Creating identity and comfort through clothing, BYUH students share perspectives on fashion and self-expression
Being comfortable in one’s own style is something BYU–Hawaii students emphasize when choosing what clothes to wear. They shared that one factor they consider before ordering online or buying in stores is not only if the clothes fit their fashion statement, but also if they feel comfortable wearing them.
Fashion at BYUH is more than following trends or dressing for compliments. For students like Jaycob Charr, Keala Olayan and Challyze Catubay, fashion has become a way to express identity, embrace different cultures and build confidence while adhering to the Honor Code. Despite their different backgrounds and experiences, they said comfort, self-expression and confidence matter more than conforming to society’s standards of what is considered fashionable.
Where culture meets fashion
“Growing up, fashion was never my top priority,” said Jaycob Charr, a senior from Laie, Hawaii, majoring in business management with a supply chain management concentration. He said he was a typical high school student who wore whatever was in his closet or whatever felt most convenient at the time.
But maturing comes along with how people dress and how they want to be perceived by other people.
As he entered college and traveled to countries such as South Korea and Japan, he said his approach to fashion became more exploratory and creative.
“Korea is a place of fashion. Everyone is very good at dressing up,” he said. According to Charr, people are often influenced by what they see around them and gradually incorporate those styles into their own identity.
After arriving at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, however, Charr said his perspective on fashion shifted because of the Honor Code. Still, he does not view it as a restriction.
“I don’t see it as a restriction, but more of a help for me to dress a certain way,” Charr said. He explained that the Honor Code does not limit his personal expression but instead helps him learn how to present himself professionally, modestly and respectfully.
“I am doing the same thing out of respect not only for the Honor Code, but for other people who are following that,” Charr said, emphasizing that one of the Honor Code’s main purposes is to foster respect not only for oneself but also for those around them.
Fashion as communication
Keala Olayan, a freshman from Arizona majoring in accounting, shared her perspective on fashion and how people use it to communicate and connect with others.
Similar to Charr, she said many of her views on fashion were shaped by experiences outside of the place where she grew up. While serving a mission in London, she admired the creativity people expressed through their clothing and often drew inspiration from their styles, eventually incorporating some of those ideas into her own wardrobe.
“In London, there’s a big chance of being risky when it comes to dressing up,” Olayan said. For Olayan, fashion gives people the freedom to express themselves and embrace styles that resonate with their personalities.
The Honor Code has never been an issue for Olayan. “I have been a member all my life, so it’s something that I've done most of my life,” she said. Rather than viewing it as a limitation, she said it encourages her to be more creative in how she dresses. She enjoys layering tops, wearing leggings under skirts and finding artistic ways to style outfits while still adhering to the Honor Code.
“I wear clothes that I do get more compliments on,” Olayan said, explaining that positive feedback from others can boost her confidence. She added that she often chooses colors that complement her features and help her feel confident in her appearance.
“I would pick colors that would look good on me, wanting to highlight the good features I have,” Olayan said. Despite the role of confidence and self-expression, she emphasized that comfort remains the most important aspect of fashion.
The important thing also is that I feel good in what I wear.
Dressing with identity
Challyze Catubay, a junior from Utah majoring in business marketing, also shared her experiences with fashion and identity. Although she was born and raised in the United States, she said she is fully Filipino and comes from a first-generation immigrant family.
Because she grew up in America, Catubay said her fashion sense has been heavily influenced by American culture. “People would think because my style is very mainland, they would overlook me as a Filipino,” Catubay said. Although she occasionally encounters those assumptions, she said it has never been difficult for her to fit into the community because she feels secure in her identity and cultural background.
I like to think that people dress for themselves.
Catubay believes people should be accepted regardless of what they wear and that clothing should not determine whether someone is accepted or recognized. As a student at BYUH, Catubay said being mindful of the Honor Code is important. “Sometimes I would tweak my style for that day,” she said. Rather than holding back her self-expression, she explained that the Honor Code encourages her to be creative with her clothing choices. She often adds layers to her outfits to maintain her personal style while remaining in accordance with Honor Code standards.
Like Charr and Olayan, Catubay said she does not view the Honor Code as a restriction. Instead, she sees it as a guide that helps her present herself in a way that reflects both her values and individuality. As Charr shared earlier, “it is like a tool for me to follow how I should present myself,” a perspective that both Olayan and Catubay said they share.
“Embrace the change while you are here,” Charr advised. He said there is a wealth of culture and fashion at BYU–Hawaii, and embracing and appreciating those differences can broaden students’ understanding not only of fashion but also of the cultures that contribute to the university community.
“Have fun with it!” Olayan said. She explained that dressing up should be enjoyable and that confidence often comes from wearing what feels authentic. She encouraged students to use online resources for inspiration, explore styles that suit them and allow their confidence to speak for itself.
“You know who you are,” Catubay said. She explained that understanding one's identity and personal preferences is an important part of developing a sense of style. While drawing inspiration from others can be helpful, she said having a unique identity and personal rhythm in the way one dresses makes a difference.
Their advice offers perspective for students who may feel pressure to keep up with what is considered fashionable. For Charr, Olayan and Catubay, style is less about following trends and more about self-expression, confidence and authenticity. Whether through cultural influences, personal creativity or adherence to the Honor Code, they said fashion is most meaningful when it reflects who a person truly is.