Stealing Style Tips From BU Alums

Written by Alexandria Sharpley | Designed by Ava Vitiello | Graphic by Tamar Ponte

Many incredible people have passed through Boston University’s halls. In addition to inspiring our career goals, a few of our alums also inspire our wardrobe choices. Keep reading to pick up a few style tips from some of our best-dressed alumni.

Nina Garcia is the editor-in-chief of Elle magazine, and a longtime judge on Project Runway. Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, her style is chic and refined, but she also has an international flair that injects personality into her looks. In 2020, Garcia told Fashionista that she relies mostly on staple pieces paired with trendier accessories. She recommends having good button-downs, sweaters, and jackets as your wardrobe staples, adding some intrigue with fun jewelry, shoes, or a statement piece.

Olivia Culpo (CGS’ 12), influencer and former Miss Universe, has an undeniable style—just check out her Instagram. Like Garcia, Culpo also likes to stick to the classics and doesn’t over-accessorize. “I try to keep things simple and make it more about the silhouette and fit of clothes just as much as the patterns and crazy textures,” she told Fashionista. Finding out which silhouettes flatter your body is an often overlooked facet of looking your best.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (CAS’11) has changed the face of fashion on Capitol Hill. Historically, fashion and power have not gone hand in hand. Women putting effort into their appearance has been seen as unprofessional in the past. AOC is challenging that by using her powerful style to bring attention to the issues she cares about. In 2019 when she was inducted into the House of Representatives, Cortez wore an all-white suit to honor the suffragettes who earned women the right to vote. More recently, AOC wore a gown with “TAX THE RICH” written in red letters to the 2021 Met Gala. Though controversial, her look definitely defied the stuffy stereotype of political fashion. Cortez also once tweeted that it doesn’t have to be expensive to dress well; she noted that she often thrifts and rents her clothes for the hill.