As we move further into the school year, students find that the best way to express themselves is through what they wear — an expression of themselves rather than a method of conforming to others. Indeed, throughout the halls, one frequently sees off-shoulder, pastel-colored tops, along with the staples of black leggings and dark-wash jeans. Keeping outfits simple yet classic is a running theme here at Ridge.

Lots of students also experimented with street style slogans and logos on shirts, some of the most notable being the shirts of brands Anti Social Social Club and Supreme. Along with this street style came more relaxed looks, with loose-fitting, faux-patched jeans and shirts becoming popular.

As for shoes, sturdier snow boots have popped up in recent weeks (along with the arrival of our first snow this year), but more casual shoes like Adidas Superstars and Birkenstocks were popular choices for students during the past few months.

Despite the unconventionally creative concepts that often hit runways during Fashion Week in fashion hubs all over the world, many Ridge students still think that the defining element of style is comfort and confidence, not conforming to other ideals. Matthew Luu ‘20 notes that “Fashion is okay, I suppose, but what really matters is what you think about what you’re wearing.” Peer pressure can manifest most strongly in outward appearance, so many see it as refreshing when one wears clothes differently from the outfits seen multiple times a day.

That being said, many students will choose to dress more formally every day to give a good impression, while others see comfort as key. For example, in the course of a day, one can see in the hallways a guy with khakis and a button-down, and then a few minutes later spots another guy in a sweatshirt and sweatpants, and perhaps later finds a guy in a polo and shorts. Michelle Li ‘20 muses how “fashion can come off in a negative way due to everyone competing for the ‘new’ look, but it can definitely be a positive way to reveal inner creativity and expression!” As Michelle affirms, it truly depends on the student’s personality as to what they wear — a true manifestation of wearing one’s heart on their sleeve.