!
MS: Do you ever take risks with your style? If so, do you think that being a “risk-taker” is important when it comes to style?
EA: I believe that I do take risks with my style every day. I think it’s important to be a risk-taker because there is seriously no point in trying to dress for other people and blend in. It used to be hard for me to take risks with my style, especially in high school where everyone wore basically the same types of clothes, but now I have gotten to a point where I know what I like and, most importantly, what I feel comfortable in. That is all that matters.
MS: What are some of your favorite fashion staples?
EA: My go-to fashion staples that I wear almost every day are knee socks and black combat boots. I can wear them with shorts, skirts, dresses, and leggings, and each time they add something different to my outfit. For autumn and winter by favorite staples are infinity scarfs, warm, fuzzy cardigans, and patterned panty hose
Know a fashionista on Wesleyan’s campus that deserves a shout-out? Nominate her to be our next Style Icon! Contact us through Facebook or Twitter!