By: Jordan Bagel

Galen O’Brien Blumenthal, 19, is a sophomore at UT Austin with a Plan II Honors and Political Science major.  As this past weekend was Austin City Limits music festival, students all across campus were dressing to represent their favorite bands that would be featured at ACL.  Galen is a super music junkie obsessed with Dave Matthews Band.  He says that music is a part of him, and he expressed it through fashion.  Here, he is wearing a Banana Republic blazer, a vintage concert t-shirt, and J.Crew jeans and belt.  He admits that he isn’t so much into following the latest trends or wearing designer labels, but that he enjoys “simply looking stylish.”  Ultimately, Galen dresses to express, not to impress, and for that he is admired.  

By: Kelly McLendon

Hana Al-Hawash is a sophomore at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.  She’s also the resident style guru for the weekly newspaper office she works in. When she is not making style recommendations to others, she is out shopping.

“I don’t really have a style influence other than myself. My inspiration store is Forever 21. They always have the newest crazy articles of clothing that you don’t find elsewhere until a few months later. Other than that, I wear what I like; and it just so happens that what I like is fashionable.” she said.

In the future, she hopes to work for a fashion magazine and cites Vogue as a possibility.

But fashion isn’t always so complicated, she says.

“A good outfit is one that is simple and put together. If you take simple basics, add something crazy or colorful, plus some nice accessories, you are set. Sometimes, less is more.”

Al-Hawash also says wearing too many accessories can be a bad thing. “If you buy the newest skinny pants with high-tops because they are said to be “in,” but you are a flip-flops and flowing skirts kind of person, you will not feel comfortable. You might even look awkward, which makes your outfit look bad, no matter how new.” she said.

She takes a loving approach to the definition of style.

“Style means showing who you are on the outside at every moment. Sure you can paint and make music, but not everyone sees that. People look at you and see who you are by what you are wearing and your attitude. If you look and feel put together, people will see this.” she said.

By: Jordan Bagel

Tommy Britt, 19, is a Theatre major at the University of Texas in Austin. Britt was sitting indian-style against a tree trunk when I spotted him, using the shadow of the leaves overhead to read his book.  When I asked to photograph him, he smiled and said “it’s good to know people around here understand fashion. Thanks!”  Tommy enjoys dressing with style that at the same time is accepted for business wear.  He is pictured wearing a silk, patterned button-down with dark skinny jeans.  He’s also sporting TOMS shoes, which he said were his favorite because of the comfort and versatile material. Going for the stylish but sophisticated look is definitely conquered, and Britt wears this look with confidence.