Fashion varies among UTEP students from unique styles that seek to express individual expression to more popular trends that are worn by the collegiate majority.
Other students do not give fashion much importance and dress in a manner to suit their own level of comfort that may give a false impression about their personality.
Samantha Stephens, senior creative writing major, said she is comfortable wearing graphic tees as an alternative for not being able to find fashionable clothes in her size.
“As a plus-size person, it’s a lot harder to find nice feminine clothes,” Stephens said. “I like these bands. I like these books. I like these different events. So just get the t-shirt, get some jeans–let’s go.”
Stephens also makes slouchy beanies, which is a multicolored knitted cap that she wears to contain her shoulder length hair. She said because of the way she dresses, she is more likely to be asked if she is going to a concert rather than take part in what may be considered a more feminine pursuit like shopping.
“I’m less likely to be asked to go out shopping, like girlie shopping,” Stephens said.
Stephens said that people would be less intimidated by her if she dressed differently, but her mean facial expression also influences the way they see her.
“I think people would probably be less intimidated by me,” Stephens said. “I have a resting bitch face. So, one of the things is that I usually look pretty intimidating when I’m in the neutral mode.”
She said she is friendly, though, once she gets used to people’s presence.
Eric Acosta, senior creative writing major, said that being stereotyped for the way he dresses can be annoying at times. He said a store clerk asked him if he was in a rock band, due to his long hair, thin build and the fact that he mostly wears all-black apparel.
“It’s annoying. I mean, it makes sense, but it gets annoying,” Acosta said.
Acosta said the reason he dresses the way he does is because he has worn the same style for years and cannot see himself dressed any other way.
“I’ve been dressing like this for years, man. At this point, if I stopped I wouldn’t know what to do with myself,” Acosta said. “I guess it’s something you just pick.”
Acosta said he picked his wardrobe not only for its simplicity, but because it is also inexpensive.
“It’s basically all one color and there’s not a lot of brand names. There’s no brand names going on here,” Acosta said. “It’s cheap. It works.”
Acosta said that being stereotyped for the way he dresses could also be positive because people do not bother him on campus. However, he does not mind if people try and talk to him.
“It’s not what I think about when I’m putting on my pants, “I hope people just run away,” Acosta said. “No, it’s not my intent.”
Ben Woolridge may be reached at [email protected].
