Fargo Fashion | My Style Evolution: Fashion Faux Pas Everywhere

AMBER ZOLONDEK | THE SPECTRUM
This was one of my favorite projects this year. I
wanted to look amazing for the Sam Smith concert I
went to and decided to design my look for the night.

As I pack my closet to move into my “big girl” apartment, I am shocked at just how many clothes I own. Being an apparel studies minor, I understand my love for clothes is a little more obsessive than most, but woof.

While looking through some of the pieces I can consider donating or recycling, I realized a few of the pieces I’ve kept are older than freshman year, bringing me to reminiscing how my closet and style have evolved since my dorm days.

As a freshman, I mistakenly thought more was more. My closet was jam-packed full of clothes that I’m still unsure how I was pairing.

From graphic V-necks to grossly fitting skinny jeans, I was a wreck. What’s worse is I proudly announced that I was studying apparel as my major.

I found a photo of myself reciting poetry in our dorm and was donning a wide-brim hat, V-neck, ripped skinny jeans and some sort of Mary Jane flats. Again, why did no one say anything?

Progressing on to sophomore year, I acquired the Public Relations Executive position with Bison Information Network – instant game changer. I thought I had to dress professional 100 percent of the time.

In college, I don’t suggest doing this. It doesn’t work for students’ schedules. I was strutting in heels for 12-14 hour days with button-downs, skirts or flared dress pants – too much for a 19-year-old.

I wanted to take myself seriously but couldn’t let my hair down until the weekend – leaving me exasperated again by Monday afternoon.

I finally got a grip and decompressed from my hectic class schedule, internship and job in order to maintain a personal style that didn’t require me to be buttoned-up to the neck.

My junior and final year at NDSU has been perhaps the most experimental and successful style-wise.

I was inspired by the French culture and their minimalistic lifestyle. I also was focusing more on the fit of garments and what worked for my body and sense of style rather than trends, patterns that didn’t flatter and bandwagon looks.

Overall, my time in Fargo has allowed my style to evolve into more of an urban aesthetic with midwest mixed into the fun. I have been able to improve on some fashion faux pas of the past by trying new things, being humble about the mistakes and never repeating them.