AISB's Fashion Catalog
Photos created and edited by Nichita C.
Fashion can be a simple way of expressing the way you feel, who you are, or who you want to be. The simple struggle of choosing what to wear and the pressure to dress well is apparent for people of all ages, especially teenagers. Dress codes add an additional layer to this struggle and are a controversial topic. Some may say that dress codes should be enforced, and others say that they shouldn’t. As of 2022, AISB’s dress code is quite simple: wear clothing that is respectful.
As we begin the new school year, we can look within our community for fashion and style inspiration. Here are some photos of some students within our community that were highlighted for having great style, as well as some anonymous student responses on their sources of fashion inspiration.
Paige B. (Grade 7)
How would you describe your style?
I wouldn’t say that I only wear one style of clothes, but most of the time it includes patterns and colours. I especially love interesting patterned tops because I feel like they’re super easy to wear. I love to wear jewellery like statement necklaces or earrings. I definitely wear lots of oranges, reds, and greens.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I get lots of inspiration from films and tv shows. Probably one of my favorite shows fashion-wise is Gilmore Girls. Films like Juno, and Amélie give me lots of inspiration. I absolutely love everything that they wear. I also get lots of inspiration from songs, I love trying to wear something that is based on a genre of music or an artist.
Where do you usually get your clothes?
I mainly shop at vintage thrift stores. I think that you honestly find the greatest items there, I also love how environmentally friendly they are, it definitely makes me feel a lot better when I buy clothes. I find most of my purchases at stores in Australia or England but Bucharest has some really good ones as well.
Ilinca M. (Grade 10)
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my styles as a mix of femininity and masculinity, as well as a mix of trendy pieces and my own personality. I have to say that it’s a very colorful display of clothing mixed with accessories such as earrings and necklaces which balance out the look.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I would say Harry Styles, I think it’s because his style is very colorful and includes many interesting patterns and he really plays with gender stereotypes when it comes to clothes. So most days I dress feminine but on other days I dress like a 40-year-old teacher, and I’m okay with that because I like the way it looks on me. It started from there but then now I have added some of my own personality.”
Where do you get your clothes?
Zara, Bershka and Stradivarius
Hana A. (Grade 12)
How would you describe your style?
I feel like I can be all over the place when it comes to my style, but if I had to narrow it down I would say it’s mainly baggy, thrifted, streetwear.
What are your fashion inspirations?
A lot of my inspiration comes from what I’ve seen on social media or in movies, as well as the desire to reuse items, which reduces waste and is better for the environment. It’s fun to take various items from my closet and put them together to make it work.
Where do you usually buy your clothes?
I bought a lot of my clothing from charity shops, and a few bits and pieces from stores I like, such as Stradivarius and Pull&Bear; not to mention my brother’s wardrobe.
Almost all of the responses included some form of social media, general media or online inspiration. When talking about this, Ms. Vera, Secondary school counselor for grades 9-10, said that it can either inspire or pressure teenagers.
She noted, “I was wondering if social media does play a role (regarding self-consciousness), and not only even from peers but also from having access to a lot of older teens. I can see it in some students in our school, who dress consciously more maturely, and others who don’t care as much.”
Nicolas K. (Grade 12)
How would you describe your style?
I think I would describe my style as mostly modern street wear, and a bit of 70 and 80s influence.
What are your fashion inspirations?
I tend to get my inspiration from media (mostly TikTok and Instagram), but I also look to my parents and friends especially when I’m unsure about a particular piece.
Where do you usually buy your clothes?
Recently, I’ve been trying to shop more at vintage and thrift stores, but I also frequently order clothes online.
Pia B. (Grade 10)
How would you describe your style?
My style is a mixture of a lot of different time periods and inspirations. I like to dress in a way that represents who I am and who I want to become whilst also having fun with it.
What are your fashion inspirations?
I get my inspiration from my sister Paige, who is very creative, Pinterest, and videos about cool street style on Youtube. I like to save pictures of outfits that I think are interesting and then look for pieces in my wardrobe and in thrift stores to recreate the look while putting my spin on it.
Where do you usually buy your clothes?
I buy most of my clothes from thrift stores, and if there’s a specific piece that I am looking for, I search for it on platforms like eBay and Depop. I also like to steal my Mum’s clothes.
Xinni Y. (Grade 8)
How would you describe your style?
I’d say it’s pretty childish. Lots of colors, textures, and big exaggerated shirt collars.
Where you do find your inspiration?
Forest fairies, plush dolls, candy, cartoon characters, 5 year olds… Whatever fun thing I’m trying to imitate that day.
Where do you usually buy your clothes?
I usually buy my clothing items online internationally. It would sometimes take MONTHS before I can get the clothing item I’ve ordered in hand.
Nichita C. (Grade 10)
How would you describe your style?
I usually pick random articles of clothing that I really like, which are usually oversized band t-shirts and jeans. I like the vintage look, but I mostly wear dark colors. I also wear accessories from the women’s section sometimes, but they end up being slightly too small most of the time.
What are your fashion inspirations?
I sometimes watch fashion YouTubers like Frugal Aesthetic which makes pretty ironic videos about trends, but most of the time I get attached to clothes I like, especially if they have sentimental value, so I end up wearing them all the time. This is especially true if something is borrowed or from someone else.
Where do you usually buy your clothes?
I go to malls and outlets with my friends or sister. I also borrow clothes and rings from my dad or friends but most of my favourite clothes are gifts from other people, as it reminds me of them.
Megan L. (Grade 10)
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as being a mixture of many different aesthetics and clothing pieces. I find that I wear a mix of trendy and vintage pieces, mostly early/mid 2000’s, 90’s, preppy or retro clothes.
Where you do find your inspiration?
Mostly from Pinterest or old fashion catalogues. I also take inspiration from my classmates if I find a particular piece I like as well as my mom when she was in college.
Where do you usually buy your clothes?
I don’t have a particular place where I buy my clothes. Sometimes I buy my clothes from places like Bershka or Pull&Bear, but I also buy from reworked vintage stores, thrift stores and wear clothes from my mom and aunt from the 2000’s.
Emma S. (Grade 11)
How would you describe your style?
I wouldn’t say my outfits are basic, but there are pretty simple. My outfits are very modern and casual.
Where you do find your inspiration?
I am inspired by the trends I see on social media platforms like Instagram, and Pinterest, as well as my surroundings, looking at what other people wear.
Where do you usually buy your clothes?
Most of the clothes I buy are from H&M and a few from Zara.
Marko G. (Grade 12)
How would you describe your style?
My style is casual wear, with trendy and straightforward accent looks, pieces, or colors. I shy away from something too simple, so I incorporate a unique sense of composition, with browns, blacks, beige, etc. I like dressing modern and put together but I love making my style more playful by incorporating unique textiles you would not usually see on pants, or sometimes wearing things oversized.
What are your fashion inspirations?
Of course I have to say a lot of it comes from social media platforms, Pinterest, Instagram, etc. But I do enjoy watching Youtube videos sometimes but mostly it is me, doing the planning and ideas.
Where do you usually buy your clothes?
I love thrift stores but my luck with sizes has not been great, which is why I order online 90% of the time. It varies from brand to brand, sometimes I do get simple pieces from fast fashion brands here in Romania, but most of my other clothing pieces come from brands outside of the country.
Iulia P. (Grade 12)
How would you describe your style?
I’d say my style is trend-driven, but I’m currently experimenting with maximalism — have been loving layering and adding a lot of accessories to my fits. I also love an old-fashioned look— if I can wear a thrifted, classy dress with more casual clothing, that would definitely be something I’d wear every day. I’m currently LOVING taking my stockings and transforming them into tops — I just cut a few bits here and there and I get a new upper layer I usually wear under dresses as sleeves.
What are your fashion inspirations?
There are a few fashion designers I absolutely love, all of them on instagram — @benulus (Berenice), @maria_jovrea (Maria Jovrea — circular fashion) and @samimiro (Sami Miro).
Where do you usually buy your clothes?
I usually thrift all my clothing except for underwear. A couple stores I love are @themossaryshop (online instagram shop) and other second hand stores in Bucharest. I’ve also been stealing clothes from my mom or dad.
