By Charlotte Pompa
I know I can log on to Pinterest to find an abundance of fashionable outfit inspiration without fail. However, it’s often a struggle to find the brands attached to each piece, and it’s nearly impossible to determine if the piece will be of good quality, never mind if it will ever actually arrive.
Walking through campus, I’ve noticed that many of my peers have mastered curating outfits that look straight out of a Pinterest board. This inspired my new favorite way to shop: going up to people, complimenting them, and asking where they got their pieces from. For those who admire outfits from a distance, but are too shy to ask where they are from, here are some of SMU staff’s most complimented pieces.
Charlotte Pompa
I receive at least one compliment on Martha Calvo’s Sanctus Necklace every single day. If you love the chunky charm necklace trend but want a chic, versatile piece, this necklace is for you. I have been able to incorporate this piece into my everyday rotation, making it perfect for elevating your daytime looks yet still classy enough for a dinner date. The Most Wanted necklace by Martha Calvo is an edgier alternative if you are looking to add a little Western element to your style.
Maya Basra:
Master the clean-girl aesthetic with a matching set. Matching sets are the most reliable way to look presentable with minimal effort. Gap’s Linen Cotton Vest and Trousers are a versatile addition to any wardrobe that merges style with comfort. Both the vest and the trousers are essential staples that provide sophistication with ease. Pair both pieces together, or switch things up with a white tee, or your go-to denim. There’s truly a limitless number of outfits that can come out of this must-have set.
“I love my set because it makes finding a well-put-together outfit easy. It’s two pieces I can wear separately or together, and I always get complimented on them,” said Look staff member Maya Basra. “I can wear it to work and classes, and I feel as comfortable as I do in my sweats.”
Sophia Pardo
In search of new, high-quality denim? Look no further than Ganni. Ganni offers stylish and luxurious denim options, that are worth every penny. Having a trusty dark blue pair of denim jeans with no rips is essential for every closet. I believe that the baggy jeans trend is here to stay, so I highly recommend splurging on a nice pair. The Dark Blue Stone Stary Jeans by Ganni can be dressed down with sneakers and a baby tee, or paired with kitten heels and your favorite evening top.
“I love my Ganni jeans. They are the perfect dark wash and are versatile that I can wear day and night,” said staff member Sophia Pardo. “I also love the baggy fit to them and the line of the pants, it’s really flattering and gives the perfect amount of edge I’m going for.”
Tessa Trivax
Adidas Sambas have taken over the fashion scene and SMU’s campus. While you can’t go wrong with the classic white pair, consider swapping them out for a statement color that will elevate your outfit and demand attention. The Wales Bonner X Samba Nylon ‘Fox Brown’ is the perfect neutral color, that still manages to stand out from the norm. With their rich detailing, these sneakers add the perfect amount of luxury and style to any basic outfit.
“I think they are really different, and I love wearing them because they are not as basic as just a regular pair of Adidas,” said Look staff member Tessa Trivax. “The Wales Bonner collaboration sneakers have a wide range of colors, which attracted me to them.”
Angelica Koutsoubis
The Hermes Rivale Mini Bracelet is a timeless leather accessory that seamlessly blends into any outfit. This piece can be worn during the day as a chic addition to your everyday bracelet stack or at night for a classy evening moment. The simplicity of this dainty design makes it a great stackable bracelet, adding a subtle touch of luxury to your look. Whether stacked or worn alone, the Rivale Mini adds a classic, fashionable flare to any wrist.
“When my mom surprised me with this Hermes Rivale Mini Bracelet, I knew it would be my new everyday jewelry piece,” said Look staff member Angelica Koutsoubis. “Everyone compliments how fun yet delicate it is whenever I wear it!”
Tyler Martin
The collaboration between New Balance and Miu Miu demonstrates the perfect balance of sporty and chic with their New Balance 574 x Miu Miu sneaker. The silhouette and unique style of the sneaker adds a high-fashion flair to the beloved New Balance sneaker. These sneakers are the perfect option for someone who enjoys the finer things in life but also prioritizes comfort. These shoes are a walking statement piece, making them essential for a stroll around Highland Park Village or your walk to class.
“I get the most compliments on my New Balance x Miu Miu collaboration sneakers from guys and girls alike; I love to style them with a sweater and jeans to add a fresh, sporty feel to my outfits,” said Look staff member Tyler Martin. “And brown is a totally season-less color so I’ll definitely be carrying them into the spring and summer months.”
Everyone loves a compliment! If you like someone’s piece, go up and tell them. Ultimately, you will be exposed to new, trending brands, and the person you compliment will walk away feeling more confident. Asking where people shop or where they get their pieces from is one of the most sincere forms of flattery. One of my fears about online shopping is that the quality will differ from its appearance online. By simply asking people for store recommendations, it allows you to avoid wasting your money, and it scores you a trending piece that you already know is amazing in person.
