The flowers are not the only ones making their debut this spring. Santa Cruz is full of fashionistas whose outfits shine almost as brightly as themselves. We have three drastically unique locals here to give us styling tips as well as personal style reflections. Whether you are looking for guidance or just appreciation for our community and our people, these three are the perfect role models, all of whom support local brands and local friends in their wardrobe.
Reese
Starting off with Reese. She is wearing a classy, comfy, chic outfit. Glowing from head to toe, her outfit is from Brandy Melville, a great place to shop for basics made from natural fibers. I absolutely love the beautiful light green leggings to add a nice pop to any everyday outfit. Growing up, Reese would watch Fashion Police. Joan Rivers taught her to embrace authenticity and avoid looking at celebrities with biased fake social media as her inspiration. Reese is very in tune with her own personal style; she feels it’s unnecessary to turn to others to dictate what she wears. Reese chooses what she is compelled to. Because Reese is a constant traveller, comfort is a priority. Our local fashion stores and local style are very relaxed and comfortable as well. We live in a colorful beach town where art and beach cover-ups are prominent. However, individuality is everywhere, with the majority of our local shops being local small businesses where everyone can find one-of-a-kind pieces. With us still being in Spring, Reese continues to wear her classic basics but with a little fewer layers. She also found that adding more pops of color she aligns with to accentuate the beauty and individuality of who she is.
Jaycie
Next up is Jaycie. She is an alternative queen whose confidence and character shine through all clothing. This outfit she wore for a music video shoot. The hoodie is from a small SF brand called Anarchy, and she thrifted her black pants, which she upcycled by repainting the original slogan. With a checkered belt she’s had for years. The scarf is from SOS, which is her friend’s brand she highly admires, and recommends everyone go check out. She believes in sustainability: buy pieces you know you will keep forever, so she doesn’t support fast fashion. Jaycie’s mood does influence what she wears; however, she understands the brevity of life and wants to ensure that, if she goes, she goes in a fly fit. With her wardrobe reflecting her whole life, Jaycie has kept many pieces she had even since high school, specifically her yellow blazer she used to wear almost every day in high school. Jaycie has a big closet with all types of clothing she has kept over the years, which helps when trends resurface, so she can find her old outfits to rewear again. It’s like keeping a time capsule and wearing her mother’s clothes. If Jaycie had to pick one outfit, it would be her leather jacket with a cinched waist, her animal print shirt, and her favorite black skirt with a buckle and slit on the side. Leg warmers are also a go-to for any outfit, specifically ones long enough to go over your shoes and just below your knee.
Aiden
Last but not least is Aiden, with a smile as effortless as his streetwear. Aiden is wearing a great streetwear couture, starting with a black T-shirt covered in characters from the movie Twilight from Goodwill, which adds a nice piece of individuality and quirkiness. With a silver chain with a cross from a pawn shop, baggy black denim with cool distressing and almost patchwork accents handmade by his friend, and classic black boots from Reebok. Aiden acknowledges Santa Cruz’s local style focuses on authenticity and self-expression over conforming to worldwide fashion standards, which you may see in other countries and cities. Aiden gets his inspiration from the people closest to him, rather than from famous people he doesn’t even know. He knows anyone can dress confidently on a budget by finding pieces that spark joy. Aiden definitely chooses to wear earth tones the majority of the time, but makes sure to add some pastels in his wardrobe during the spring.
