Fashion trends sweep the nation in different ways. While cowboy boots are highly popular in Tennessee and sundresses in California. El Paso has its own unique style.

Whether it is dressing up for a night out or dressing for a typical school day. UTEP students express themselves in many different ways, from sweatpants and shorts to jeans and dresses.

Dominique Dominguez, junior mechanical engineering major, said she chooses to dress the way she does to feel comfortable.

“When I go out, I wear nice shoes, dresses and skirts with dress shirts,” Dominguez said. “But my style differs when I go to the movies than when I go to the club.”

Dominguez also thinks different locations and venues affect the way people dress.

“When you go to church, you dress conservatively and when you go to clubs, you dress depending on what you want to do,” Dominguez said.

She said the way she dresses is based on how she feels, not on the need to fit in.

“I think you should dress how you want to feel and look, where others think they need to impress people,” Dominguez said.

Dayanira Arzate, junior biological sciences major, said she does not feel the need to dress to please others too.

“I used to feel pressured to dress to impress, but not anymore,” Arzate said. “Comfort over what people think.”

Arzate likes to dress and feel comfortable when going to school.

“I like comfy clothes, like tennis shoes and hoodies,” Arzate said.

Iskra Sapien, junior health sciences major, said she also likes to keep it casual and simple when she is at school. However, she said she dresses up when she goes out at night. Sapien attributes the scene she is into to the way she dresses.

“When I go to the club, I definitely wear a dress,” Sapien said. “When I go to concerts, I’ll wear shorts and crop tops.”

Opinions on clothing and the reasoning behind why people dress the way they do differ them from the rest and can make individuality soar. How you dress may display a segment of who you are, and UTEP students have different ways to express who they are to their peers.

Diego Garcia, junior mechanical engineering major, said the way people dress depends on the sort of financial background they come from.

“I don’t think it changes based on the city you are in,” Garcia said. “I think it depends on what your economic situation is and how well you know how to manage your clothes.”

On a typical day, Garcia said he wears the same two essential items.

“I usually wear jeans and a polo,” Garcia said. “I usually wear the same thing when I go out. On a nice occasions, I’ll wear a dress shirt.”

Garcia also said that some people feel pressured to dress the way they do, while others do not care.

Lizbeth Morales, junior microbiology major, said there is a significant difference between casual and fancy.

“Casual is jeans and a t-shirt and fancy is a skirt and nice top or blouse,” Morales said. “Where as formal would be like a nice dress with heels.”

Julia Hettiger may be reached at [email protected].