fashion Fall 2020
published by The Auburn Plainsman
JACK WEST | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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The Auburn Plainsman: Fall Fashion
October 22, 2020
‘Just be confident in what you want to do’
Auburn University senior expresses herself through fashion, styling clothes By DESTINI AMBUS Reporter
Yetunde Ayinmide, senior in apparel merchandising, is the mind behind one of Auburn University’s femboys — Brandon Rowand. “He’s not actually a femboy,” Ayinmide said. “We were talking about it, and I thought it was so funny — but, sometimes I’ll style him and he doesn’t really care what he wears, so sometimes I’ll put him in skirts.” Occasionally putting Rowand in skirts is just one part in Ayinmide’s journey to becoming a full-time stylist after graduating Auburn next fall. A couple of times a month, she’ll ask her friends or even strangers in the street if they want to be in a shoot, with her as the stylist. “My life is pretty hectic, so I really try to do it when I can,” she said. “It’s mainly my friends, and people I meet, and I’d be like, ‘Hey, my name is Yetunde. I’m a stylist, can I take pictures of you one day?’ Or, if I see a nice car, I ask them if I can use it in a photo shoot, and most people will be really cool about it.” Not only does Ayinmide do the shoots to expand her resume and experience — Ayinmide said she also does them because she genuinely loves styling. It was a love that splintered out and grew from seeing fashion in her mom’s Avon magazines. “I’ve been into it for as long as I can remember,” she said. “I went to a really strict private school when I was little, and the closest thing I could get to fashion was, you know, the catalogues. I would cut out pieces of clothing and, you know, match them together. I always said I wanted to be a designer; I didn’t know stylist was a thing.” Ayinmide’s mom had given her a spiral notebook when she was younger after seeing her mix and match clothes from her magazines, and she would pair shirts, shoes, and pants, for the winter, fall and summer. “It was all stuff that I would wear,” Ayinmide said. “I didn’t know that after writing down all the clothes in such detail that I would sooner or later buy ... when I got old enough, when I had my own money.” She kept making more and more books and eventually ended up going to public school, which widened her horizons beyond what she saw in 17 Magazine. She was eventually able to buy her own clothes and develop her fluctuating style. “I feel like I don’t really have a specific
style,” Ayinmide said. “It goes off of my mood, which is kind of crazy. When I think of my outfits and what I wear, I usually think about it a week prior. It’s just, like, when would be the right time to wear them after I think of them.” Ayiminde said she feels like her style is timeless — something she would wear in 2017, she would also wear today, with the addition of a necklace or some other accessory. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, she said she feels as if she is losing some of her creativity. “I really don’t process them as quickly, or be as
CONTRIBUTED BY YETUNDE AYINMIDE
sure on it, ‘cause I feel like I haven’t seen some of my stuff in a long time,” Ayinmide said. “During quarantine, I was wearing the same three outfits every week.” On the other hand, she said she felt like it made her better in a way. “I really have to look outside for inspiration, now,” Ayinmide said. “You know, like fashion news and trends and stuff. It really makes me look more towards the future to see what’s next.” Ayinmide is currently working hard for her future. Not only does she set up shoots with her friends for experience, she also sends out her resume to current working stylists. “Instead of waiting for school to end, I really wanted to start looking for work now,” Ayinmide said. “I ended up going on Instagram and emailed a bunch of stylists. I sent out over a hundred emails, but I was like, ‘You know what? I’m just going to go to New York and see what happens,’ so I saved up some money.” Luckily, a stylist, Tashiann Yasmine, got back to her and invited Yetunde to work on a photo shoot with her. Although the first shoot they were meant to work on together ended up being cancelled, they had the opportunity to work together on another one. After, Yasmine asked Ayinmide to be her permanent assistant. “I told her I couldn’t because I’m in Alabama, but I’ve been her permanent assist now for almost two years,” Ayinmide said, “I’ve just been doing everything I could online, to the best of my ability.” Through this connection and potential future connections, Ayinmide hopes this will open her up to a world of opportunities, any and all of those available to stylists. “I want to be like a wardrobe stylist for music videos, or a personal stylist,” Ayinmide said. “Or like, costume designing, which is like a stylist for movies and stuff, or editorial stylist, because you work at a magazine, and I feel like it’s way more of a stable job.” Ayinmide says the key to being a stylist and chasing your dreams is to believe in yourself and be confident in what you want to do. “If you’re trying to get into the fashion industry, being insecure will get you nowhere.” Ayinmide said. “Fashion is so opinionated, and it’s objective, so it can be anything. Just be confident in what you want to do, start early and do it to the best of your abilities with your resources.”
October 22,2020
The Auburn Plainsman: Fall Fashion
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PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY YETUNDE AYINMIDE
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The Auburn Plainsman: Fall Fashion
He thrifts so you don’t have to By TIM NAIL Section Editor
For many, clothes are but tenants to our closets and wardrobes, staying for some time before being sent away because they no longer abide by our individual fashion rules. When kicked out, they usually end up at a secondhand shop if not thrown away. But one Auburn student has sought to sift through and thrift these outfits adrift, giving them a facelift through social media. Tucker Brant, sophomore in management of information systems, sells T-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts and other appealing articles of clothing he rediscovers at thrift stores through his Instagram page, known as “Continental Thrift.” The personal side business of Brant’s began after he became interested in sharing his thrifted fashion finds with others so standout clothing wouldn’t become submerged in a sea of clothing racks. “I started the page my junior year of high school, but before that I had kind of thrifted for a while,” Brant said. “It’s always been a little bit of a hobby of mine; that’s where I get the majority of my clothes because it’s cheap and what a lot of people don’t know is you can find a lot of really good stuff.” Brant was inspired by other, similar pages he found on Instagram and decided to pursue the idea himself of giving clothing a new chance to be worn. As with any new business, Brant said he had to start small with his initial listing, but the page has become more lucrative over time. “The first clothes I posted were actual-
ly some stuff from my closet that I hadn’t really worn in a while,” he said. “It’s been my main source of income for a little while.” Brant mostly maintains a consistent theme of Auburn apparel, easy to find as a current student hunting through clothes in secondhand shops in and around the University. His most beloved Tigers find was one he couldn’t part with for the page that he said he wears to this day. “I found an ‘80s Auburn crewneck that was purple, which you don’t normally see,” Brant said. “It’s been faded so much that it’s almost purple, and I wear that a lot.” As for his most valuable find, Brant said he once happened upon a T-shirt purchased at the 1985 benefit concert Live Aid featuring artists such as Queen, which he did sell to the tune of $250. “I got that for 50 cents at a Salvation Army in Birmingham,” he recalled. “It’s really just how often you go and what to look for. Some T-shirts can go for a lot; there’s a pretty big market for [them].” Brant’s thrifts have come from a variety of stores around Alabama and west Georgia, depending on what time of year it is. The local area can be more challenging though, Brant said, as he isn’t the only student in on thrifting. “During the summers I live in Birmingham, so I offer a majority around Birmingham,” he said. “I go to a lot of places there. When I’m in Auburn, there are about three thrift stores here. All of them are kind of picked over most of the time. A lot of college kids like to go thrifting; it’s an easy way to get cheap clothes.” Because of this, he sometimes makes
weekend drives to Columbus, Georgia, where there’s greater inventory available. “They have something called a Goodwill Outlet Store where they sell clothes by the pound,” Brant said. “I’ll drive down there on Saturday mornings, sit there from 8 [a.m.] to 2 [p.m.], sifting and digging.” Brant said his ideal items are more often vintage clothes rather than modern branded offerings, as outfits of a 1980s aesthetic are on trend, but sometimes the two converge. “I try not to focus on brands – I like vintage stuff — but [brands] like Nike, Adidas, Reebok ... that most people wear, they’ve got some older designs that a lot of people haven’t seen I think are really cool,” he said. “Whenever I find an old Nike jacket or windbreaker, I get pretty excited.” Most of Brant’s followers up to this point have been gained through wordof-mouth promotion, but he said the page isn’t his attempt at becoming a social media influencer; it’s about extending his passion for valuable thrifted threads to others. “I really strive and focus to not just have a ton of followers,” Brant said. “I want everyone who follows me to have bought something or have considered buying something. I focus a lot on quality over quantity, ... stuff that I like, stuff that I know other people have bought before like. I like seeing people enjoy what they buy.” Brant’s Instagram page can be found at @continental__thrift, where he publishes new sales when they appear in his occasional searches.
October 22, 2020
October 22, 2020
The Auburn Plainsman: Fall Fashion
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GRACE CLEMMER | PHOTOGRAPHER
Student makes masks fashionable By KAYLA BHODOO Writer
With COVID-19 shaping the way the modern world handles a pandemic, face masks have become a new accessory added to the everyday look. Some students find it easier to follow the campus guidelines when creating their own fashionable masks. “I’ve been sewing since I was 16 and avidly enjoy the art of designing and creating clothing, so graduating to face masks wasn’t too difficult [of] a leap,” said Will Humphreys, junior in apparel design. “I was interested in making cloth face masks when I first saw them become popular but didn’t make my first one until my grandmother requested one from me.” Humphreys, who designs and sells face masks, has gotten many requests from peo-
ple to make masks and often finds that the customer wants to be surprised when it comes to the design. He uses different materials like cut fabric and vintage wallpaper to keep each design unique. “I created my own pattern for my masks using a styrofoam head,” Humphreys said. “I first stitch together the chin pieces, and then I stitch the main mask pieces together inside out, wedging the chin piece in between the layers on the bottom.” Humphreys has slowed down the production of mask designs since his return to Auburn, but was at his all-time peak around June and July. In the average week, he produces one to two masks, and he generally only makes masks if requested. “I usually charge between $10-$15 per mask,” Humphreys said. According to Humphreys, his masks
are completely reusable and are able to be washed and worn again, making them cost-effective. “To me, masks are essentially an extension of your own personal style and are just an opportunity to communicate your aesthetic through public safety,” Humphreys said. “In terms of making masks fashionable, a unique pattern or color certainly helps, but I find that styling outfits around masks and actively integrating them into the everyday wardrobe makes them infinitely more wearable.” According to Humphreys, the design of a mask comes from the style of that certain individual, and for those interested in fashion, it makes the process of selecting a stylish mask much simpler. “Since it’s quite irresponsible to not wear a mask in public, you might as well have
some fun with it,” Humphreys said. “Making masks fashionable isn’t difficult at all, so long as you’ve got the eye for it.” Humphreys said there are students who do not follow Auburn’s guidelines when it comes to wearing a mask, but for him, he takes the situation seriously and is very cautious especially when going into public places. Because of this, Humphreys said he always wears a mask in public places and often finds himself choosing an outfit based on his mask’s design. With masks being incorporated into everyday looks, Humphreys said he finds masks as a new part of his wardrobe. “I find that styling outfits around masks and actively integrating them into the everyday wardrobe makes them infinitely more wearable,” Humphreys said.
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The Auburn Plainsman: Fall Fashion
October 22, 2020
The dad-fashion debate: Fire up the minivan, let’s rock and roll By CHARLIE RAMO Section Editor
Let me set the scene: a crisp, freshly ironed short sleeve button down and an Old Navy pair of cargo shorts, brought together by a worn brown leather belt. What year is it? Is it a picture from the 70s or the typical clientele of a Costco? You can’t tell because dad fashion is timeless. The fashion statement a dad makes is simultaneously an announcement of the presence of a dad and a lack of a statement altogether. Dad fashion may be the most complex paradox yet to be explained by mortal beings. There are three generalized forms of male fashion that can be found on campus. First, there are the frat guys,
who are their own breed. Second, there are those who don’t care. As much as I sympathize with this group, I do not own a pair of sweatpants. Finally, there is the humble dad. A dad doesn’t necessarily have to have children, but their polo shirts and Chacos imply that they do. The clothes of a dad primarily serve a purpose of function, not of form. The button down can be unbuttoned for superior cooling. The shorts can carry infinitely many items for the pocketless gender, with the belt keeping them from slipping under the immense weight. The clothes worn by the traditional suburban dad are one of only three fundamental constants: death, taxes and dad fashion. Someone who dresses like a dad is
someone who would probably say, “let’s rock and roll, kiddos,” as they get up from the booth at Ruby Tuesday’s and pull out the keys to their minivan. The clothing choice of a person serves as a window into one’s personality. Someone who dresses like a dad is telling the world that they are laidback enough to not dress fashionably, but their responsibility and maturity keeps them out of a t-shirt. The implied maturity of a dad-fashion-donning individual can serve to attract a mate in the wild that is the University campus. Dad fashion is the simplest way of communicating that the wearer doesn’t take nonsense, but they will certainly dole it, making it the best fashion statement without a statement. In short, ladies, I’m single.
See ya later, aviators; after a while, dad style By TIM NAIL Section Editor
OK guys, let’s dispel the myth that “dad fashion” is a thing. It’s not. Polo shirts, khaki pants and aviator sunglasses aren’t the look or even a look, they’re just casual business attire for when you have to look kind of proper or aren’t
in the know of how to express yourself through your outfits. But that doesn’t have to be you. That’s why The Plainsman continues to publish our annual fashion tab. There are so many alternatives to the cookie-cutter cubicle dweller clothing that “dad fashion” implies, and they’re well within reach. Just take thrifting for example; you can make a mix of older clothing new to you with
techniques like layering. I layer my clothes usually with flannel shirts over T-shirts, and I try to choose whatever vibrant colors or designs stand out among the rest when buying new clothes. When I have to appear a little more formal all it takes is a nice overcoat with some dark jeans and any shirt but a polo – try a cardigan, a corduroy top or if you have to, a long-sleeve plaid shirt. Let’s talk trends. The outdoors are in with functional clothing that can still be fashionable. prAna pants one case in point; they’re stretchy and stylish and come in more colors than generic khaki. Remember 1980s fashion and its eclectic neon colors, its rose-tinted dreams of a future taken over by technology? While those dreams haven’t entirely materialized in the ways the people of 40 years ago imagined, their tastes in clothing have returned and created a marvelous combination of the past with the current. Critics of standing out with what you
wear, a.k.a. those who believe in “dad fashion,” might call the drab polo-khaki-aviator appearance “timeless.” However, it’s this that is inherently one of the flaws of it. It’s not fashion, it’s just below-average apparel you could find in any era over the past century. If “dad fashion” is timeless, it’s in the sense that stale bread is — only used if you can’t find anything else. True fashion ages like a fine wine, but “dad fashion” might be compared to milk. Last thing: “dad fashion” doesn’t present an image of much of anything, just a plainclothes parent moving through life day after day with nothing to show for it. When you have children, wouldn’t you like to be the type of dad who embarrasses their kid dropping them off at school with some witty joke? You can’t pull that off with whatever “dad fashion” is; if you’re going to be the father the other schoolchildren remember, they have to remember your clothing.
October 22, 2020
The Auburn Plainsman: Fall Fashion
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The story behind Christian girl autumn By BECCA BENNER Writer
Big scarves, tall boots, comfy sweaters and curly hair — this is the Chrisitan girl autumn. The basic idea of Christian girl autumn is that it is an exaggeration of stereotypical southern fashion. This stereotype is known for girls conforming to popular trends, being somewhat unoriginal. They’ll often wear similar clothes, accessories and hairstyles. Christian girl autumn is derived from a simple tweet with the words, “Hot Girl Summer is coming to an end, get ready for Christian girl autumn” captioning a post of a picture of two girls, Caitlin Covington and Emily Gemma, who looked similar in style and hair. This tweet gave birth to a whole new breed of memes. Covington was the one who posted the original picture, but Twitter took ownership of the photo. Covington is a lifestyle blogger and after her fall post she attracted lots of criticism for being a “basic white girl.” People were quick to make assumptions and mock the two girls
and their personalities based on the picture alone. Covington’s post resulted in a certain stereotype associated with her and girls that looked like her. Some assumptions made were taken as far as calling the two girls racist and homphobic. The situation escalated, and it became a matter of politics. Covington, however, sought to prove these accusations wrong, by sharing some of her personal stances on a few topics. “I’m a gay rights and Black Lives Matter supporter,” Covington said. Gemma also said that people’s reactions started to change once they remembered that the two women were real people. “People started realizing, ‘Oh, these girls are real. They’re not whatever we thought they were,’” she said. Both Covington and Gemma responded to the media with a great sense of humor and confidence. “If all of Twitter is gonna make fun of my fall photos, at least pick some good ones,” Covington said in a tweet. “For the record, I do like pumpkin spice lattes. Cheers.” Covington seemed to accept the
situation and make the best of it, owning who she is. She even admitted she is aware of what her style looks like to the mainstream pop culture. “We look so basic in our blanket scarves and holding our pumpkin-spice lattes,” she said in an interview with Buzzfeed News last year. On the other hand, Covington gained popularity through the meme and has received more attention to her blog. Her blog, Southern Curls and Pearls, has about one million followers. She seems to have made a name for herself as her self-created brand is her source of income. Today, she is happily married and has a baby on the way. People seem to be embracing the idea of the Christian girl autumn and even captioning their photos with those words. In the midst of the pandemic, the Christian girl autumn is simple and wanted. The satisfaction a pumpkin spice latte or a trip to the pumpkin patch can bring is now worth the criticism one may get for being “basic,” as the style now represents a sense of confidence and happiness.
KATHRYN MUSSELL | PHOTOGRAPHER
Auburn student, Leah Drake, models “Christian girl autumn” fashion, with a big scarf, baggy sweater, skinny jeans and ankle-high booties.
How to dress for fall in the south By MY LY Assistant Editor
With Alabama being in its transition from fall to winter, many students and residents of Auburn have noticed how difficult it can be to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the day as the weather changes from cold in the morning to warmer during the day. It can be tricky to navi-
gate the right way to dress in order to avoid finding yourself in a sweater and jeans during the hot afternoon. But many students with earlier work or school schedules find its best to layer pieces that can be removed later in the day. Layering clothing has been trendy in the fall for many years and while it is more traditionally seen as a way to keep yourself warmer in colder cli-
mates, residents of Alabama know that layering is vital in order to keep up with the unpredictable climate. Mckenna Stockton, a resident of Auburn who works as a DoorDash Driver, finds herself spending plenty of time outside morning and afternoon. “I always have to check the weather before I get dressed,” Stockton said. “Usually when I’m work-
ing in the morning it’s always a lot cooler out so I can always put a cardigan or flannel over my outfit because it’s something I can easily take off when it gets hot in the afternoon.” Stockton has lived in Alabama her entire life and she says she has learned how to anticipate the changes Alabama weather can go through in such a short amount of time. FILE PHOTO
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