Despite overcast skies and an overcast mood during final exam week at Cornell, this Fashionista brought the sunshine all by herself. Her outfit was pretty simple: maxi dress, tote, sandals. But it is the colors and textures that make it so arresting… the rich texture of green alligator skin against the burnt-orange backdrop of her dress, the neon paracord bracelets, acrylic necklace, and peek of shiny patent slippers.

In the past few posts I have commented on bucking summer style staples – namely, florals and overly feminine looks. This is yet another example of a summer ensemble that keeps an edge to it, while staying simple.

As this is my last post for trend reports for this school year, I would like to note what I've found over the course of photographing Cornellians with style these past months. The most enjoyable part about photographing street style is engaging with the story of the person in the photos. Garments — wristwatches, scarves, boots — they are just stuff. But stuff is never just stuff. It is always imbued with a backstory and a future. The bracelet is from studying abroad in Ghana, the shoes were custom-made, this whole outfit is from my roommate's closet! As legendary street style photographer Bill Cunningham notes in the recent documentary about his life, "Beauty is for those who seek it." Only through this opportunity to roam around looking for unique styles on campus do I get to notice an art professor's innovative jeans, the way a boy paints his tae kwon do shoes, or a girl's surprising turban spotted across the computer lab. I get to seek beauty, make it my own, and share it. What a pleasure.