ART DIRECTION / GRAPHIC DESIGN Isabella Papagiannis
PHOTOGRAPHY Grace Hickey
MODELS / STYLISTS Julia Rodriguez, Jessi Hamilton, Aisling Gogan, Steve Nguyen, Taite Krueger
As summer 2020 comes to a screeching halt, StyleCircle asked some of our members to showcase their own personal styles this season. It has been a hectic summer, full of political and social changes. Amongst the chaos, how have we all continued to dress ourselves? It seems as though the world had come to a screeching halt, but like many industries, fashion is evolving as we speak. Whether it be to dress for comfort, or to dress as though the clubs never closed, fashion is all about our mindset and expressing how we’re feeling. Get to know how members from our team have stayed inspired and incorporated their inspirations into their dress this very strange season.
Julia Rodriguez, Marketing Coordinator
Who/ what is your fashion inspiration this season?
This season I’ve definitely been inspired by 2000s fashion with the colours and exaggerated silhouettes such as low rise pants, tiny tops, mini skirts or super baggy jeans. I also love to find really unique pieces or materials from thrift stores that inspire me and then base my summer style off of those.
How would you describe your summer 2020 style?
I don’t really like to define my style as I feel like it’s constantly changing depending on the day, the event, my mood etc. but if I had to generally describe it then I would say it is usually more a street style vibe and I love to mix more masculine pieces with something feminine. Depending on the day sometimes it will be more sporty street style, edgy street style or a mix of both.
In your opinion, what was the most impactful trend of summer 2020?
One of my favorite trends of the summer has been the bra top trend which is literally a life saver on the super hot days. It minimizes layers while giving more support than just a tank top. Also as someone with a smaller bust I find it super flattering and is so easy to wear casually or make it a little more sexy. For summer it’s so important to be comfortable because no one likes sweating in their clothes and I feel like bra tops are perfect to throw on and still look cute.
Jessi Hamilton, Writer
Who/ what is your fashion inspiration this season?
Iris Apfel is my inspiration for all seasons (I love her and all of her colours and accessories), but my summer-specific fashion influences have been coming from many different places! I’ve been drawing inspiration from brands like Jacquemus, Story mfg., and Zig Zag Goods, and people like Zoe Kravitz, Chloe Sevigny, and Courtney Trop, all of whom are excellent at figuring out the balance between style and comfort, which is especially important for me with the heat we’ve had! All I want is to look good while I sweat my ass off!
How would you describe your summer 2020 style?
I guess I would describe my summer 2020 style as colourful and comfortable. I’ve never been one to focus on comfort when I’m getting dressed, but spending so much time in my house (with no AC) has definitely made me rethink this! I’m having fun figuring out what my version of leisure-wear looks like, and have been enjoying clothes that are eye-catching and unique while still being comfortable, breathable, and functional.
In your opinion, what was the most impactful trend of summer 2020?
I think trend-wise the most impactful trend of the summer would have to be biker shorts! At first I didn’t think they were going to stick around, but every time I go outside I see people in biker shorts everywhere. I also totally understand why they’re so popular, they’re so easy to wear, comfortable, and can be styled in tons of different ways! I think it’s going to be fun to see how they’re transitioned into fall, because I don’t think they’ll be leaving our wardrobes any time soon.
Aisling Gogan, Graphic Designer
Who/ what is your fashion inspiration this season?
Paloma wool, Dorian who, 100% silk shop, maria_bernad, beaufille, tinted glassware and anything green!
How would you describe your summer 2020 style?
Comfortable, expressive, experimental, colourful, patchwork quilt!
In your opinion, what was the most impactful trend of summer 2020?
The essential wearing of masks and the resurgence of craftsmanship in fashion companies such as hand knit, crochet, sewing, etc.
Steve Nguyen, Editor in Chief
Who/ what is your fashion inspiration this season?
During quarantine, I treated myself to a red Telfar bag which was probably the best purchase decision I had this year since I’ve been eyeing on them for almost a while now. Everything that the brand stands for is so revolutionary in making luxury accessible and inclusive; they’re really changing how we see luxury and the fashion industry as a whole.
How would you describe your summer 2020 style?
This is probably the first time in a while that I began to dress up since lockdown/quarantine began. Now that we’re in a new reality, I guess my priorities are different this time around. I dress significantly more casual than before, substituting a more muted colour palette than what I’m used to and prioritizing comfort and ease over anything. I would repeat the same T-shirt from the laundry and black shorts from high school as my everyday wear with a pair of Stan Smiths. Although whenever I attend any video meetings, I still try to at least dress from the waist up where I would wear an interesting top; but at the same time, I’m still wearing those shorts no matter what I’m wearing. Hopefully, this will all be temporary when I have more opportunities to be more adventurous with my styling choices in the future. I miss my old clothes to be honest.
In your opinion, what was the most impactful trend of summer 2020?
Incorporating face masks into everyday stylistic choices (wear your masks).
Taite Krueger, Writer
Who/ what is your fashion inspiration this season?
My fashion inspiration this season has been RUA CARLOTA. They are a clothing brand challenging waste culture. They have inspired me to give new life to many of my old pieces, whether it be styling them in a different way or reworking them into new pieces.
How would you describe your summer 2020 style?
My summer 2020 style is eclectic. This summer, more than any other, I found myself unable to go purchase clothes in the stores I usually visit. Instead of shopping completely online I decided to find my forgotten pieces and use them. A mash-up of colour, fabric and shape.
In your opinion, what was the most impactful trend of summer 2020?
COLOUR. Colour, particularly bright, neon colours are trending. I love colour because I believe it can be used to communicate so much about a person. Colour is a huge part of my style and I loved seeing this bright, expressive trend flourish this summer. As well, I think the bright, exuberant colours of the summer became a happy expression of self in a time where so many things feel so negative.
