Fashion forward: Madeleine Slattery ’19

How would you describe your style?

MS: Classy but comfortable.

What are your favorite stores?

MS: Target because everything is really nice and in style and it’s fun. I like Francesca’s because if you buy something there, you probably won’t see somebody else with it, it’s unique. Forever 21 is really cheap for jeans and plus they tend to be long enough for me, which I struggle with. Old Navy, I love Old Navy because they’re comfortable and their stuff is reasonably priced.

What’s your favorite type of clothing?

MS: Birkenstocks are my favorite because they are just really comfortable and you can switch them up and wear them all year round. Like you can wear them with socks if you want people to see your socks, which I love Bath and Body Works socks, so that’s perfect. I really like Target t-shirts because they’re really flowy and comfortable and when you pull on them or something, they don’t get all stretched out, which I love. And, I always get them on sale for like $5, so I’m like, ‘Yes! If I get paint on this or something it’s fine.’

When you’re shopping for clothes, what do you look for?

MS: First of all, it cannot be dry cleaned. It has to be something cute and it has to be comfortable.

Where do you get your style inspiration from?

MS: Pinterest. Whenever I don’t know what I’m going to wear, I search ‘cute outfits’ and then the temperature, like ‘70 degree outfits.’ I do that and then I’m like, ‘They’re wearing a leather jacket, oh that’s cute, I want a leather jacket, maybe I should wear that.’

What’s your go-to outfit and why?

MS: Oh that’s easy. In the winter, I like to wear Bath and Body Works socks with the cute little animals and I wear them with my gold Birkenstocks because they’re fun and they’re comfortable. Then I love Costco yoga pants because they do not stretch out. Then, I like Target t-shirts because they’re comfortable and casual.  Then, probably a sweater from American Eagle.

What’s your favorite season for fashion? Why?

MS: I like all the seasons but if I had to chose one, I think it would have to be spring because you get to wear some winter clothing still, like pants, but you can also pull out bright colors and get some warmer weather. So you can do everything from pants to shorts, short sleeves and tank tops to long sleeves and dresses, I love dresses.

How has your style changed over time?

MS: So, first of all, when I was little, it was Gymboree, all matchy-matchy, matching socks with hairbands. My mom dressed me, I had braids, like, everyday because I had super long hair. Then I started dressing myself and I wore a ton of Aeropostale and it was like the Dark Ages because I was like a noodle, I was tall and I was thin and I was just really leggy and wore a lot of Aeropostale tight shirts with the pants and it was really bad. So then I evolved and I started wearing more sweaters and I learned more how to dress, and what my style [is].

Favorite trend?

MS: My favorite trend is socks and sandals because I know people are like ‘Oh, don’t wear socks and sandals, you’re a total tourist,’ but if you do it right, it’s incredibly comfortable and they can look cute.

Opinions on Crocs?

MS: I’m split, when I was little, I loved Crocs, but now I’m like ‘Why did that happen?’

Online shopping or in-store shopping?

MS: I like in-store shopping because I’m tall and when I find shirts, it’s really hard for me not to show my belly and pants are impossible because if I get them to fit around my waist and hips and everything then they’re going to be way too short. So I have to try them on in-person, otherwise it doesn’t work.

What is your advice to people who are trying to find their own style?

MS: Try out new things. Do online shopping but don’t buy anything, go onto online stores and be like ‘Oh, this is cute! What if I try on this with this?’ and then go to the mall and try stuff on.