Every morning, the hallways fill with outfits as diverse as the students wearing them; oversized hoodies, thrifted jeans, platform sneakers and the occasional statement piece that turns heads. 

As teens are figuring out who they are, fashion is one of the easiest ways to express oneself. Students across campus say that they build their personal style through a mix of social media inspiration, thrifting and trial and error. For them, finding their style means feeling comfortable in what they are wearing. 

“I used to try to wear crop tops and stuff, but I was never comfortable in that kind of clothing,” junior Mira Ranganathan said. “Slowly, my style morphed into something that I was more confident in. Dressing up now has been a way for me to just be present, confident and come ready to school.”

Ranganathan’s experience is common among students who agree that while trends tend to influence what’s on store racks, comfort still plays a big role in what they actually wear to school. Denim is one of the most recognizable pieces on campus, not just because it’s trendy, but because it’s practical and easy to pair with other looks. 

 “Functionality definitely inspires my style,” junior Ashley Dunn said. “I wear jeans because they have pockets where I can put things, and boots because they’re good for work.”

Other students approach style from a more personal angle, incorporating details like favorite color, certain accessories or small routines that make their outfits feel unique, even with popular trends.

“I think I [started to care how I dress] in high school,” junior Madison Killen said. “I really like the color green so I usually wear it every day because it makes me feel good when I do.”

Killen says that finding her style isn’t just about picking colors she likes, but also about experimenting and enjoying. 

“Definitely try new things,” Killen said. “Go out with your friends and try new [clothes], it makes it more fun.”