Oscar Wilde once said, “You can never be overdressed or overeducated,” and I think he perfectly coined a quote I could live by with pride and honor. Greetings stellar Fashionistas/os! My name is Nicole Simonelli, and I’m a junior at SUNY New Paltz double majoring in Creative Writing and Human Services. This is my first semester writing for CollegeFashionista, but certainly not my first as a real life fashion star, and I’m more than excited to begin my journey as a Style Guru!
I didn’t start out as the chic, slightly outspoken person I am today, though. Growing up plus sized in a society that tends to shame those that are different could be detrimental to one’s emotional state, and their fashionable state (of course!). I used to hide behind clothes, and didn’t feel comfortable wearing what I loved. As I got older, and discovered the movement of body positivity, I found out what clothes can truly do for you!
It was a slow growth in choosing what I wanted to wear. I embraced color, for one, and nowadays I’m almost always wearing something wild (and probably floral)! I began enjoying dresses, and walking out in shorts. My biggest and most recent leap was wearing tank tops. It’s almost surprising how much wearing what you love can do for your self-esteem! While I was once a girl who drowned in her own clothes, now I’m a person who shines in them.
Fashion has become so important to me as an individual because it’s an outlet, a way to express myself that sometimes my words and heart cannot do. In loving my body, and dressing it how it desires and absolutely deserves, I’ve become confident and strong. Fashion—expressing oneself—is an important part in loving yourself, which means fashion is really, really important!
Personally, when I’m feeling most beautiful, it’s when I’m mixing classic styles with recent trends. Like Coco Chanel said, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” The best outfits are when you can use a staple piece: like a crop top with a midi skirt, or an LBD with a pair of colorful ankle boots. I also maybe, admittedly wear a little too much floral (impossible!) and it’s fairly rare you see these feet without a pair of boots on. And no outfit is ever complete without a statement earring and a pair of cute sunglasses!
I’m so excited to take part in such an amazing opportunity as being a Style Guru, and to share my personal thoughts on fall style trends! Here’s to a great semester of gorgeous looks!
