Style to D.I.Y. For

Comm. Ave. is the perfect street to walk down if you want to get a grasp on Boston University students’ style. On campus, it is nearly impossible not to notice the students who express themselves through unique fashion.

Several students have taken their personal styles one step further by completely customizing their clothing. Students have added patches to their jackets or studs to their shoes––anything and everything to enhance their looks and make their clothes speak more to who they are.

Boston University sophomore Tallulah Kay’s (CAS ’19) style has always been one to stand out. From her newly dyed blonde hair to her light-up shoes with glow-in-the-dark laces, she has always strived be different. She finds that customizing her mother’s old clothes and thrifted shirts is the best way to express herself through fashion in a unique and affordable way.

“I love thrift shopping because it allows me to get things I could never otherwise justify buying,” Kay said.

Kay’s wardrobe is full of mismatched t-shirts and vintage finds that give off a slight ’90s edge––her go-to look. For instance, when she saw her mother’s olive green floor-length dress, she knew it was a needed addition to her wardrobe.

“I saw the dress and I thought it was really cool, and it matched my style,” she said. “Every time I wore it the ends would fray, so I continued cutting it ’till it became a t-shirt dress. It’s cool, because I now have items of clothing that no one else has. It’s also very comfortable during the warmer months.”

While it may only be a patch here or a stud there, the small details make all the difference. Kay’s customizations redefine her clothing, giving them personality and showing a side of her that popular retailers have yet to grasp. Her inspiration is herself and that effortlessly shines through her wardrobe.

BY SONIA KULKARNI | PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN BY SAMANTHA WEST