Combining a sunny yellow dress with a pink Ralph Lauren sweater and flats purchased in Lisbon, Shelby Aime ’28 completes her look with jewelry and matching hair clips. Aime curates her outfits with intention, exploring new pieces and color combinations while maintaining visual coherence.
Aime explained that her sense of fashion is personal and changes depending on her surroundings, company, and mood.
“I feel like I don’t necessarily fit into any style that has a name to it because my style switches a lot, depending on whether I’m home or on campus, who I’m with and whatever mood I’m feeling. But I definitely think I’ve been experimenting a lot more with how I pair pieces and colors,” said Aime.
Since her Junior year, Aime has expanded her wardrobe beyond black clothing and familiar combinations, shifting towards experimentation.
“Now, I’ve been buying items that aren’t necessarily what I would consider my aesthetic, but just to try them out, and I’ll pair them with something that I already know and am comfortable with just to experiment a bit. Now I’ve gotten a bit more funky with colors. If I’m wearing a pink sweater, I can wear my shoes that have blue and pink in them, whereas before, I would have to color code it to the T,” said Aime. “I like to accessorize more and add more colors and switch up my shoes. I started wearing flats and boots and things like that.”
Aime further discussed the importance of fashion to her self-expression and lifestyle more broadly.
“I’ve grown up thinking that how you dress is a representation of how you act and who you are as a person. I’ve tried to instill that in my life now. Even if I’m having a bad day and want to wear a more comfortable outfit, I at least make sure that the pieces go together and that I still look somewhat put together. I always try to put my best foot forward, and I definitely think that when you’re having a bad day, dressing up a bit and doing your makeup can change your mood,” said Aime. “Every Sunday, I like to set out my outfits for the week just so it’s easier to get ready in the morning. It’s really fun getting to pick out which outfit I want to wear for which day depending on who I’m going to see and what classes I have and just whatever vibe I think I’ll be feeling.”
Aime’s sense of style has developed through inspiration from many people, including those at Andover. She recalls how Nevada Charity ’26’s outfits encouraged her to become bolder when coordinating pieces.
“One of my big inspirations would probably be one of my friends named Nevada. She definitely encouraged me to experiment more with colors. I used to think her outfits were a bit funky and spunky, which I still do because she’s more out there than me, but she encouraged me to try new things and not be afraid to put on something I might not feel comfortable in yet. It’s all about seeing what you like, and I think she’s definitely helped me come into myself and find my style,” said Aime.
Jewelry is another part of Aime’s daily outfits. After receiving a silver bracelet from her mother, she began wearing silver alongside her gold jewelry.
“I wear a good amount of jewelry. I used to only be a gold girl, but my mom gave me this Tiffany & Co. bracelet. It’s a chunky silver bracelet, and because of that, I’ve decided that I need to mix my metals now. It all looks good together, and I’ve been doing a lot of that. I always have necklaces, bracelets and rings on, as well as earrings. I have my helix piercing and two piercings at the bottom, so I like to jazz that up as well,” said Aime.
Aime also adjusts part of her makeup routine to match the colors and type of clothing she wears.
“I usually do the same makeup every day, but there are certain steps that I add. If I am wearing a pink outfit, I’ll use a blush that complements the pink that I’m wearing, or if I’m wearing blue, I might use a different highlighter. If I’m wearing a dress, I might do heavier makeup, whereas if I’m wearing jeans and a top, I’d do a more natural look,” said Aime.
Aime’s close friend, Leila Jesudason ’28, has noticed the evolution of Aime’s wardrobe over the years. Jesudason elaborated on what she finds special about Aime’s style.
“She puts a lot of thought into the cohesiveness of her outfits. She thoughtfully combines different pieces, and I find her willingness to experiment unique. She doesn’t limit herself to one particular style. She explores all of them,” said Jesudason.
Looking ahead, fashion remains a process of self-discovery for Aime.
“I wouldn’t necessarily pursue fashion in the future, but I definitely want to continue experimenting and see what I really like and find myself through clothes. I think I know who I am outside of that, but I’m still trying to figure out what I think suits me best and what makes me feel most confident,” said Aime.
