Unless I have specific motivation, my reliable party outfit consists of plain blue jeans and some form of a crop top. Looking around at the girls at the same social events I’d notice a similar pattern. I attribute my reluctance to experiment with fashion mostly to the fact that I’m worried to stand out or that I’m afraid of going against classic social norms. Honestly though, it’s partly because I don’t normally have the best fashion sense—except when it comes to upcycling my grandparents’ clothes.
Earlier this year my cousins and I helped our grandma out with the annual task of spring cleaning. While this typically leads to hundreds of trash bags full of old newspapers and Target receipts, we were lucky enough to also have the duty of closet cleaning, where among pantsuits lined with shoulder pads and old pairs of Mary Jane heels we struck gold. All at once, we were overwhelmed with everything from oversized button-downs to old-school belts and typical 80s sneakers.
What at first seemed like outdated and oversized pieces of 80s fashion proved to be our allies in making some of the most versatile and unique outfits. We were able to use the oversized button-downs as dresses (form-fitted by vintage belts) that paired perfectly with old-school high tops or Adidas white sneakers. The button-downs were also able to serve as tie-front t-shirts that looked super cool with wide-leg jeans. And, for those of us who wanted to spice up the standard jean and crop top combo, the button-downs worked amazingly as pullovers that gave off the classic 80s look with a modern twist.
Although pulling up to college parties in my grandma’s recycled clothes put me way out of my fashion comfort zone, I was surprised by lots of compliments on my “vintage style.” Even if my first try at experimenting in fashion wasn’t too bold, I still loved trying out new styles that disrupted my initial reaction to dress with the crowd.