Pretty girls prance around in sundresses and cowboy boots, adorned with pearls around their necks. Hermès and David Yurman wristbands clasp their dainty wrists. Every girl is a beautiful southern belle with long golden locks. Before I arrived at Vanderbilt, my dream school, I imagined that every girl would fit the stereotypes that I heard for countless years. I was convinced that I would be the black sheep in terms of style. I knew I would encounter diversity, ethnically and geographically, however, I was almost sure that everyone would wear the same styles every day. Don’t get me wrong… there are several consistent styles on campus; however, I was pleased to discover that all coasts rep their swag across this campus. Will these coast-to-coast fashionistas fall into the Vanderbilt stereotypes, or will they continue to strut their style?
The South
Lauren Paige Aiken ( LP) is a southern belle at heart and is most reflective of the ideal Vanderbilt fashionista! Lauren Paige has phenomenal style, and she loves big statement jewelry and putting an edge on her girly favorites! Often she will add leather or lace to ruffles or maybe “sass” up a baby doll dress with a pair of show stopping shoes. LP claims her style is most definitely reflective of her Southern home, Raleigh Durham, North Carolina, where the most popular trends are pearls, bows, cowboy boots, and oversized T-shirts. She claims the only thing that will affect her style at Vandy is what she can find in her roommate’s closet! She says, “ I definitely know my personal style and I won’t lose that, but I will also take advantage of living on a hall with all girls. Hello, who would pass up an opportunity to multiply their clothing resources?” Lauren Paige’s favorite stores are Urban Outfitters, and most importantly, boutiques. LP is inspired by her mother,who is able to mix her style into her professional attire!
The East Coast
Elizabeth Mellgard is a New York City fashionista who is constantly inspired by Grace Kelly’s style. In this photo, Elizabeth rocks a classic Elie Tahari dress with a beautiful gold Cartier wristband. She believes her style is reflective of New York for the most part- however, instead of being a hipster, she tends to gravitate towards a more conservative look. Elizabeth believes Vanderbilt may influence her to buy more sundresses and cowboy boots, but Ralph Lauren will always remain her favorite.
West Coast
Hannah Herold has a talent for putting a preppy edge on her Southern California surfer girl style. Pictured above, Hannah is sporting a patterned dress from Forever 21, accented with an Aztec- type turquoise ring and a tasteful wristwatch. Hannah describes her style as “Preppy-Edgy,” highly attributed to her living in California where there are strong beachy and indie influences. Hannah does most of her shopping at Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters, but she also loves to find hidden tresures at thrift stores. Hannah believes she will stay true to her California-influenced style, however Vanderbilt definitely has the potential to highlight her inner prep!
Mid West
Brooks Weber classifies herself as urban-prep, which can be seen as she rocks her white, lacey hinge top and green spotted J. Crew skirt. Her layered jewelry ties her entire outfit together- I love the way she mixes her collection of rose-gold bangles and Micheal Kors watch with the beaded bracelets she purchased in Guatemala! Brooks definitely has her own style, and she does not fit into any one category. She loves bold prints and patterns from Urban Outfitters, however, she never fails to mix them with J.Crew classic pieces. Brooks is from Chicago, and she believes that the city has definitely inspired her urban flair. Brooks loves to travel and add new pieces of hand-made jewelry from tropical islands into her collection. Brooks believes that she will fit right into the Vanderbilt culture because of her many sundresses and preppy clothes! But in terms of going out, she would rather channel her urban side and wear more sophisticated looks. “I believe my style is always evolving, while maintaining that balance of preppy and urban,” Brooks says.
Everyone at Vanderbilt should share their style and integrate it into the diverse culture of the University! How will you inspire fashionistas on campus like Lauren Paige, Elizabeth, Hannah, and Brooks? Leave us a comment below and style on!