What does style mean to you?

Style is often thrown out into the world of fashion and trends. You hear phrases like, “You have great style,” or “I love the way you styled your outfit.” However, What does this mean? Is style simply a way of putting clothing together or could it be something much more. Merriam-Webster defines style as, “a distinctive manner of expression.” So all this talk about what is “in” and what is not, could actually be going against the intentions and purpose of the word itself.

Over this past semester, Cal State Long Beach students have embraced style by defining it for themselves. It is not what someone told them to wear but what they felt suited them best.

Rumi Neely's wardrobe for January 2011. Photo Credit: fashiontoast

Diana Alcivar, 20, a Journalism major had this to say on the topic, “I think style is the way that you go about doing something. It can be in the way you talk, write or in this case dress.”

“It’s something personal that only you can truly pull off because it’s specific to everyone’s own taste.”

This way of being in essence controls how you present yourself to you and everyone else around you, but it needs to be natural and embody your true identity. Christina Almaraz, 21, an English major reflected on this mentality, “You cant take someone else’s style and expect it to work on you…figure out what looks great on you, what flatters your figure and best represents your personality.” Style is the opportunity to express the uniqueness you possess, “its certainly the ability to outwardly show your inner confidence!” Almaraz said.

Furthermore when deciding what to wear or what to buy, pick things that represent who you are and not what society deems is suitable.

“At the end of the day you answer to yourself” –Justine David

Written by: Alexis Sparks