With dreadful morning classes and hectic schedules, it can be easy for students to choose comfort over fashion. On campus, jeans, simple T-shirts or workout clothes are popular and effortless ways to get through the day. But for some stand-out souls, day-to-day style is meant to have personality.
Michaella Hayes, a 19-year-old UF exploratory freshman, is one of the many students around campus whose fashion choices will catch your eye.
What motivates you to get up and get dressed every day?
“We are going to be adults soon, out in the real world. When I have a job, I’m going to have to wake up every day and make myself look decent and professional, which might be at 8 a.m. I might as well get the hang of it now.”
Who influences your style?
“Probably my best friend, Lyndsey Kamide. She pretty much guides me when I go shopping. She wants to be a photographer for Vogue, and she is super into fashion. And I just pay attention to what other people wear. I pick and choose what I like and don’t like.”
Where do you mostly shop?
“Forever 21. Sometimes they have really cute things at Ann Taylor Loft.”
Favorite trends?
“Combat boots. I like that it’s acceptable to not wear real pants right now, like leggings or yoga pants.”
Least-favorite trends?
“I don’t like fur vests. I think they are too gaudy, and I don’t understand why people wear them. We live in Florida, why do you need a fur vest?”
What’s your go-to accessory?
“I have this fake, cheap rosary from Forever 21. It looks pretty much good with everything. It takes something that doesn’t really look that interesting and makes it look fashionable.”
If you could trade closets with someone who would it be?
“Lana Del Rey. She comes off as original but sort-of in fashion.”
If you could only have three things left out of your current closet, what would they be?
“That’s incredibly sad. But, I’d keep a pair of black leggings, my leather jacket and my Steve Madden combat boots.”
Which comes first, the shoe or the outfit?
“The outfit.”
Know someone who has stand-out style? Nominate them to be profiled by emailing avenue@alligator.org.
