Expressing Who You Are Through Fashion
By Brynn Schlaht
Fall 2024
Fashion is like a creative playground we all share, but experience in different ways. It’s a space with plenty of opportunity and no rules to follow. You have the freedom to do whatever you want whether that’s mixing & matching different patterns, hopping on trends, or trying something new.
Stepping out of your comfort zone typically feels uncomfortable, especially when it comes to fashion. It’s a natural reaction to feel uneasy, but that’s also where the excitement lies. Fashion allows you to take risks, push boundaries, and truly express yourself in ways you never thought possible.
Fashion is not about seeking the approval of others or fitting into society. It’s about celebrating who you are and who you are becoming while having fun doing so. With ever new piece or bold choice, you will discover just how powerful it is to own your unique style. Fashion is yours to explore, enjoy, and craft to make completely your own.
My Story
When I reached middle school, I discovered thrifting and secondhand shopping, quickly becoming hooked. I would ask my mom to take me thrifting every weekend. Throughout middle school and high school, shopping secondhand became a habit. It allowed me to “fit in”, hopping on trends that didn’t last long and wearing name-brand clothes for a fraction of the cost.
In my freshman year of college, I started thrifting more consistently, expanding my wardrobe, expanding my collection of clothes. However, I wasn’t very mindful of balancing my purchases. I had a bad habit of purchasing clothes, but not cycling out the old clothes.
Eventually, I realized I was in need of a solution to cycle through my overflowing wardrobe. That is when the idea for my business, BThrift, came about. I turned my love for thrifting into a sustainable business by reselling pieces from my closet. I quickly tapped into my artistic side, incorporating my art into upcycling pieces of clothing to make them one-of-a-kind.
Using social media platforms, I promoted my business and connected with people who share my passion for secondhand fashion and art. What started as a way to declutter my closet evolved into a creative outlet and a small business that aligns with my values of sustainability and individuality.
To this day, I sell through vintage markets, on-campus events, and Depop. The constant support and encouragement from my customers, friends, and family is truly amazing. I am grateful to share my passion for secondhand fashion and art with others.
Self-expression and Identity
Self-expression is a natural part of life, often happening without us even realizing it. From art, music, and fashion, to how we talk and carry ourselves, it is woven into our daily lives and closely linked to our identity. Through different forms, we show our beliefs and values to the world, giving others around us a tiny glimpse into our inner world. Embracing identity and expressing yourself helps to build a strong sense of individuality. It strengthens your connection with yourself and others surrounding you and your confidence.
Self-identity is a concept that easily goes hand-in-hand with self-expression. Within Expressing Identity: Function of Fashion, Priyanka explains “An expression of identity is extremely subtle and symbolically communicates personal values, interests, tastes, and affiliations to one another.” If you don’t know who you are, then how will you know how to express who you are?
Both self-identity and self-expression are not fixed; we evolve as individuals as we grow, learn, and engage in different experiences. The core idea of self-identity according to John J. Drummond in Self-identity and Personal Identity is how you are aware of yourself, which is closely tied to the understanding that your experiences are temporary. Change is an essential part of life and identity, showcasing how we grow and evolve over time, ultimately deepening our sense of self.
Self-expression and identity help people find their place in the world and establish a unique place within the world, reinforcing a sense of belonging. Dress is a Fundamental Component of Person Perception identifies this topic as not a new concept: “Historically, groups of people who haven’t been listened to, have expressed themselves in several physical aspects. Such as their style, their hair, their tattoos, their piercings, and what they wear”. Your physical appearance is one of the most immediate and accessible ways to show off your identity to the world. It communicates a wide range of information about your personality, values, interests, and even your cultural background to the world. This outward expression allows others to form first impressions about who you are before any words are exchanged.
What Fashion Is
Considering the meaning of self-expression, some people rely solely on fashion to express who they are. Whether that may be, secondhand shopping, vintage clothes, or following fashion trends, that is all up to you.
Dr. Karl Kelley, Professor of Psychology at North Central College; Harold and Eva White Distinguished Professor in the Liberal Arts, said that the word ‘fashion’ is interpreted differently from person to person. His interpretation of fashion as a psychology professor differs from my interpretation of fashion as a student and small business owner involved in the vintage reseller world. Therefore, it is important to define fashion in different lights because your definition may differ from mine and Dr. Kelley’s.
He took the time to share his perspective on the concept of fashion. He interpreted ‘fashion’ to mean that there is a “right” way to approach style and dressing – that some people know exactly what clothes suit their body, personality, or other aspects. In Dr. Kelley’s words, “It's about finding the appropriate drip”.
Gaining a new perspective highlighted the importance of gathering other perspectives. According to Fashion The Key Concepts, “fashion is a prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, procedure; a shared and internalized sense of the modish style of the time”. In simpler terms, fashion reflects the styles and behaviors that are popular at a particular moment in time. It represents a collective understanding of what is in style, from clothing choices to cultural behaviors and norms.
Fashion trends play a significant role in shaping this, as they emerge based on different influential factors. These factors consist of media, celebrities, and subcultures. Trends are often fleeting but leave lasting impacts on how society expresses itself through style as they shift and evolve with the times. Fashion is not just clothing; it’s a reflection of the current era, a visual language for all people.
While I understand both of these definitions, I have a different interpretation of what fashion is. To me, fashion is about expressing who you are through your choices in clothing, accessories, hairstyle, and overall style. It combines personal taste and broader trends, reflecting cultural influences, current styles, and specific interests.
To me, fashion is about expressing who you are through your choices in clothing, accessories, hairstyle, and overall style. It combines personal taste and broader trends, reflecting cultural influences, current styles, and specific interests.
Situations Impacting Style
Situations have a large impact on your clothing choices, as the context you find yourself in often determines how you present yourself to the world. You may even ask yourself “How do I want to be perceived here?” before deciding on what to wear. Each setting comes with a set of unspoken social cues and expectations.
However, this creates tension with the idea that fashion is primarily self-expression. While it allows for personal creativity, it is also often influenced by your need for external validation. It is suggested that clothing can represent how individuals view themselves rather than solely how they wish to be perceived by others. This internal conflict you’re having is normal and emphasizes balancing the act between expressing one’s identity and navigating external perceptions. When you prioritize seeking approval rather than self-expression, you put genuine self-expression at risk, making your fashion feel less authentic.
I had the opportunity to sit down with a group of my peers, some of which are North Central College students, to discuss fashion and their style. In our discussion, many shared how they consciously tailored their outfits to fit specific situations, with an awareness of dressing appropriately for the occasion. This highlighted how situational influences shape our clothing choices, while also reflecting the ongoing internal negotiation between self-expression and societal expectations.
Athletics’ Impact on Personal Style
Mia Rogers, a North Central College senior studying Psychology and Shimer: Humanities of The Shimer Great Books School, shared “I was in athletics all of high school, so I was always in athletic clothing” (Rogers interview 2024). Spending so much of her time being dedicated to sports meant spending much more time in practice clothes or her uniform.
The athletic environment she was a part of had a specific dress code that shaped her identity but left little room for her to express who she was through her clothing choices. Her role as an athlete limited her options of using clothing as a form of self-expression until she came to college. Now, outside of that environment, she has more freedom to experiment with her clothes, using fashion as a way to represent her unique self.
European Culture Impacting Personal Style
In Breaking Gender Norms through Fashion: Lessons from Georgia O’Keeffe, Rana Chan explains the outfits we choose to wear are often shaped by societal or situational norms, reflecting the expectations placed on us while also providing a way to express our interpretation of the culture around us. Natalie Johnson, a North Central College senior studying health science and management, is a prime example of this, as demonstrated by her study abroad experience. She spent the first semester of her junior year in Ireland at the University of Limerick.
Reflecting on her time in Europe, Natalie shared how the experience shifted her perspective on fashion: “I used to wear sporty, crop-tops, and sweatpants every day, but after being in Europe I want to dress like a European every day”. Jumping into a new cultural environment, Natalie found herself adopting a more sophisticated style. Her evolution of personal style is a natural result of her exposure to European fashion and cultural norms in Ireland. Her time abroad was well spent, expanding her fashion influences and now approaching her style incorporating elements of European fashion.
Dressing for Comfort
Erik Batkiewicz and Jeremy Robinson gave a male perspective on the topic of fashion. Erik, a North Central College senior studying marketing and sports management, stated he expresses himself more through activities and passions rather than through his clothing (Batkiewicz 2024). While he may not consciously use clothing as a form of self-expression, he unintentionally dresses in a way that reflects his passions and interests. As a dedicated sports fan, he has an extensive collection of gear to represent the teams he loves. Additionally, Erik is a huge Metallica fan, with much of his wardrobe being Metallica shirts.
Both Jeremy Robinson, a systems engineer at Motorola Solutions, and Erik added they have grown to prefer oversized tees (Batkiewicz and Robinson interview 2024). For them, baggier t-shirts offer both greater comfort and a more fashionable look. They attribute this shift in their style to the influence of the people they spend time with regularly, reflecting the influence of social circles. Jeremy continued on to say “I feel like I am evolving to more baggy clothing in general” (Robinson interview 2024). He is expressing that his preference for looser fits isn’t limited to t-shirts; it has expanded to include other clothing items as well. This shift reflects a broader change in style, where comfort and a more relaxed fit are becoming central to his wardrobe choices. As his style evolves, he’s developing a growing desire for flexibility and ease in his everyday attire.
Megan Irelan, a North Central College senior studying sociology, explains that her mood and comfort significantly influence the way she dresses (Irelan interview 2024). She tends to wear looser clothing, dressing more for comfort than fashion. However, Megan still uses her physical appearance as a form of self-expression. She primarily expresses herself through her piercings and tattoos, and when choosing what to wear, she prefers clothing that allows her tattoos to be visible to those around her.
Shopping Secondhand
Shopping secondhand offers the ideal opportunity to experiment with your wardrobe. Eunsuk Hur in Rebirth Fashion: Secondhand Clothing Consumption Values and Perceived Risks explains that several factors influence the adoption of sustainable behaviors, with novelty, creativity, and aesthetics being key drivers of sustainable fashion consumption. We often want to explore our creativity through fashion, but it’s challenging when retail stores all follow the same trends. Retail stores offer little variety or individuality with their pieces to their customers.
Switching to shopping secondhand makes it easier to try new looks at a more affordable price, while also breaking fashion norms and trends. Catherine Roster in Effects of Personal Values and Clothing Style Confidence on Consumers’ Interest in Upcycled Clothing Products, explains that consumers are driven by the desire for individual self-expression, personal growth, and traits such as creativity and fashion awareness. However, retail stores may not always meet these needs. The unique and often one-of-a-kind items you can find in a secondhand store help you to feel the style you’re going for is truly reflecting your personality, filling the desires and confidence of consumers.
According to Zarine Kakalia in Students & Sustainable Fashion: Understanding Motivations of Thrift Shopping in College Communities, Millennials and Generation Z, who comprise 40% of the U.S. population, are the fastest-growing customer base for thrift stores and are known for being environmentally conscious and the emerging generation of leaders. These younger generations are not only frequent secondhand shoppers but also leaders who help to drive trends toward circular fashion and sustainability.
Circular fashion is a sustainable approach, followed by people of all ages, to clothing that focuses on extending the life of a piece by repairing and reusing. It aims to create a closed-loop system where clothing pieces are continually repurposed rather than discarded. By prioritizing circular fashion, Millennials and Gen Z are challenging the traditional cycle of fast fashion and advocating for clothing that supports environmental health, thus shaping the future of the fashion industry toward sustainability.
Nelly Carbonell, a North Central College senior studying chemistry and a peer of mine, is one of many college students who love secondhand shopping, especially because of her commitment to sustainability. Nelly is an avid thrift and vintage store shopper, curating a closet full of pieces she feels truly reflect her.
Through secondhand shopping, she has hand-selected a wardrobe that feels unique and authentic to who she is, showcasing her style while also supporting eco-friendly fashion choices. In my interview with her, Nelly shared that her outfit significantly impacts her mood and confidence, emphasizing how deeply her fashion choices connect with her sense of self and her commitment to reducing her environmental impact.
Vintage stores also offer a unique, personalized shopping experience, where each item carries its own story and emotional value. I had the chance to talk with two colleagues of mine, Isaac Nelson and Andrew Ortiz, who shared valuable insights into the world of running a secondhand shop. Isaac is the owner of The Whistle Stop, a storefront located in Wheaton, IL. Andrew is the owner of Storm Gallery, a small business he runs from Rockford, IL, participating in pop-up shops and selling online. They both highlighted the many elements involved, from sourcing products, to ensuring smooth operations, understanding customer needs and wants, and much more.
Both Isaac and Andrew stressed the importance of understanding the needs of their customers as well as providing their customers with a positive shopping experience. Their perspectives shed light on how vintage shops and small business owners carefully curate pieces with their customers’ preferences and interests in mind.
Vintage resellers bring a unique perspective to fashion, viewing their role as a business and a way to connect with people. Andrew for example, tends to go beyond just meeting customer demand, but also approaches every customer interaction with a personal touch. Instead of viewing individuals as just customers, he treats everyone like a friend, engaging in simple and genuine conversations. “It’s all about understanding the people you sell to and never treating them like just another sale,” he says, creating a warm shopping experience that sets his business apart. This approach allows him to connect authentically with people.
Inclusivity in curation is equally as important to a welcoming atmosphere. Isaac values items that may not necessarily match his style but can perfectly complement someone else’s look. Each buying decision is thoughtful, as he carefully selects a diverse range of pieces to ensure there is something in his store for everyone. “I have always been a believer in the idea that brands do not matter,” he says, “I try to choose clothes that I feel can be styled well regardless of age or condition”. This mindset reflects his belief in the power of fashion as a form of personal expression, prioritizing versatility and creativity. Isaac says, “Owning the store has opened my eyes to the fact that just because you don't like a specific garment or vice versa there will always be someone that has an appreciation for it”.
Final Remarks
Embracing fashion as a creative outlet gives you the freedom to explore and connect with your true self in a way that feels both authentic and personal. It’s a journey of self-discovery, reflecting who you are and how you want to show up in the world around you. Fashion is all about celebrating who we are and connecting with others around us through our unique expressions.
I encourage you to take the time to dive into your style and see what it reveals about yourself. Fashion is one of the most powerful ways to embrace your individuality and make a statement about what makes you, you. Have fun with yourself in fashion, taking risks and experimenting, but most importantly, embrace who you are. Let your sense of style be a celebration of your self-discovery journey and your creativity.
Brynn Schlaht is a senior at North Central College, where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. Alongside her academic commitments, Brynn is also a competitive athlete, proudly representing the North Central College women’s track and field team, and a clothing small business owner.
With an eye for all kinds of art, Brynn has developed a particular interest in the overlap of art and fashion. This passion is deeply personal for her, as it combines her love for creativity with her entrepreneurial spirit. As a small business owner, she resells vintage clothing, curating a collection that reflects her own artistic eye. Brynn enhances many of these pieces she hand picks with her own artistic touches, implementing sewing and embroidery techniques to transform them into one-of-a-kind garments for her customers.
Her entrepreneurial journey not only allows her to express her creativity but also helps her gain personal experience in the business world, enhancing her marketing studies. Through her work, Brynn aims to inspire others to appreciate the beauty of vintage fashion and the importance of individuality and expression in personal style.