Temple’s Unseen Fashionista
By: Atiya Dasté
As insane as it sounds, Temple University doesn’t have a fashion major. Yes, they have a bracelet-making class but no fashion-related courses or majors. As sad as it is, Temple students have had to create the missing pieces to the black hole of fashion culture on campus. From thrift tables by the skate park to student-run fashion shows, our campus is filled with such rich culture with a wide variety of style sense. So, I took my digital camera around campus to ask our lovely peers: “What are you wearing?”
Atiya Dasté
Psychology Major
Top: H&M
Skirt: Thrifted
Boots: Zara
Accessories: Thrifted
“My fashion has always meant so much to me and allowed me to flourish spiritually and creatively. Growing up, anything I wore I got laughed at. Then, people got on board later. The only way I could describe it would be emojis…but since I can’t I would say dark, sexy, and fun. You know what they say, the higher the heel, the closer to god!”
Michael Metalsky
Art Education Major
Top: H&M
Jacket: Thrifted
Pants: Depop
Shoes: Adidas
Accessories: Ray Ban
“Looking put together is always my goal! My personal style consists of a lot of basics and simple colors, I love being able to layer and combine different pieces.”
Careecia Prudhomme
Psychology Major
Top: Edited
Jeans: Foxy Lady
Shoes: Converse
“My style is ever-changing with every outfit depending on the occasion. Sometimes it's demure and airy with light elements, other times it's dark and feminine.”
Christopher Heredia
Marketing Major
Top: Diesel
Shorts: Thrifted
Boots: Thrifted
Accessories: Urban Outfitters
“My style could be coined as androgynous streetwear. I'm influenced heavily by my environment but it's a mix of embracing my femininity and masculinity.”
Stessy Mwadime
Psychology Major
Top: Emmoil
Shorts: Thrifted
Shoes: Nike
Accessories: Thrifted
“My style is my way of exploring my identity through jewelry and color. It's all about earning what I like.”
David Geise
Communications Major
Top: Abercrombie
Jeans: Levis
Shoes: New Balance
“I feel like I found my style in 2021. I’m big on secondhand and sustainability. I’m inspired by streetwear and baggier clothes, I like going to skateparks and getting outfit inspo…. Basically, I dress like a skater but I don’t actually skate.”
As I wrapped up my campus tour, it became clear that Temple University's fashion scene was anything but dull. Despite the lack of a formal fashion program, the students here have cultivated their own diverse style culture that reflects their creativity and individuality no matter the career focus. From thrifted treasures to bold statement pieces, each outfit tells a unique story. It's evident that fashion at Temple is more than just clothes: it's a form of self-expression that unites students across different majors and backgrounds. So next time you stroll through campus, take a moment to appreciate the styles around you. Who knows, you might just find some inspiration for your own wardrobe!