Quad Style: Lauren Torian
Hi! I’m Lauren Torian. I’m a 4th year majoring in Music, Anthropology, and Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies. I music direct for Voices and sometimes for University Theatre, but I perform with other groups outside UChicago. I work at Ex Lib so hit me up for your triple-shot red eye. If I’m not working, I’m probably watching some Gordon Ramsey show.
This summer, Lauren traveled to Paris, the fashion capitol of the world, to study European Civilizations and French. Photos Taken at the L’Orangerie Museum.
How would you describe your personal style?
Clean. Casual. Feminin(e). An every day outfit for me is monochrome black with some statement/color piece, whether its my jacket, my shoes, my blouse. When I have more bold days, it usually involves menswear or club wear. I have broad shoulders and instead of hiding them, I play into it, so I wear a lot of oversized blazers.
Where do you find style inspiration?
When I can, I try to aim for a balance between sophistication and comfort. If something’s not comfortable, I can’t wear it, so I typically stray away from red-carpet or runway looks. I feel my best when I feel powerful so I look to a lot of powerful femmes: Janelle Monet’s performance outfits, Beyonce’s casual wear, Olivia Pope (pre-season 5), Jessie J, Issa Rae. The next stage of my fashion development is incorporating lingerie, inspired by Rihanna!
What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?
I used to not care at all about my clothing because I never had money to buy newer clothes or buy pieces that weren’t compatible with every other part of my wardrobe. There was a point where I decided to dress really simply with the few good pieces that I had. I realized that the way I dressed had the possibility to make me feel better about myself, to bring me past my neutral state of being. What I wear on any given day reflects what I need from my clothes that day; sometimes, it’s a bit of comfort, sometimes, it’s a whole lot of confidence, sometimes, it’s a splash of color on a grey day.
“What I wear on any given day reflects what I need from my clothes that day; sometimes, it’s a bit of comfort, sometimes, it’s a whole lot of confidence, sometimes, it’s a splash of color on a grey day.”
Both pants and blazer are from Forever 21. These are my favorite pair of pants because I’m 5’10” and it’s hard to find palazzo pants in my size that are also long enough to allow me to wear heels as well. Wearing this with a printed blazer, I feel super powerful.
Do you have any fashion regrets?
Oh god, I loved knee-length jean skirts, stretchy tube tops, and my purple, square glasses when I was in middle school. Also every time I wore jeans under a mini skirt. All my bright, printed sweatshirts from Hot Topic. Good Lord.
What does fashion mean to you on a global definition?
Fashion is one of those fields of art that has both physical utility and social meaning. It’s a reflection of who you were when you bought it and who you are when you wear it today. It reflects who you are in the spaces you inhabit, or that one part of you that choose to show off. Fashion to me is a microcosmic reflection of who I am and how I happen to feel that day!
“Fashion to me is a microcosmic reflection of who I am and how I happen to feel that day!”
All photos courtesy of Brinda Rao.
