Fashion student Megan Schuirmann was waiting in line for the Kim Gordon and White/Light concert at the MCA.
How do you like to compose your looks?
I have this template that consists of dresses with tights or leggings, long socks and some sort of boot. I don’t like many prints and prefer solids. I only wear flat shoes, since I am so tall and also have to walk a lot. Doc Martens have the lifetime warranty, so I consider them my favorite. I wear black and gray in an attempt to remain anonymous in Chicago. I rarely accessorize.
What are you looking forward to wearing this spring?
This spring I’ll be wearing a lot of sundresses with long-sleeve shirts underneath, or just oversized long men’s button-down dress shirts with more leggings and these chunky hand-me-down mary jane shoes. I like to be comfortable.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in fashion school?
If anything, the main thing I’ve learned is that a sense of style is instinctive, and can also be an acquired skill. It’s pretty much one or the other. People are just naturally good at dressing themselves or work in retail styling and learn the formulated method of dressing. Sometimes, I accidentally follow trends. Fashion is in sync with popular culture so it’s nearly impossible to not fit into some trend category while shopping in the city. I like to throw the formula out the window.
—Interview and photograph by Isa Giallorenzo
