Quad Style: Aanya Jhaveri
My name is Aanya Jhaveri, and I’m a fourth year double majoring in Computational and Applied Mathematics and Statistics. On campus, I’m involved in Pi Phi, where I just wrapped up my term as the Vice President of Membership, and in my free time I love cooking and working out.
The red sweater outfit) Marissa Webb Sweater (Rented), Pants from Zara, Jewelry is kind of an amalgam of things my mom passed down or got for me (my necklace and the small hoops in my second piercing) and the big hoops are from Lulus. My shoes are from Nordstrom Rack.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is pretty much anything I find comfortable. I like to work out so I spend maybe 75% of my time in workout clothes, but the rest of the time I’m usually in my “uniform” of black pants, a belt, and a sweater or tee that I can throw on pretty quickly before class. I’ve recently gotten a bit more adventurous with my style since I can rent items without having to commit to them, so I’ve tried out a fair number of interesting coats and dresses as well. I wouldn’t really count them as my personal style, but more statement pieces.
Where do you find style inspiration?
I find most of my inspiration on the Rent the Runway app (I promise this is not sponsored!!) because they let you see how other people styled the exact same item you are about to rent. Other than that, mostly instagram or whatever randomly comes up on Pinterest. I wouldn’t say I’m a super adventurous dresser, but if something has good reviews in the RTR app, I’ll probably try it even if it doesn’t really fit my vibe just to check it out.
Where do you like to shop?
I don’t really shop anymore because I’m part of the Rent the Runway Unlimited program. I get to rent pieces I’d never be able to purchase and swap them out as often as I like. It’s been a dream for me to be able to experiment with my style in a noncommittal and sustainable way. I’d say most of the staple pieces in my closet like jeans and basic tops that I’ve had for years are from Zara, & Other Stories, and TJ Maxx.
“It’s been a dream for me to be able to experiment with my style in a noncommittal and sustainable way”
Do you have any fashion regrets?
Nothing specific, but I regret all the purchases I’ve made of clothes that don’t fit me perfectly. I used to love to shop a lot when I was a teenager and I would buy all of these clothes that were cute in theory but not in practice, and I’d definitely be so much better off having not spent that money or just buying one well-fitting item instead.
What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?
I guess the only think that’s really changed about my relationship to fashion is the amount of care and consideration I put into making a purchase. For reference, the only things I’ve bought since April (aside from workout clothes or pajamas) are a plain white t-shirt and the rainboots in this shoot, which are both very practical and versatile purchases. I won’t buy a piece until I can try it out, I usually rent it to try it out, then I mostly end up getting sick of it anyways, and finally I just return the rental and end up not buying the piece in the end. This, compared to high-school me buying random stuff at fast fashion stores just for the sake of having variety, is so much more eco and budget friendly for my needs.
Mock neck top from Zara, Paige jeans, Belt from & Other Stories, Puffer from Louna (Rented). Jewelry and Shoes are the same.
Why is fashion important to you?
Fashion has always been the small bit of self-expression I have in my day, because my other interests don’t leave too much room to be creative. I’ve also always felt like the effort I put into my outfit was directly correlated to both the quality of day I would have as well as how productive I was, so fashion has been a great tool for feeling put-together even when its super gross outside or finals week stress hits
Images courtesy of Angela Fung
