Harrison Burt
Blogs Editor
First impressions are lasting impressions, and as high school students, perception will always be critical. Students at NCHS have four years to leave their mark on our school, and one way certain individuals start is through their clothing. I got the chance to speak with the students in each grade that I deemed “best dressed.” Here is what those seniors had to say about why they dress well and their thoughts on making an impression through clothing.
Zach Bubrosky: “I try to be me. My favorite stores are thrift stores or markets in less industrialized countries because you can find some pretty unique items there. One of my favorite articles of clothing comes from a market in the small town of Ollonova, Peru.”
Aly Schmidt: “Whenever I dress more composed, I tend to pay more attention in school and am happier than when I wear sweatshirts or more casual clothing. My style is kind of weird in that I wear anything from preppy to boho to just sloppy. But I love Urban and Togs, Havannah has great sales too.”
Chance House: “I dont think it’s necessarily imperative that you dress well…it is more of a decision to look your best. After all, if you’re going to wear clothes, may as well wear them well. It serves some sort of higher purpose to dress with the intention of presenting yourself with some degree of importance.”
Steph DeClue: “If people want to dress better, they should focus more on dressing for themselves and less on trying to replicate a homogeneous percent of trendy. That generally leads to poor decisions…I’m talking about the fake feathers people glued into their scalps last summer and when it was really cool here in like sixth grade to get your hair corn-rowed over vacation- so bad.”
Andrew Read: “You have to dress nicely for girls. You can’t be walking around school looking like a scrub. If you want girls, you have to be swagging through the halls keeping it classy. You can’t get much classier than Vineyard Vines and Polo.”
Izzi Schipper: What you choose to wear is how you choose to present yourself. Whether or not you care about fashion is irrelevant, your clothing communicates something to the people around you. Personally, I want to feel good in what I’m wearing. A lot of times I’ll shop in the men’s section of Urban Outfitters and Jack Wills because the pieces are really nicely tailored. I also like strong colors because they add visual interest to an outfit.
Pete Johnson: “New Canaan is a high class town. To look high class, you gotta dress high class.”
Katrine Reddin: “I think it’s important to “dress for success” because it’s like putting your best foot forward. And in a society where everyone’s competing to be an individual, how you dress can help set yourself aside from others. I don’t necessarily go out of my way to be extremely different, but I enjoy representing myself through my clothes, and let’s be real, who doesn’t like to look good? I love fashion and dressing up, with Caren Forbes being one of my favorite stores in particular.”
Sev Saiz: “Style for me isn’t really about making a statement or anything like that. My style is a reflection of the way I like to carry myself how I’d like others to see me. Obviously I wear a lot of Jack Wills and I tend to stick around that brand area…I really liked Rugby and I have a lot of stuff from places like J Crew and Vineyard Vines. But that’s all personal choice. I like what I like so that’s why I wear it. Style’s all about wearing what you like…the worst thing you can do is wear something you don’t like because you think it’s the “in” thing to do.”
Birna Gustafsson: “My personal style is something I can always fall back on. When it comes to clothing, I know exactly which colors, silhouettes and styles I like. Sometimes I like sticking out because being different will make people remember you! I love stores like H&M and Zara, because I can buy a lot of basics at once. I usually find my best pieces at smaller stores. Boutiques like Scoop, Rag & Bone and Alice & Oliva are some of my favorites.”
Tucker Radecki: “Originality and being comfortable with yourself is far better than showing others that you can copy them. I shop at stores that focus on different styles. For example, I shop at a lot of stores that deal in urban fashion. Supreme, Stüssy, and Crooks and Castles among others add an urban feel that some people, like myself, really enjoy. On the other hand, during summer, my style changes to accommodate “preppier” summer styles.
Kaelin Campbell: “I think it’s important to have your own sense of style and not conform into what you see everyone is wearing so that you can stand out. I’m all about statement outfits. I have my lazy days where I throw on leggings a top and flats but you can make it pop with a necklace. Having your own sense of style allows people to really see who you are. Which is why I love Rebecca Taylor, she always has fun prints on her tops. Nanette Lepore chooses colors that really pop. Anything from Theory will go with your outfit. Style is all about individuality and that’s why I love picking out outfits and showing off who I am.”
Amos Toland: “Advice I would give to someone who wants to dress better is to be unique. Don’t just be a classy prep, try to mix it it up and find your own look. I think a great way to start is on swell.com, Polo or any surf store you can find.”
Sunny Zannini: “It’s about getting dressed in the morning and choosing to wear what you like and what reflects your mood rather what’s in style that season or the norm for your school..or anywhere for that matter. And of course there are going to be haters, but for me that’s the fun part. It means I’m doing something right. Zara and Allsaints have been my favorite stores for a while, but I also like going to thrift stores in the city, I’ve found some of my favorite boots there.”
