For Theodore Agbi, a two-year Upper from New York City, being true to himself is the most important thing he considers when dressing.
To some, Agbi could be considered a fashion risk-taker, but he only wears what “looks good” and does not “cost a lot.”
At Andover, he likes to “mix it up,” wearing a collared shirt one day and cut off shorts the next.
“I follow trends sometimes, but I like to put my own spin on it,” Agbi said.
Since coming to Phillips Academy, he has had a slight change in some of his sartorial purchases. “I’ve bought khaki pants and dress shoes,” he said.
But his main staples are skinny jeans and tank tops. “There are two articles of clothing I can only wear when I’m feeling extra, extra confident. There are shorts from H&M. They are made of chambray. [The other article of clothing] is a tank top that I cut and made into a V-neck.”
Before coming to Andover as a new Lower, Agbi attended a private school in New York City.
“[My school] had a dress code. I would wear stuff for show and display normally, showing how I could match a belt with certain shoes.”
New York is the source of his fashion inspiration. “[It is all] based off of New York City hipster-ish style,” Agbi said. “I also like to look at the blog ‘What Dreams May Come.’”
Agbi also references the Asian website yesstyle.com and the magazine “Teen Vogue” as sources of inspiration.
When asked if there was anyone in particular he was trying to emulate, Agbi cited Adam Levine of the band Maroon 5.
“His facial hair… He looks rugged and unshaved, but still well-kept. I’ve been trying to grow out my own hair,” Agbi said.
Indeed, Agbi puts an extra focus on “everything from the neck and above.”
“Last year I used to wear my keys around my neck like a necklace. This year, I’ve been wearing a lot of scarves. I also sometimes wear my fedora and my Ray-Ban [sunglasses].”
Agbi candidly speaks of his individuality. He wears American Eagle underwear for “a splash of color.” Unlike some Andover students, he would never wear pastel shorts and boat shoes together.
Whenever he outgrows his clothes, he tries to make something new out of something old.
“My mother taught me how to sew, so I can turn some of my old clothes into new stuff,” he said.
He also has some good fashion advice that projects his mantra of being true to oneself.
“Tighten up your wardrobe. Wear pants that fit your curves,” said Agbi, advising people to wear articles of clothing that accentuate their strengths.
For Agbi, his choice of clothing reflects of his candor.
“I know what I look good in,” he said. “[Here at Andover] I dress for myself. I wear what makes me confident. I know when I look good. I can just be me.”
