Leah Cole

Classification: Sophomore

Major: Entrepreneurship (with a Fashion Merchandising minor)

Hometown: Newport Beach, CA

Bayor sophomore Leah Cole is unapologetic in her style. Never afraid of colors, bold silhouettes, or taking fashion risks, her enthusiastic personality bleeds into her self-proclaimed funky style. A fan of flares, good books, and boisterous living, she is the Buttoned Bear of the month. 

If you could describe your style in one word, what would it be?

Funky

Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

I mostly shop on second hand apps like Mercari, Depop, and Ebay. I usually look up my favorite brands, like Free People, GAP, and Furst of a Kind. 

Where do you get fashion inspiration from?

My biggest fashion inspiration is my mom! She inspired me from a young age to always express myself through my style, and that continued through adulthood! I also get a lot of my trend inspiration from mail-in magazine subscriptions, like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. 

What's one piece of clothing you can't live without?

My denim flares! They go with anything and everything and make me feel like the best version of myself.  

What is your go-to outfit?

Patterned flare pants with a layered turtleneck, tank top/graphic tee, colored high top sneakers and lots of layered jewelry.

How has your style changed since coming to Baylor?

I had a bit of a fashion crisis during my first year at Baylor but thankfully got through it. It was really intimidating to come to a new environment/state where I felt like I stuck out; I vividly remember calling my mom on the phone after my first day of classes telling her I needed to stock up on more Lululemon clothes ASAP. But I eventually realized my style is my own and not defined by what others are doing! And I do still love a good Lululemon moment. 

What fashion advice do you have for our readers?

Wear more of what makes you feel like you!! Regardless of what people around you are wearing, fashion is supposed to be a reflection of your personal style, not the style of those around you. Take fashion risks! Make funky outfit pairings! Play around with colors! And if you are actively investing in your style evolution, have friends to share inspiration with, because creativity best thrives when you have others to inspire you.

Photos by Leah Cole

Edited by Ruthann Daniel