Quad Style: Ayomikun Idowu

Nov 25

Nov 25 Quad Style: Ayomikun Idowu

Hello! My name is Ayomikun Idowu. I am a fourth year in the College majoring in Public Policy and Geography. I work as a program assistant for the Pozen Human Rights Lab and am a senior advisor for ACSA.

For my first outfit I am wearing a top from Asos, the pants were thrifted, shoes from a website called urbanog, and earrings from Nordstrom

How would you describe your personal style?

I would describe my style as comfortable. I don't think I have like a specific thing that I wear but I just like to buy clothes that make me feel super comfortable, confident and sexy. So you know sometimes I'm feeling very monotone and want to wear all black, other times I'm feeling very colorful, other times I'm feeling classy. I really don't like to box myself into a specific style. You know when it comes to fashion the only rule is to look good so I just wear whatever I feel makes look hot.

My second outfit I am wearing a top from a brand called Monki (bought on Asos), the belt and jeans were thrifted, shoes from target, and earrings from girlpops (a store on amazon)

Where do you find style inspiration?

This is a hard one because I find inspiration from everywhere. I am an avid user of social media so a lot of times I'll just go on Instagram and scroll through my newsfeed and I'll see all these girls or guys dressed however and I think to myself like I want what they are wearing. For example, recently I saw a girl wearing a corset top and became obsessed with finding corsets. So social media influences me a lot. I am also influenced by my friends who have great style. Shoutout to Fatima, Fikayo, Layla, and Adanna. If they are wearing something I like, I’ll try and buy something similar. My sisters too. Like my little sister did Euphoria makeup before it was cool so she is a huge makeup inspiration. My mom is also the bougiest person ever so I am trying to get more statement pieces to resemble her. But even if I am on the street I’ll say to someone “omg I love what you are wearing, where did you get it?” In general, if I see you and I like what you are wearing or the way you look i’ll try to include that in my style. Recently, I have been really into Pat Mcgrath and Alexa Demie.

Where do you like to shop?

Unfortunately, its really hard to find brands that carry my size. Most stores don’t carry over 10 which really limits me. But I like H&M, Asos, Prettylittlething, Aerie, Urban Outfitters. I have also been eyeing new brands like House of CB and Jaded London. When I’m with my mom I always go shopping with her so she can buy me nicer pieces. But my favorite place to shop is the thrift store. You can find some amazing vintage pieces that would normally go for hundreds. My friend once found a Moncler jacket at a thrift store in Lincoln Park. It’s so satisfying. For makeup my favorite brands are Nars, Colourpop, Glossier, and Nyx. It’s funny-I shop cheap for clothes but not for makeup.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Elementary school/middle school is a fail for me. But I feel it is that way for everyone. I remember when I used to wear ballet flats. My feet could not handle that, it was so uncomfortable.

My last outfit includes a sweater from H&M, the shirt was thrifted, and earrings I bought at a house sale.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

I always love looking at old photos myself because I get to see how my fashion style has changed. In high school I was really into the 70s so a lot of my fashion was inspired by Donna Summer and Chaka Khan. I really tried to emulate them, like I had a huge afro and would wear bright eyeshadow with crazy lipstick colors. It was so fun. As I got into college I started to calm down on my style. I was really into the whole Mura Masa, London aesthetic. Now I just do whatever I want.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is the way that I get to express myself. I get to show the way I feel on the inside to the outside world. I see the way I dress as an extension of myself. I always tell my mom school makes me sad but makeup and clothes make me happy. Fashion is important because it makes me feel good.