At the Resource Fair at Santa Monica College, I wasn't looking at the palm trees or rows of classrooms; all I saw were incredible outfits. A white linen skirt moved with the wind; rose-satin Margiela ballet flats passed across the campus walkways. Students dressed in different aesthetics, from alternative fashion to basic staples.
Seeing such a variety of different looks on campus brings up a bigger question: What does fashion really look like at Santa Monica College? I spoke with six well-dressed SMC students about what they wear, where they shop, what influences their choices and whether they believe the college has a style of its own.
Hailey Pedraza described her style as alternative, gravitating toward unique clothes that feel true to herself. She paired a gray-and-black polka-dot Brandy Melville cardigan with a matching bag, a purple Brandy Melville top matching the purple streak in her hair, and a purple bag charm. She completed the look with wide-leg pants and UGG sneakers.
“I would describe my style as alternative. I actually just go with whatever I believe is cute and feels like me. I don’t really care about the brand at all as long as it suits my style,” Pedraza said. Her go-to stores — Brandy Melville, PacSun and Hollister — are known for their basic clothing. Yet, Pedraza pulls unique pieces off their racks and styles them to fit her own aesthetic.
While Pedraza favors purples and grays, Fletcher Friend embraces bright greens. He wore a white Uniqlo button-up shirt with chickens, green slim-fitting pants and black sparkling shoes gifted by his cousin.
“I’d describe my style as colorful and lively. I like to wear things that make me feel comfortable, but I also want my clothes to reflect my personality. I'm a joyful person,” Friend said.
Friend shops at Uniqlo in Japan and Lululemon in his home country, looking for colorful pieces. He prefers shopping in person so he can see the true colors of each piece.
In-person shopping is overwhelmingly popular among SMC students, with all six students interviewed saying they prefer the method over online shopping. However, their shopping methods vary, ranging from budget mall runs to thrift bin hunts.
For many, affordable mall staples form the base of their wardrobe. Brands like Cotton On were mentioned multiple times, while basic retailers like Target and H&M keep other students closets, like Taysia Whiters’, budget-friendly.
“Creating a good outfit doesn't require shopping at expensive retailers,” Whiters said.
Others prefer the adrenaline rush of the search at thrift stores and clothing bins. Daleth Suren takes a different shopping approach by skipping the traditional storefront altogether. “The top I thrifted, the cardigan I thrifted, the pants I got at the bins, had to fight for them,” Suren said.
Where SMC students shop can shape their personal style, but the inspiration behind their choices influences the outfits they create. What people wear is influenced by social media, pop culture and global streetwear.
“I really like watching social media influencers,” she said. When asked about specific influencers, she said she doesn't follow anyone in particular. “Whatever is on my TikTok For You Page,” Suren said.
Student Gavan Miranda turns to K-pop idols for his looks. “I've been getting my inspiration from K-pop idols. Do you know Ni-ki from ENHYPEN? He's been a big inspiration for me,” Miranda said. Others look beyond social media influence, turning to broader approaches like pinterest boards, magazines and TV to find outfit ideas.
But do these influences create a signature SMC style? Pedraza, Suren and Hernandez think alternative fashion stands out on campus, while Hernandez, Whiters and Miranda said the student body is too diverse to fit one label.
SMC may not have a single defining aesthetic, but its students bring a range of styles to campus, with alternative fashion seemingly sticking out the most.
“People like to take risks at SMC,” Whiters said. These risks are noticeable in the diversity of the student body. No wonder the style is diverse as well.