If Vogue came to Bethel to write about the fashion trends, what would they find?
By Makenzi Johnson | Editor-in-Chief
The style experts at Vogue Magazine said oversized blazers, baggy trousers and cowboy boots defined 2022’s fashion. For 2023, they predict detailed denim skirts, sheer blouses and ruby-colored shoes will take over our closets. It’s fashion.
I have a suspicion that if the writers at Vogue were to take a walk around the BC to observe how Bethel students dress, they would want to personally update our fashion sense with some bedazzled denim skirts or a pair of Dorothy-esque ruby slippers. I can guarantee they would judge you. But the writers of Vogue aren’t here, it’s just me. But, in the spirit of full transparency, I might be the one to judge you.
Every season I see the same staples of clothing, shoes and accessories among the student body. Keeping up with the fashion trends that seem to change faster than Kim Kardashian swiping her credit card for the latest Gucci release is deemed irrelevant when the same Carhartt beanies and Chelsea boots are seen around the buildings. Or the Hydro Flask water bottles that clang when the slightest wind brushes against it. Or the blue-light glasses that may not even be effective.
Although, who am I to judge? I’m just Makenzi Johnson who wears a maroon jumpsuit Monday, heart-patterned bell bottoms Wednesday and bright green jeans with leopard print high-tops Friday. More than likely, the same Vogue that would be judging you, would also be judging me.
But for a place like Bethel, I don’t think the fashion trends matter too much. I don’t think the same students who can barely pay attention in their 9 a.m. classes are paying any more attention to last month’s Fashion Week in Milan. Bethel isn’t synonymous with the world of high fashion models who debut new looks on the runway; they stick with what they know of the Savers in Columbia Heights.
Bella Hadid was spotted wearing a low-waisted, maxi-length denim skirt while out to eat in L.A. last week. I saw six people in the Grill wearing the same outfit of a pair of straight-leg jeans and a flannel shirt, the only difference being the color of the flannel. Michael B. Jordan’s tailored sport and suit jackets come in designs fit for any movie premiere. Dressing up for an upcoming game, the football team can always be seen in their finest pair of jeans without holes in them and their un-creased, shiny pair of Nike Blazers as they load the buses. Hearing the phrase, “oh, I just wanted to dress up for fun,” could mean an A-list celebrity and their personal stylist choosing between chartreuse feathers or neon purple sequins to spice up their outfit, or a Bethel student pairing an Altar’d State sundress with their Chaco sandals for Sunday morning church. Nothing but the best for our Lord.
The models and A-listers who buy each new fashion item as soon as they’re deemed trendy – or five minutes before – aren’t the real fashionistas. What the writers of Vogue don’t see are the students cuffing their favorite pair of Levi jeans to pair with the graphic crewnecks that say “Jesus loves you,” or the busted Chuck Taylors adorning their feet as they run to meet a friend halfway with open arms or the “We love Geetha” wristbands. Bethel students know what they like, they stick to what they’re comfortable with and what they know will make them feel good. I’d argue that’s more fashion than anything — but maybe we should try that one shirt at the back of our closet instead of the same LuLuLemon Half Zip Scuba Hoodie we’ve worn twice this week.