Let’s face it. The best part of going back to school has always been getting ready for that first week full of new outfits. It’s essentially a fashion show for a week straight with a hint of classes. This is nothing we didn’t already know; we have been doing this since elementary school when we got a chance to show off our new light-up sneakers and a tourist gift shop t-shirt from our summer vacations.
Everyone is excited to make good impressions and express themselves through their creative styles. Many fashion trends have entered the scene since the summer break, and Montclair State University students are approaching their fall semester with that in mind.
Anacia Sessoms, a junior visual arts major, defines her fashion style as “whimsical goth.”
Anacia Sessoms, visual arts major, shows off her first day of class outfit in front of the Student Center. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
“I have a very playful whimsical style, not too light, not too dark,” Sessoms said.
Her inspiration comes from “A lot of Wicca things.”
“I like to read archives of artists and how they used to dress in the ’50s, ’60s, and especially the ’70s. A lot of hippie stuff and ’90s grunge,” Sessoms said.
Anacia Sessoms, junior visual arts major, likes to add a pop of color to her style with her purple yarn hair. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
Sessoms explains that she upcycles many pieces in her wardrobe leading to an ecliptic style that draws in multiple time periods. She loves to have fun with her style, including many unique features like the purple yarn in her hair and crystal jewelry from a local Montclair shop, Rocky’s Crystals and Minerals.
Arianna Joseph, a sophomore music education major, loves earth tones and emulates the fairycore style. She found her green patchwork-style overalls while scrolling through Pinterest for outfit inspiration.
Arianna Joseph, sophomore music education major, enjoys earth tones and fairy style of fashion. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
“I love earth tones, mostly green. Green and brown forever. I’m starting to dabble in the jewel tones, the blues,” Joseph said.
Joseph’s vibrant and beautiful eyeliner ties in her all-green look.
“I really felt like a fairy princess today so I said let’s go crazy, why not,” Joseph said. “I tried matching the little flowers.”
Arianna Joseph, sophomore music education major, matches her green and floral overalls to her eye makeup. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
When asked about what style she’d love to see more of around campus, Joseph mentioned a particular piece of clothing.
“I want to see more jorts,” Joseph said. “They’re so cute and fun. Jorts forever.”
Eliza Arnone, a senior music education major, goes for a business casual look with a feminine chic vibe.
“My style, I would say is simple yet chic,” Arnone said.
When planning her look, Arnone wanted her outfit to commemorate the end of summer and loves to coordinate colors.
“Every morning I say, ‘this is the color scheme I have in mind, this is the vibe I’m going for’,” Arnone said.
Eliza Arnone, senior music education major, loves to dress in a business casual yet chic style. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
She explained that every element in her outfit matched, from the white in the pants and shirt, and the blue stripes to her silver evil eye ring.
“Summer is more about keeping a sense of whites, yellows, pinks, neons, pastels, purples,” Arnone said.
Arnone gets some outfit inspiration from social media but often prioritizes her style based on her student teaching job.
“What I wear is dependent on if people will take me seriously as well as my students,” Arnone said. “The more professional you dress the more people will take you seriously.”
Eliza Arnone, senior music education major, loves to spice up her outfits with matching accessories. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
Arnone is excited to see campus during “Gilmore Girls Fall,” based on the show, “Gilmore Girls” set in a small town in Connecticut. The show garners more popularity during the fall season for its seemingly never-ending fall set and cozy wardrobe.
“Over-knee boots, hats, berets, sunglasses more. As long as people know the Gilmore Girls styles.” Arnone said.
Mohamed Shahzaib, a freshman biochemistry major, typically loves to go for a beachy Hawaiian style. Shahzaib said that he enjoys collecting pieces from thrift and vintage stores in central New Jersey, which includes his black and red split jean jacket.
Mohamed Shahzaib, freshman biochemistry major, goes for an all black and red look. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
His love of jean jackets comes from Billy Hargrove, a character on the show “Stranger Things,” who often sports all denim, button-up shirts and white tank tops.
“I now have like 3 to 4 jean jackets,” Shahzaib said. “I love the ’80s style puffy jean jackets.”
Shahzaib would love to see more colorful and tropical styles brought to campus but also appreciates his distinct sense of fashion.
“I kind of do like being the only person who wears Hawaiian outfits, because it feels unique,” Shahzaib said. “I’ll put beach necklaces before pearl necklaces or chains.”
Lorenzo Maldonado, a junior history major, throws his style back to the ’50s.
Lorenzo Maldonado, junior history major, embodies the 50s style greaser look. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
Maldonado draws inspiration from “Greasers and beatniks of the ’50s and ’60s.”
“I like their style,” Maldonado said. “The tucked-in boots, leather jackets, and ripped or messy clothing.”
Lorenzo Maldonado, a junior history major, loves to wear flannels for fall. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
He defines his style as a mix of different genres.
“Mostly, I’m trying to be a mix of greaser and country boy,” Maldonado said. “I really want cowboy boots eventually. I’d say probably a mix of country and city.”
His usual outfit includes jeans, a t-shirt, a flannel or overshirt of some kind, and whichever shoes he lays his eyes on first. Maldonado emphasized his love of boots and desire to see them around campus.
Mohamed Shahzaib, freshman biochemistry major, appreciates a beachy vibe to his style. Dani Mazariegos | The Montclarion
“I’d say we need more boots,” Maldonado said. “As we get into winter, I want to see more variety in boots.”
