This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Grinnell chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Megan Settle is a sophomore Political Science major, a Prairie Canary waitress, a Grinnell singers alto and a contributing writer for Her Campus Grinnell! We sat down with this busy Kansas City, MO native to discuss her sophisticated personal style:
1) What are three words to describe your personal style?
Polished, relaxed, sunny
2) What people, places, music etc. inspire your style?
People: Emma Stone, Blake Lively, people say I’m a dead ringer for Katherine Heigl so I definitely look to her for makeup tips and color schemes.
I was recently touring California with a college group and I absolutely loved the laid back, sunny, carefree vibe, especially in Northern California. I am really inspired by sunshine and trees. My outfits depend completely on the weather.
I also like playing with menswear-inspired pieces. There is something very beautiful about an oxford button down and lipstick, or heels and destroyed jeans that I really enjoy.
I love looking at old pictures of my mother in LA in the 1980s. She didn’t wear typical, flashy 80s clothes. Her style was very bohemian, but also urban and classic. She was the kind of mom who sent me to Kindergarten picture day with lipstick. The turquoise bracelet I’m wearing in one of my pictures is a gift from my Grandmother. She and my mother both had gorgeous red hair and freckles.
3) Staple items in your closet:
Anything black. My friends in high school told me I always looked like I was going to a funeral #misunderstood.
Dark wash skinny jeans, ankle boots, statement jewelry, classic button downs, flats with hardware.
I just invested in a navy blazer and I’m in love. I can wear it with a graphic tee and statement necklace, a button down, or just a white tank. It’s very polished with minimal effort.
4) Any advice for people trying to develop a more authentic personal style?
It took me awhile to realize that I was never actually dressing like myself. I was modeling my style to look like a celebrity’s or a friend’s style. You will feel most confident in something that you personally like.
5) Worst outfit you’ve ever worn in public:
I refer to my senior prom dress as the “pink monster.” It was actually made by Disney and it was the hugest, pouffiest hot pink dress. It had boning, weighed like 20 pounds, and it could actually stand on its own, creepy. Go big or go home, right?
I also used to wear jeans encrusted with rhinestones on the back pockets. My butt really doesn’t need any more accentuation in the first place. But it was such a fad in Midwest suburbia.
My best friend, Hayley, had to help me use the rest room at prom night dinner.