Physical appearance and style is one of the most important matters in the life of a teenager. For many, it is used to express oneself. For others, it is cared about for the desire to fit in. Whichever way you perceive it, your personal style is the only thing others can see at first glance – so it’s no surprise that it is so tended to by teens.
However, style, fashion, and looks are so much more than a tool to impress others. It can be art, it can be design, it can be a statement, and even a skill. It shows craftsmanship, and creativity. It is a declaration about who you want to be and how you want to be perceived.
Here at Liberty High School, students take it upon themselves to dress in different ways to show others their individuality. However, being a school in a smaller town in the Midwest, students may find some cases of uniqueness to be too much, or a social mistake. Whether singularity can be too much or not, it is subordinately present at Liberty.
Lena Blankley (11) is one of the more fashionable students. Whether she is in sweatpants and a t-shirt, or faux fur boots and a juicy couture tracksuit, Blankley is a star example of an extraordinary student when it comes to style. No matter the case, she continues to be whimsical and alluring in her own fascinating way.
“I would call my style… alternative somewhat – but I’m always changing things up. I’m not afraid to wear what I want to wear, do my hair how I want, and wear makeup,” Blankley said. She continues to shine through the moderate amount of “basic” students with her flair. But what is really significant about her style choices is that she lights a path for some students who may be afraid to show their character, especially when it comes to physical appearance. She shows others that it is important to be your own person, without needing approval from others.
On a different end of the spectrum, Lyla Sartors (10) prevails to show up to school with perfect poise, and shows excellent ability when it comes to her personal style. With a fresh blowout almost each day, expertly layered jewelry, and up to trend clothing, everyone wonders where Sartors shops.
“I would describe my style as comfortable, but also dressy and chic. A lot of people dress similar to me, but I would say I go a little bit over the line to say they have the same style as me.”
Sartors believes that many people have the same style at Liberty, but there is a wide variety of styles that aren’t the same as everyone else’s. Having expertise in class and fashion trends, it is no surprise that Sartors’ peers take inspiration from her.
Two students with respectably different style choices seem to have the same opinion when it comes to the characteristics of style at Liberty. Students tend to dress similarly, but there is an adequate amount of individuals who prefer to sparkle in their own light.
Style is one of the beautiful gifts we are given as humans to show others who we are. The usage of uniqueness and distinction is definitely present at liberty – whether you have to do some searching through the hallways or not.
