Give a warm welcome to HC WVWC’s latest Style Icon, Sarah Smith!
One of the first things you’ll notice when you meet Sarah—aside from her impeccable taste in clothing—is that she is anything but ordinary. One fun fact? She was born in Siberia, Russia, but was raised in Clarksburg. As if that wasn’t cool enough, Sarah also has her very own comic series and enjoys singing, performing and writing in her spare time—if she ever has any, of course.
Sarah’s creativity and ingenuity is undoubtedly related to her constant presence in the West Virginia Wesleyan Department of Theatre and Dance. With only one semester under her belt, Sarah’s star-power has already made itself known through her hilarious performances in Urinetown the Musical and Anne of Green Gables. Not bad too shabby for a freshman, huh?
In addition to being a star onstage, Sarah continues to shine in her everyday life. It may only be her first year at WVWC, but that hasn’t stopped her from declaring two majors—one in English and the other in musical theatre (of course)—or deciding to join Alpha Gamma Delta. You’d think that Sarah’s crazy schedule would put a damper on her mood, but it doesn’t. No matter what is going on in her life, Sarah always greets each day with an optimistic outlook and a calm mentality.
With a down-to-earth attitude, unparalleled coolness and killer style, what’s not to like about Sarah Smith?
MS: What does the word “style” mean to you?
SS: Style to me means having a sense of how you present yourself to the world. Style is so much more than the clothes on your body or how you wear your hair. Having style means making “a look” your own once you step away from the mirror.
MS: What do you consider most unique about your wardrobe?
SS: The most unique part of my wardrobe would have to be my shoes. I know its cliché for a girl to love her shoes, but I have a unique reason for loving them. I wear heels on a regular basis; sometimes up to four or five days a week. I wear these not only because I am short, but because I have a naturally high arch. I also have a weak ankle that causes me to walk on my toes. Therefore, it is actually more comfortable to wear higher shoes! Okay, and they help me reach things. Curse my short legs!
MS: How has your style changed over the years?
SS: Over the years, my style has graduated from trendy to classy. While I know that it’s tempting to buy anything shown in a magazine, I now find that practicality is important. Being in college and preparing for the future, I want to set myself up for success. The way you present yourself is a huge part of it. When I consider buying an outfit, I ask myself if it makes me feel good about myself and if it can it be used in my lifestyle.
MS: Where do you typically shop?
SS: My wardrobe is a combination of so many different stores. If I had to narrow it down, I would say that most of my basics come from American Eagle. For tops and jackets, I love Forever 21, Buckle and Express. For accessories…there is truly no limit!
MS: What are some of your favorite looks for spring?
SS: My favorite looks for spring are all the bright colors! I love to mix and match and experiment! Adding a pop of color can really bring out the life of the season!
MS: What do you think is the biggest challenge when it comes to dressing well in college?
SS: In college, most people claim that they don’t have the time or the energy to dress up. While it is true that everyone loves their extra minutes of sleep, rolling out of bed and coming to class in sweats can actually keep you feeling tired. When you take the time for yourself to dress up, you actually have more energy. You present a beautiful picture to the world, so why not let it inspire you?
MS: What advice would you give to your fellow collegiettes to combat these challenges?
SS: If I could give anyone advice, it would be to take the time to put energy and care into your look. You will be surprised how much better you will feel about yourself and those you inspire around you. Don’t be afraid to own your own sense of style. Remember, style always goes hand-in-hand with confidence.
MS: Why is style important to you?
SS: Style is important to me because it helps me express who I am and how I want people to view me. It gives me motivation to be a better version of myself each day. There is no denying that life has its ups and downs, but my expression of style helps me believe in the person I want to become.