[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]
If it looks blah, I’m going to feel blah.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We are living in an era where fashion is completely subjective. Although big brands will always determine the trends, there’s less pressure to conform and more room to use clothing as a form of self-expression. It’s gotten to the point that tasteful fashion can be found anywhere and on anyone; even in the midwest for a college student who may not have the budget to afford the Prada lifestyle.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Kaylin Clotfelter is a student at Missouri State University who dresses to the top. You won’t be able to catch her off guard for a random photoshoot. Believe me, she’s always ready.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]“I’m in between saying I want to be a director and that I am a director. I make videos that are focused around visuals. My main goal is to make everything look pretty. Oh, and I also love modeling and buying clothes.”
Tell us about your style.
Mostly 90s with hints of the better parts of 2000s, wishing there were more 70s pieces. I try to only buy items that are strong statement pieces on their own, so that no matter what I pair it with it will stand out. There’s a lot more to my style than people actually see, because I can’t buy everything I want. So physically I’m a small representation of my actual style (which exists largely in my imagination).
In short, me trying to look richer than I am.
Where do you buy your clothing?
Thrift stores, Depop, Instagram shops, and occasionally some online stores.
How do you know whether a piece of clothing is worth buying?
I don’t! I buy stuff and regret it almost as often as I buy something and love it. But my rule of thumb for styling day-to-day looks is trying to put together a combination of items that I haven’t worn before. My general goal for getting ready is to look cool enough to be able to do a photoshoot if I needed to. But if I’m running late, I have a few go-to classics.
Is sustainable fashion important to you?
I think I’m sustainable more by accident. It’s not the biggest concern of mine, because in the end if I like it I’ll buy it. I shop mostly vintage because it allows me to get more unique items that are better made at a cheaper price than I could buying new. If I bought stuff from F21 we wouldn’t be having this Q&A. I guess that makes me semi-sustainable?
When did you really find your style?
I don’t think I really have. I know what I like, but I’m still just copying things I see. I don’t have enough money to develop my style to true originality yet.
But some of my fashion icons are @double3exposure @accidentalinfluencer @sisiliapiring and @haleyappell
Compared to your community, how is your style different?
At school, most people wear completely casual clothes on a day to day basis. I try to dress up every day no matter what. Even on the days I wake up too late to put something together I somehow still outdress most everyone else. I’m not sure why.
Have you ever been mocked/ made fun of about your style?
Yes. In high school, if someone jokingly made fun of my outfit it was my way of knowing that it was actually a cool one. I don’t really care if someone makes fun of it unless it’s someone whose opinion I really value. In that case, I consider it constructive criticism.
Mostly if I feel self-conscious about an outfit I remind myself that it would look sweet in photos, so there’s no reason I can’t just wear it for normal life too.
Would you say that your style is a form of self-expression?
Definitely. I like to make sure I look cooler than everyone else, even if that’s not necessarily true. If I’m wearing a totally blah outfit, or really even just a sort of blah outfit, or if I realize the fit was a flop halfway through the day I’m in a bad mood until I can change. I feel like trash if I’m not dressed cool.
What fashion trend do you wish would die and never return?
I can’t really think of anything especially horrid. Everything should have a chance and could potentially be good if styled the right way. (I’m gonna regret saying this next time I see someone wearing flip flops.)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”7030″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][image_with_animation image_url=”7005″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][image_with_animation image_url=”7018″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][image_with_animation image_url=”7004″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][image_with_animation image_url=”7042″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][nectar_cta btn_style=”see-through” heading_tag=”h6″ link_type=”new_tab” alignment=”center” link_text=”View the full photoshoot here.” url=”https://sightsandsouls.co/fashion/a-piece-of-art”%5D%5B/vc_column%5D%5B/vc_row%5D