Coco Chanel wisely once said, “Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Fashion constantly surrounds us, so it’s not surprising how much fashion truly does influence us. What we wear is an immediate representation of who we are, making clothing, style and fashion important in expressing ourselves. In many cases, when words fail, fashion speaks.
I believe that a person’s style is a process; it is something that is constantly developing, growing and adapting to adjust to changes in personal taste, fashion and the world. My personal style is a constant evolution as my life changes and I’m introduced to new people, ideas and cultures.
I’m Devin Ostermann, and I’m currently a second year Marketing student at Clemson University in South Carolina. Growing up in a small town in Virginia, I frequently resorted to wearing the most popular trends and recreating what other people wore. When I got to college, I realized that the more you dress like yourself, the more you act like yourself and the more comfortable you become with who you truly are. Re-establishing my style has been an undertaking well worth the effort and time.
In this look, I incorporated feminine classics with edgy pieces and simplistic jewelry for a well-rounded look. Fringe, studs and gold tone accessories are my go-to items for completing an outfit. I chose a fringe cross-body bag and studded sandals to contrast my flirty, feminine romper. The contrast of the harsh metal and leather materials against the soft flowy material of the romper makes the outfit more modern and dramatic. This romper’s classic high neckline is what drew me to the piece originally, but the boho print gives this piece a unique twist. A great feature on this romper is that the print on the top half slants downward, elongating my midsection and mirroring the flow of the material. I stuck with simplistic gold tone jewelry: a watch, cuff, and two midi rings so that my jewelry wasn’t competing with the rest of my outfit.
Besides having an all consuming passion for clothes and design, I also have a small jewelry business, Devin Ashton Designs, which is an extremely rewarding venture. In designing jewelry and interacting with customers, I’ve fallen deeper into the depths of my own personal style and ideals. I urge you not to wait for the perfect chance or time to act on the dreams you have for the future, but instead to fearlessly pursue them now. For me, there is no greater feeling than being a part of the fashion and design industry.
With my newfound style at hand, I’m extremely excited to share some great looks, tips and trends with you this summer and potentially influence your style in the process!
