Lee ’26 showcases her rings and necklace.
An off-the-shoulder striped top sits at the waist, its billowy sleeves moving as Elisa Lee ’26 walks across campus. Paired with dark jeans and a belt, Lee’s outfit emphasizes an effortless and intentional feel. Her style is built on familiarity rather than keeping up with trends.
Lee’s wardrobe does not come from shopping trips or brand loyalty, but from a single, consistent source. Her style reflects both sustainability and a sense of personal history.
“I have a set place where all my clothes come from, and that is my mom’s closet. I’ve been stealing clothes from her since freshman year onward. I’ve been leaning more into thrifting in general and looking for things while window shopping rather than having a set idea of what I would want to buy,” said Lee.
Lee’s influence shapes the core of her style. Rather than shifting through trends, she always traces back to something personal. This grounding gives her outfits a sense of continuity.
“I would say my style is my mom’s in college. I think [one] would imagine very ‘Friends’-style clothing. My mom took heavy inspiration from Jennifer Aniston and Monica Geller, and it’s very 90s,” said Lee.
Instead of building outfits from basics, Lee focuses on pieces that stand out visually. Her approach prioritizes boldness and individuality over simplicity.
“Rather than going for basics, I tend to look for statement pieces. Statement pieces are a lot more fun to shop for, and I think basics are quite basic, so why not go all out rather than trying to keep it nonchalant,” said Lee.
Lee’s friend, Alyssa Schoonmaker ’26, sees her style as cohesive while still standing apart from others on campus.
“Elisa’s style is very Bohemian. I know she takes a lot of clothes from her mom’s closet, and she describes it as her own personalized thrift store. Her style is very flowy. Her clothes are very patterned, all of them, and she uses a lot of stripes in her style every day,” said Schoonmaker.
Specific details in Lee’s outfits contribute to this unique style. From textures to silhouettes, her clothing draws attention. These details emphasize her preference for non-traditional elements.
“Her style is very non-traditional. She uses a lot of quarter sleeves. Her tops are usually studded with jewels or sparkly things or tie-dye that really catches your eye,” said Schoonmaker.
Lee’s current style marks a clear shift from her previous ‘tomboyish’ dress. Earlier, her outfits leaned more toward comfort and simplicity than self-expression.
“I used to wear things that I thought were very tomboyish and cool. I used to wear Adam Sandler fits a lot, basketball shorts, and oversized T-shirts,” said Lee.
Accessories play a consistent role in tying Lee’s outfits together. Her use of jewelry adds both visual detail and continuity across different looks. These pieces unify her outfits and contribute to her overall aesthetic.
“I always wear rings. I like to have at least three rings all the time because I think they’re cool and dandy. I always wear a necklace, usually on the chunkier side,” said Lee.
Lee has particular memories associated with her pieces. These details add another layer to how her style is constructed.
“Every piece I have is associated with very precious memories. My necklace was from a gala for conservation, and I have another one that I got with my friends in Portugal. Every piece of jewelry is associated with something very precious,” said Lee.
