I have always been fascinated in the way people choose their clothing. They way they choose the colors that seem to represent them for that whole day, or even what drives people to have multiple outfit changes a day (myself included). This new series is one where I want to go on an exploration in the different ways people wear their clothes, what drives them to get dress everyday, and even how their day can totally be affected by their choices they make in front of their closet in the morning for an entire week (well the five days).

The first person I thought of to begin with was Gabby Kinlock, who is by far has one of the coolest styles of anyone I know. Gabby Kinlock is a first year in college, majoring in English. While their not in class, you can catch them getting their coin as a museum educator at the Smart Museum, writing for MODA, working with ACSA, OBS, Students Working Against Prisons, and UC United, or just loitering around Hallowed Grounds. Knowing Gabby personally, I wanted to explore more into what inspires their day to day, but I also wanted to delve into their head about how they truly feel about fashion.

Is there anything in fashion that scares you?

Nothing about fashion scares me anymore. Growing up in New York City has really afforded me confidence in developing a unique style. While I still get anxious over being started at and catcalled, I’ve started to take the unwanted attention as a moment of empowerment. My self-expression is a necessity that I could never sacrifice because of other people’s judgements or disapproval.

How can an outfit dictate your mood?

The flip side of fashion being so integral to my identity is that I find it hard to be in a good mood if I dislike the outfit I’m in. On several occasions, I’ve sacrificed precious time to go back to my dorm and do an out change if I’m not feeling my outfit. I’m also trying to be less materialistic and more eco-conscious about these habits, though.

How do your style choices change from day to day?

I’m non-binary, so dysphoria plays a large part in my day to day style choices. My identity of non-binary manifests in gender fluid ways —some days I code more masculine and some days more feminine, although I am always hundred percent neither. On my more ‘masc’ days, I go for straighter silhouettes —oversized and long, straight skirts or baggy pants. On my ‘femme’ days, I love wearing mini-skirts, babydoll dresses, band-tees and crop tops. A full face and platforms are always a staple. It’s important to recognize that no item of clothing or makeup us inherently gendered, and that the social constructs that dictate fashion are arbitrary.

Monday

What was your inspiration for Monday’s fit?

My inspiration for this outfit is my favorite film Heathers. It was my introduction to 80’s culture, and the fashion of that decade: shoulder pads, big hair, headbands, gaudy jewelry, and neon really struck me. I styled this outfit with my favorite decade in mind, and with the cold weather of the day, layers were a must.

I love the subtle dominatrix vibe of these Demonia boots. I originally got them for prom, but they’ve since become a winter staple piece. Completing the look with thick eyeliner and pink glitter shadow, I really felt like punked-up Veronica Sawyer at the end of the movie, having been dragged to hell and back.

Tuesday

What was your inspiration for Tuesday’s fit?

On Tuesday, my inspiration was another fashion icon of mine: Charli XCX, specifically in her True Romance era style. I remember watching the music video for her song “What I Like” in middle school and thinking: this is exactly what I want to look like when I’m 18. While my style has evolved a bit past the Tumblr pastel grunge she was serving in that video, I, for sure, adopted Buffalo Towers into my shoe collection. For weather practicality purposes and because of some feeling s of dysphoria, I opted for plaid pants in place of her iconic plaid mini-skirt, and a comfortable sweater I borrowed from a friend.

Like her makeup in the video, I did a dark cat-eye shadow, with some blue tones to match the tones of my outfit. I also wore a bike chain as a choker (because why not).

Wednesday

What was your inspiration for Wednesday’s fit?

Today, my fashion inspiration came from a very specific picture of Nancy Spungen, girlfriend of Sid Vicious of Sex Pistols’ fame. When I first started getting into punk music and trying to convey punk through my style, I admired Nancy’s incorporation of animal prints (specifically leopard) into her outfits. However, I’ve kind of run the whole leopard print thing into the ground, and I also don’t like the Sex Pistols very much. So, I’ve tried to reappropriate her style into something more my own. Hence, the excessive zebra print and pink. This Bauhaus is my favorite band tee, so I’d describe this outfit as more post-punk than punk.

Thursday

What was your inspiration for Thursday’s fit?

On Thursday, I was inspired by nothing more than the glistening of the snow and the beauty of the dress I bought off of Depop. Velvet maxi dresses are my secret weapon for surviving the cold. They are, surprisingly enough, great at trapping the heat from thermal leggings, and also hide thick socks and snow boots. This dress specifically has glitter detail that are stunning and a neckline that frames my shoulders in a way I like.

I listened to a lot of industrial music while getting ready, specifically this band I just discovered called Black Dresses, so I went for darker details to compliment the dress: a smokey eye and my spiked choker.

Friday

What was your inspiration for Friday’s fit?

For Valentine’s Day, I was feeling romantic and wanted to offset the punk of my outfit with some pink. I would consider this outfit a perfect blend of masculine and femme energies that I negotiate when I am considering an outfit. I borrowed this striped sweater from my roommate and matched it with my UNIF messenger bag again. I thrifted these crust pants years ago and have been (slowly but surely) handsewing DIY patches to them ever since. Since it was also a five degree day, I layered with some knee-length fuzzy striped socks and my snow proof Doc Martens.

I accessorized with these “The Clash” earrings gifted to me by someone special, sourced from Blasphemy Clothing on Etsy. I also matched my silver makeup with my horseshoe steel choker from Nasty Gem.

All Photos Courtesy of Yvonne Yu