Crystal Nguyen
Classification: Senior
Major: International Studies
Minor: Business Administration
Hometown: Houston, TX
From following trends to now making her own, Crystal certainly has an eye for style and rocks hers with admirable confidence. Not only this, but her bright personality and infectious smile, accompany her fun and chic looks. All this and more is what makes Crystal this week’s SHRN!
How would you define your style?
I feel like my style is very broad, outlandish, and trendy. I can’t really say those three words are the blanket statement for my style because I don’t want to be confined in a box, but like everything else in my life, I enjoy experimenting with new things. I think anything can look good as long as you have confidence. Confidence is the best outfit you can wear. But other than that, it really all depends on my mood. Maybe one day I’ll feel femme fatale, so I’ll dress like that, and if the next day I’m feeling edgy, I’ll throw on my docs, mom jeans, a big sweater, and a beanie. It’ll go from one thing to another, and that’s what I like about fashion: it’s endless, and you can do anything with it.
How has your style changed since coming to college?
I think it’s gotten wilder! It’s gotten so much more experimental. I thought my fashion was good in high school, but it’s drastically evolved since then. I’m more willing to go outside of my comfort zone, and the stores I used to shop at didn’t really give me the opportunity to do that. I used to always try and follow trends, but when college came, it gave me the opportunity to build off of them and not necessarily follow them. I think I have more confidence to do this, too. My style also used to be casual, and now I’d say it’s more bold and chic.
What do you think is the most important accessory?
This might sound really cheesy, but just your happiness. You can wear whatever and have it look however good it is, but if you’re not happy, it’ll show. Emotional intelligence and emotional stability is the best thing you can do for yourself and your mental health, and I think that’s the best accessory you can have. I don’t think the most important accessory is a material, tangible thing. I think it’s something intangible, like your mental health and how you feel about yourself and the people around you.
What city do you draw inspiration from?
New York; it’s so bold. I just think New York doesn’t care about what other cities look like. It’s minding its own business, just doing its own thing. If you personify New York, I feel it’d be an idealized version of myself. Like, I want my personality to be New York because it’s confident, bold, and sleek, and honestly, that’s how I want to be in life. Your life is all about doing what you can for yourself and not minding what others think of you. Yeah, it’s just different from anywhere else I’ve been, so definitely New York.
If you would wear only one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It’d be my dad shoes, these Sketchers I got for $20, white crew socks, a big oversized thrifted sweater, and cargo jeans.
What’s the funkiest article of clothing you own and how do you style it?
I don’t wear them a lot because I’ve never really seen myself in this style before, but they’re my black and white cowgirl boots that I wear with suede and satin dresses. I personally don’t prefer the typical cowgirl boot, so I got mine in a literal cow print and like to wear them with maxi dresses.
What advice can you give to someone who’s trying to define their style?
Just don’t be afraid. Your style is so expressive of who you are, and you should never be ashamed of who you are. Life is only so long, so do what you want! There’s no time to worry about what other people think of you and your style. At the end of your life, you can only have so many regrets. So, do whatever you want to do, and fashion is a comfortable place to do that.
What she’s wearing:
Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: SkechersBracelet: Mejuri
Necklace: ByChari
Earrings: Brandy Melville
Written by: Jasmine Crabb
Photographed by: Claire Boston
Edited by: Josie Gruber