According to Google, the definition of style is simply “a manner of doing something.” This could refer to the manner of getting dressed, applying makeup or eating a bowl of cereal. This definition also suggests that there are multiple ways to do the same thing. There are many, perhaps infinite, ways to style a head scarf or rock a pair of combat boots. So, “style” can be different for everyone and it provides insight about a person on a personal and individual level.
Story and photos Sarah Montgomery

Graduate student Liz Eday says she sticks to timeless items when it comes to her style. “I really find that trendy stuff is a waste of money. I would rather spend my money on a really solid, classic piece,” she explains.

Unlike trends, a person’s style is set apart from the ever-changing nature of the fashion industry. And that’s different for everyone. “One reason why I try to wear a lot of vintage clothes is that you can dress individually,” graduate student Amanda Perofsky says. “I just don’t want to wear something, or look like something that came out of a J. Crew ad or a Gap ad,” she adds.

Of course not every person has an interest in their style or fashion. No matter how one approaches style, as a “fashionista” or as someone who wears whatever they find at the bottom of their closet, clothes have the ability to visually represent someone. The rise of the Internet and social media sites, such as Tumblr and Pinterest, make the fashion world much more than society being told what to wear and when to wear it. Consumers communicate their fashion interests and have markets that cater to these certain types of styles.

If style is so subjective and personal, why should defining it matter? It’s true that most mornings people just throw together different pieces and head out the door without considering the deeper implications. However, the purchasing of those pieces and the fact that they are even in the closet says something. Style gives someone a chance to take a stand on his/her personality — subconscious effort or not. Having a defined style or look helps your pockets in the long run and prevents you from buying into the seasonal trend that may not align with your style, and, thanks to places like Target and Forever 21, fashion today is more accessible to the middle class than ever before, no longer making a defined style a luxury for the elite. “I think that personal style is how you react to trends and you just take from the environment what you like,” says first-year neurobiology major Natalie Sendukas. “I think there are trends for a reason, but I don’t think you should follow them if it’s not who you are,” she adds.

This leads to the purposes behind ORANGE’s installment of a Spring 2014 street style series. While style is subjective, and like many art forms there are many tastes and perspective to have, there are areas of common ground. ORANGE’s street style section will be a way to evaluate style and the coming-and-going of trends with themes, from business casual to spring.

Hundreds of UT students walk to class everyday rocking interesting and unique outfits. We want to showcase their style and garner students’ interest in what their fellow Longhorns are wearing.

The ORANGE Style section, this article and our street style series is not just a one-sided take on fashion. Consider this a platform for discussion. Style may be one thing to us and a completely different thing to you. Share your thoughts.

Don’t think we include or represent something important? Let us know. The ORANGE Style section encourages conversation that will inspire and present different perspectives. As we open the floor for discussion, ORANGE Style asks you to consider the following questions:

What is your style, if you have one?

How do you use tools such as hair, make up and clothing to represent that style?

How do you react to trends and the fashion environment (Vogue, Elle, etc)?

What does your style say about your personality? Does it say anything? Do you think they are related?

Want to share your answers, or your style? Instagram or tweet us using #omagphoto and #omagstyle.