BYUH students share how they discovered their personal style and developed a sense of identity through fashion
Soon-to-be graduate Ryan Escabarte said throughout his college experience, he has gone from wearing laid-back outfits that prioritized comfort in class to dressing up in clothing he found fashionable. Escabarte, a senior majoring in psychology from the Philippines graduating in Winter 2024, recalled his fashion on his first day of school, “I honestly didn’t mind how I looked or what color complimented my skin tone, and I was not even worried about the sizes of my clothes.” But now he explained his interest in fashion has provided him a way to be creative, stay committed to a routine and practice self-love.
Kate Wilson, a junior majoring in visual arts from Utah, shared, “Fashion may seem intimidating at first and sometimes Honor Code guidelines can feel restrictive, but we can always find ways to wear what we think is cool!”
According to Dorjpagam Ariunbaatar, a senior from Mongolia majoring in business management, dressing up helps her shift into a more positive and productive mood when she is feeling down or unmotivated, she shared. Having the ability to express herself, she said, gives her a sense of empowerment and has inspired others to embrace their individuality.
Fashion in college life
Wilson said as students adapt to the demands of college life, she has noticed that graphic tees, hoodies and jeans are staples. She said the tropical temperature of Hawaii also influences their fashion choices. “When I first started college, I loved all of the surfer and skater brands, so I wore a lot of T-shirts and baggy pants,” she said.
Ariunbaatar said she has noticed students changed their stylish attire for more casual and comfortable outfits. She said, “Fashion allows individuals to adapt to different occasions and environments, but I think knowing how to dress appropriately for various situations whether formal, casual or special events, is a valuable skill.”
Exploring personal identity
Ariunbaatar said since she unfollowed celebrities on her Instagram, her style has become a reflection of how her identity has evolved. “I love experimenting with second-hand clothing by styling them with DIY accessories and my vibrant socks,” she explained. Ariunbaatar said she has connected with a group of people who appreciate her unique style.
When Escabarte met a friend who focused more on fashion and style, he said he was inspired to be more mindful of how he presents himself through clothing. He added he has been influenced by men’s fashion accounts on Instagram, such as Noah Altink (@noahaltink) and High Fashion Men (@highfashionmen), for tips and tricks to enhance his style.
Wilson said she got style inspiration from micro-Instagram influencers who live in Hawaii, such as Liv Scott (@liv.scott1) and Daniel Malz (@danielmalzl). She said skateboarding has become one of her hobbies in the past couple of years and has also influenced her fashion tastes. Wilson said, “I did evolve from skater style to fewer patterns and logos, from wearing bright colors to more neutral colors, but I added more timeless and classic pieces.” She added, “It is difficult for me to put myself into a specific box of what style or aesthetic I had or currently have. I wear what I think looks good and feels good.”
Influence of culture
Escabarte’s passion for theatre and his interest in different cultures has influenced his fashion choices, he said. “Fashion is a creative outlet where we can experiment with different fabrics, patterns and silhouettes,” he said. He explained how he finds it fascinating when people incorporate traditional elements from their cultural heritage with modern and trendy pieces.
Ariunbaatar explained how before the peak of social media, fashion magazines used to act as influential platforms that set trends, showcased new designers, provided style inspiration and offered a wealth of information about the fashion industry. “I remember looking at those magazines growing up, and now when I wear certain styles or items that have emotional significance, it makes me feel nostalgic,” she said.
Wilson discussed the advantages of thrifting as a creative approach and shared how her studies in visual arts trained her eyes to see everything expressed creatively as intentional. She said she has been influenced by the culture of thrifting. Her wardrobe is about 75 percent second-hand items and has been for a few years, she said. She also said the sophistication and influence of European streetwear has sparked its popularity among American college students, including in her own style.