“I grew up in ShangHai China, and I’ve lived the other half of my life in NYC. The combination of these two powerful cultures has shaped not just my fashion but also my vision. My style is a reflection of who I am, what I do, and why I do.”
Seen in Hill | David Zhao, check him out @ www.david-zhao.com
[Part of a series that highlights how one’s background, culture or hometown influence personal style]
“I think my style is kind of inspired by the women in my family actually…the watch I’m wearing was my mother’s and the cross necklace was my great grandmother’s whom I was named after. My Grandma Mary introduced me to really floral patterns—I remember buying the dress a few years ago because it reminded me of the handkerchiefs she used to show us. It’s kind of funny to say that my fashion choices are inspired by old women, but it’s true.”
Seen Near College Green | Carlie Ostrom
[Part of a series that highlights how one’s background, culture or hometown influence personal style]
“Being from LA, I’m definitely immersed in a very fashionable environment, which means great exposure to the latest styles. That being said, a busy city life makes for a wardrobe with a lot of denim, black, and white staples that I personalize with tons of accessories. I think there’s something to be said for a classic look that you individualize with the special touches.”
Seen on the Bridge | Natalia Sanchez-Nigolian
[Part of a series that highlights how one’s background, culture or hometown influence personal style]
“I would say my hometown, Prince George’s County, Maryland, influences more who I wear than what I wear, since everyone there pretty much wears the same thing but in different colors and brands. Back home brands such as Helly Hansen, New Balance, Ralph Lauren, Jordan, and Nike are very popular. Mostly urban street wear is worn. I would say that I could usually be found in street wear but I also really like more prep styles, even though those are not really worn back home. But here at UPenn I’m finding that prep is the most prevalent style of dress.”
Seen on Locust Walk | Walter Little
[Part of a series that highlights how one’s background, culture or hometown influence personal style]
“I’m from LA and needless to say, it’s very different from Philly. It’s definitely more relaxed and because our weather is relatively the same throughout the year, regardless of the season, you never had to accommodate for the weather and you could be as creative as you want with your outfits so this just helped me explore what styles worked for me. I was able to test out pieces to see what I liked and didn’t like and this just helped me build my wardrobe.”
Seen in front of the Law School | Jacqueline Uy
[Part of a series that highlights how one’s background, culture or hometown influence personal style]
“I definitely think Chicago has influenced my street style fashion. Throughout my life, I’ve gone through several different “fashion phases”. And yet, a simple aesthetic has always been a constant. It’s very easy and less is always more.”
Seen at the Perelman Quadrangle | Morgan Brown, killing the street style game
[Part of a series that highlights how one’s background, culture or hometown influence personal style]
“So I’m from Beijing China, but actually it has very little influence on me… Because I really like to take on different styles. I always get inspirations from the many fashion bloggers I follow.”
Seen on College Green | Shirley Liu
[Part of a series that highlights how one’s background, culture or hometown influence personal style]
“I grew up just outside of Philadelphia and went to a tiny, Catholic all-girls school. We had a uniform kilt that I definitely embraced and embellished during my 14 years there. The senior kilt is charcoal gray, and I wore it really similarly as I wore the black denim skirt today.
My inspiration definitely comes from my mom. She’s great at balancing oversized clothing with (stereotypically) feminine touches like heels or strong eye makeup. Her style is more boho than mine, but I try to juxtapose pieces the way she does. She never quite matches.”
Seen at 33rd & Walnut | Abby McGuckin
[Part of a series that highlights how one’s background, culture or hometown influence personal style]
“As an NYC girl, I’m an avid believer in neutrals, textures – I currently have a sick obsession with cords – and layering. Also, I’m all for not wearing pants until the weather makes it absolutely necessary. I usually take advantage of any situation to dress up as often as usual, but my style has honestly bummed out so much ever since I got here. No worries, though – Yeezy taught me how to look good.”
Seen at Fisher | Jianing Wang
[Part of a series that highlights how one’s background, culture or hometown influence personal style]
“I’m from the DC area–actually right at the edge of suburbia and city. In that, I’m exposed to both a muted self-expression through style as well as an eclectic collection of style occupying the extremes of the spectrum. The wide range of influences that comes with living near the city has shown me the power of style: what it means to have your own, how it conveys who you are, exemplifies who you’d like to be. Being able to harness that mindset and mute it when necessary, influences how I see style and use it everyday.”
Seen at 1920 Commons | Hana Yen
[Part of a series that highlights how one’s background, culture or hometown influence personal style]
Through My Fashion Lens 