Fashion advice from the trendiest newsroom at DePaul.

Let’s take a journey back in time, a time when many of us were taking fashion advice from a teen magazine. Those fashion “do’s and don’t’s” articles kept everyone up to date with the latest trend cycles. Today, the trend cycles change faster than ever. It’s created a variety of new trends for people to develop their own personal style, but it has also perpetuated overconsumption. 

The 14 East and Pueblo staff live by a variety of trends. Some are new, some bring us back in time and many we disagree on. In honor of the fashion issue, here are our fashion dos and don’ts. 

Kate Linderman, Special Projects Editor 

Hailey Bosek, Senior Associate Editor 

I have loved the ever-so-controversial low-rise jeans lately. I think that we have come so far in our understanding of body positivity since the last time low-rise jeans were popular. I also love my long skirts I feel like I am so witchy and feminine in them. When picking out fits, I love bouncing back and forth between dresses and baggy jeans with boxers. I also try to mix older trends with new ones. However, I never want to see chevron return. I am sorry to all the Southern mothers who have not seemed to let it go, but it is just too gaudy for me.

Credit: Mizuno K, Pexels

Chinyere Ibeh, Social Media Editor

One returning fashion trend is the flared jean, and I’m here for it. The other day, I wore these flared jeans with slits in them and a ripped black shirt along with a pair of Converse I hadn’t worn since high school. It was giving 2003 Avril Lavigne, and I lived for it. However, jeans cropped three to five inches above the ankle is something I’m still wrapping my head around. I remember the days where people wouldn’t dare to walk out of the house with their jeans or pants more than half an inch above their ankles. It was either you’re wearing a pair of capris or full length pants — no in between. Speaking of capris, biker shorts remind me so much of them. The Y2K trend seems to be making its comeback in the form of athleisure.

Bridget Killian, Managing Editor

One piece of fashion that I swear by is a good old-fashioned knit sweater. Over the years, I’ve collected thirty sweaters from thrift stores, and they have become a staple in my wardrobe. A good ugly sweater goes with just about anything and is a timeless piece for any closet. I feel most comfortable, but also cute, in a good sweater. And, of course, this piece is great for Chicago weather. Stay cozy and fashionable with a thrifty sweater.

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Anna Retzlaff, Associate Editor

My personal do is the blackand-white combo. These two non-colors might be lurking in your closet, begging to be matched with their opposites. Black or white alone may be used for an understated outfit or as a foundation to showcase more eye-catching pieces. However, together, their potential is finally unveiled. Timeless and versatile, this combination can be added to anyone’s outfit rotation. My personal don’t is no-show socks. There are no pros, all cons. 

Kate Linderman, Special Projects Editor

I am all about comfort and am therefore all about the wide-leg trousers. They are by far the comfiest non-sweatpant pants I’ve ever worn, trend or not. You can’t beat feeling comfortable and put together all in one pair of pants. On the other hand, you won’t ever catch me in low-rise pants whatsoever. I won’t have it. While I love the outfits that have come from the return of low-rise, I personally find the style so terribly uncomfortable. They just don’t feel right. I’ll stick with my high-waist trousers until the end of time. 

Citlali Perez, Community Engagement Editor 

My fashion don’t involves the overall fast-fashion culture that has predominated as of late. Overconsumption in the fashion industry is definitely an issue that is contributing to the deterioration of the environment. I am a huge advocate for buying secondhand, not only because it’s more environmentally friendly but also because it’s a cheaper option — although there are concerns surrounding thrift stores becoming more expensive. I’d rather invest in a timeless, high-quality item of clothing than try to keep up with ever-changing fashion trends. With that, my fashion dos are durability, versatility and sustainability. However, building a closet out of thrifted clothing involves a lot of time and energy but is definitely worth it. Don’t have the time? Meet your local personal thrift shopper and stylist, Izzy Jackson. 

Credit: Cottonbro Studio, Pexels

Emily Figueroa, Creative Editor at Pueblo

The start of my twenties revolved around one thing —a black miniskirt. I knew I would need some stability in a time full of change, so I put my trust in a skirt and she hasn’t failed me. She has become my best friend, paired against sheer black tights and sleek leather boots. She’s a staple but makes a statement, because who doesn’t feel in charge in a flattering skirt? Its style matches brown and earthy tones in the fall, but can make a quick switch to a sultry evening in the winter. You can dress it down with a plain long-sleeve and oversized jacket on the way to brunch in Wicker Park, or pair it with heels and an off-shoulder top when you’re headed to an art gallery. Either way, you’ll look and feel great, so there’s no hesitation when it comes to the classic miniskirt. 

Monique Mulima, Editor-in-Chief

I know they’re not considered as fashionable anymore as they used to be, but one of my fashion dos is skinny jeans. You can dress them up or dress them down, and they fit nicely with any pair of shoes or boots. Skinny jeans also don’t need to be uncomfortable; there are now so many options made from jean material with a bit of stretch so that you can still move freely in style. Although the trends may have shifted to wide-leg pants, I’ll be sticking with my skinny-jean collection for now.

Eiman Navaid, Senior Associate Editor 

I love the sweatsuit trend, but I have a strong dislike for how the prices have gone up – paying nearly $80 for a sweater is beyond anything my mind can comprehend. On the contrary, I’m so glad that skinny jeans are out of style. Baggy jeans feel so much more comfortable and have a much better fit.

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Cary Robbins, Staff Writer

My fashion do: Accessorize. Accessories are everything. Whenever I go out, I always wear as much jewelry as possible. My friends and family have given me earrings, necklaces, rings and wristbands throughout my life, and if I go anywhere, I always make sure to wear the jewelry they gave me. I feel more confident knowing that no matter where I go, I always have my family and friends with me. My fashion don’t: don’t overconsume trends. Make your own style and buy what speaks to you. You are the only one who knows what feels good, and you will always look beautiful in the clothes you love.

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Lily Lowndes, Business Manager

If you have seen me around campus, you already know what my fashion do is. If you don’t know who I am, just look for the student wearing a purple coat, purple gloves, purple fleece and a purple backpack, because I love a solid monochrome moment. I think it’s so accessible and easy to try, yet you come across as very classy and put together. My personal fashion don’t is anything uncomfortable. In my case, beauty never equals pain. I think the best look is something that you feel comfortable and confident in.

Sam Freeman, Staff Writer 

I will always be a maxi skirt stan. On a day full of back-to-back classes, I will wear a long, floral maxi skirt with a graphic t-shirt and platform Converse for a casual, yet put-together look. For a dinner date with girl friends, I opt for a floor-length black skirt with a corset top and chunky boots. Maxi skirts are timeless, classy, and versatile, so go to your local thrift store and treat yourself to what will be your next staple piece. 

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Emily Soto, Multimedia Editor

I have a question. Is athleisure still in style? Because if not, you’re witnessing my realization that I am not and have never been “on trend.” But at this point, I’m just here for what makes me feel comfortable and effortless (and maybe trying to relive my days as an athlete). For me, that means stretchy pants, a warm hoodie and a cool jacket to tie it all together, all while looking ready for yoga class — even though I don’t take yoga class. The day will come when I can no longer wear leggings and a sweater to work. I’ll actually have to start planning my outfits. Until then, I think I’ll stick to being comfy. 

Maddy Maes, Assistant Multimedia Editor

I’ve never considered myself very fashionable or stylish, but my biggest fashion do is to wear whatever makes you happy. For me, that could mean a cardigan covered in beaded hearts, a pair of embroidered jeans, or a t-shirt with a fat cat that reads, “I’m in debt.” I love a statement piece that catches my eye and makes me smile or laugh. I am going to be a high school teacher when I graduate, and my goal is to make sure that even though I have to dress professionally, I’ll still express myself in what I wear. I think my only fashion don’t is not being confident in your style choices!

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Header Illustration by Bridget Killian