Often times people find it difficult to dress nice or just wear something authentic because of their fear in regards to what others may think about them. After coming across a fashion blog run by Natalie Craig, a senior multimedia journalism student at Columbia College Chicago, the fear of dressing however you want may change.
Craig’s presentation, design and wardrobe have inspired both males and females to be comfortable with their own bodies. Regardless of someone’s fashion sense, Craig’s blog has pushed boundaries and incited creativity in her readers.
My definition of unique is not just through being different from others, but also being able to teach others to be comfortable in their own way. To me, Craig’s blog emphasizes that whatever size you wear or even the brand of clothes you buy, the thing that matters the most is how a person walks in the outfit they choose to put on.
It’s all about class and style. A person can wear a simple tie-dyed black shirt and ripped jeans from a thrift store and still look nice. How? Imagine walking down the red carpet with your head held high and a smile. That’s how people should walk everyday with their own fashion style. It’s all about the class and style a person brings to the table, whether on the red carpet or going to ENG 100.
Here are some key points of inspiration from Craig to get started:
1. If you had a chance to give advice to both females and males, who are afraid to show their true colors through fashion, what would it be?
“Fashion is just one of the many ways that we are able to express ourselves. I used to tell myself that I could not wear certain trends because of my size and curvy shape, but now I wear them with confidence and I feel great. You should dress the way you want to and in whatever makes you feel comfortable.”
2. What is one thing you have learned about fashion?
“Fashion is always changing and it will continue to do so. Because there are always new designers and trends, fashion will never be uniform.”
3. Was there ever a time when you were looked down on?
“Growing up, I was picked on all the time. Kids used to call me fat and it was very hurtful. However, as I entered high school I began to gain a sense of who I was and that my body did not determine that. I ignored kids who bullied me or called me names, because I became comfortable with my body and instead of trying to hide it; I rocked it with different fashion styles and trends. People went from calling me ‘fat’ to complimenting me by saying, ‘You really pull off this style better than anyone else.’”
Craig isn’t the only fashionista in the college world. “Fashion is all about expressing your character and personality through the outfits you wear,” said Kelly Barber ’17. North Central students across the Naperville campus have learned to express themselves through what’s hanging in their closet and folded in their drawers.
“Fashion is about being comfortable with who you are,” said Jenna Szerszen ’15.
