Meet Rachel Barnhart, HerCampus WVWC’s newest Style Icon! Rachel is a freshman here at Wesleyan majoring in Musical Theatre. Originally from Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, Rachel is nearly five hours away from home here in good, ole Buckhannon, WV—but does that deter her from making a name for herself? Of course not!
Be sure to look out for Rachel in the upcoming spring play, Little Shop of Horrors. When she isn’t belting out show tunes or showing off her acting chops at rehearsal, Rachel can usually be found at choir practice for Concentus Vocum or in Loar practicing music theory—all the while maintaining her 4.0 GPA! On top of all that, she still manages to throw together an adorable outfit every single day (I know, right? Who does that?).
I recently sat down with Rachel to discuss her personal views on fashion and to try to uncover a couple of her style secrets; we could all use some guidance in that department, right? I found—as I’m certain that most of you will, as well—most of her answers quite refreshing and helpful to both the fashionista and fashion-rogue. So, without further or do, allow me to introduce Style Icon, Rachel Barnhart!
MS: How would you describe your own personal style? RB: It’s sort of a relaxed/classy look, I would say. Sort of girly and layered. I never want to look fussy or overdone.
MS: Why is fashion important to you? RB: If you’re confident in what you’re wearing, it helps you to be confident in all aspects of your life because it’s one less thing to be self-conscious about. It’s just one more thing that you can add to your arsenal of self-confidence.
MS: How would you define “style”? RB: “Style,” I think, is whatever someone feels comfortable in and makes him/her feel like the best version of him/herself.
MS: Do you have any fashion icons, or anyone’s style in particular that you admire? RB: Not in particular, no—I just like clothes! Ha, ha! I mean, there isn’t really anyone that I look up to personally.
MS: Where are some of your favorite places to shop? RB: I really like—I’m going to be the traditional, cliché, teenage girl when I say this—Forever 21. I also really like places like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Ross; you can find a huge variety of things at a really reasonable price.
MS: Name a couple of accessories that you couldn’t live without. RB: I am a scarf-junkie. I have a huge collection of scarves that I brought to college with me. They’re my favorite part of at least half of my outfits! I’m into statement jewelry; I like to have one statement piece and keep the rest of the outfit relatively simple.
MS: What advice would you give to your fellow collegiates in regard to fashion/personal style? RB: You have to find clothes that fit well and make you feel confident. Whatever that certain style is that you love, whether it’s jeans and a T-shirt or leggings and a cardigan, just find clothing that fits well and that makes you feel like the best “you” that you can be.