University of New Mexico student Emma Harrison has always been interested in clothes and has taken her passion for fashion to the next level since beginning college, using her freedom as a means for increased creative expression.
Harrison is currently studying design and technology for performance with a concentration in costuming and she shared why students should jump into spring fashion.
Creativity
Harrison is sad to see layers go with the colder weather leaving but finds that spring can create opportunities for more creative piece play because of the adaptability of lighter garments. She’s excited to see how people experiment this season.
“I just love when I see someone who puts together an outfit that really represents their style, when you can tell it really comes from them and it’s not copied,” Harrison said.
Harrison especially recommends thrift stores for these interesting finds, which she said “really helps you get out of your comfort zone, find pieces that you wouldn’t find otherwise.”
“I started thrifting in high school which definitely helped me explore artistically and begin developing my style,” Harrison said. “(But) I love having access to stores like Pink Rhino, Buffalo Exchange, Savers and more now that I’m in college.”
Sustainability
Harrison loves to shop sustainably and hopes to impress the importance of sustainability on others, especially following a year when she found fast-fashion to be detrimentally consuming.
“I really don’t want to see a comeback of the micro-trends we saw last spring,” Harrison said. “We saw a really big surge in those trends since everyone was home and buying online … I think people have really seen it and we’ve moved past it now, but still.”
Harrison also enjoys shopping from individual artists at markets and on Etsy.
Durability
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It’s important, according to Harrison, to find what suits you so that you can re-wear and rework pieces and outfits. Harrison has a select few pieces that she loves to wear, pieces that are built to last not only physically but also through the cyclical trends of fashion.
“It’s important trying to find pieces that you can wear over and over and over again and just style (in) all different ways that you won’t get tired of,” Harrison said.
Mass-produced fast-fashion pieces also tend to be low-quality and thrifting gives you a far better chance to find something durable, according to Harrison.
Trendiness
Harrison enjoys following fashion trends but makes a real effort not to sacrifice her own style in order to fit in. In accordance with broader contemporary fashion trends, Harrison is hoping to see and indulge in low-waisted skirts and shorts as well as platform sandals.
“I think we’ll see a lot more low-waisted bottoms this spring … I do not want to see any high-waisted shorts,” Harrison said.
When shopping to align with current trends, Harrison recommends shopping with Tunnel Vision.
“The founder is super cool and tries to be really sustainable and ethical,” Harrison said.
Sexiness
Fashion isn’t just a means of artistic expression, but also one of physical presentation. This spring, Harrison is all for open backs — a sophisticated way to show a little skin and keep cool.
“They are sexy in a classy way. They’re cool — as in comfortable for the warm weather — as well as aesthetically pleasing,” Harrison said. “I think it’s a nice way to show off a little skin in a way that maybe most people aren’t too insecure (about).”
Harrison’s new go-to backless top was recently thrifted, a sheer decorated tie-back with gold sequins.
This spring, Harrison is looking forward to playing with new trends and interests and encourages readers of the Daily Lobo to do the same with ethics and longevity in mind.
Natalie Jude is the culture editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com on on Twitter @natalaroni
