Embrace Your Authentic Self: Owen's Style Evolution
Early Influences and the Quest for Anonymity
Upon entering Owen's room, one immediately notices a striking portrait featuring a heavily made-up face with baby blue eyeshadow, Twiggy lashes, and bold pink blush. Owen reveals this is a self-portrait, painted using actual makeup, showcasing his early fascination with diligent glamour reminiscent of 1920s flappers or mod muses. Growing up in Shakopee, a Minneapolis suburb known more for its amusement park than its fashion scene, Owen's childhood was filled with musical theater, anime, and video games. These interests initially manifested in character-themed T-shirts. However, as he approached high school, a desire for conformity led him to shed these expressive garments. He consciously opted for plain, brandless attire, aiming to blend in and avoid attention, especially during a period of increasing homophobia.
The Pandemic's Role in Self-Discovery and Style Experimentation
The global lockdown brought on by COVID-19 proved to be a pivotal moment for Owen. With classes shifting to Zoom, the usual social pressures of school receded, creating a safe space for him to explore his identity. TikTok became a crucial platform, introducing him to "alt" aesthetics worn by his peers, which sparked a new interest in fashion. While he didn't immediately adopt these styles, the exposure ignited a desire to be perceived as "cool" and to express himself more authentically, despite lingering discomfort.
Finding Confidence: The Carhartt Revelation and Beyond
Owen's sophomore year marked a turning point. The return to in-person classes saw him making a bold fashion statement with a pair of baggy Carhartt work pants. This seemingly simple choice felt incredibly empowering, a moment of "stunting" that boosted his confidence. Although he feared ridicule for dressing differently than his peers, who largely stuck to sweatpants and standard jeans, Owen found that his unique choices didn't invite negativity. This experience reinforced an internal struggle with feeling like an "outsider," yet it also fueled his resolve to embrace his evolving style.
Blending Prep and Glamour: A Stylist in the Making
Five years later, Owen is a communications major at the University of Minnesota, with aspirations of becoming a fashion stylist. His taste has matured beyond the "alt" aesthetic of 2020, evolving into a distinctive blend he describes as "prep and glamour." His current look, exemplified by oversized basketball shorts, diamond earrings, an unbuttoned Polo Oxford shirt revealing a rhinestone necklace, and white crew socks, showcases this unique fusion. Even his hair, now a cherry cola red, reflects influences from pop culture icons like Addison Rae and classic style inspirations such as Gene Kelly, Jackie O., and his grandmother, alongside the elegance of stylist Dara.
The Philosophy of Thrifting and Fashion as Connection
Owen's approach to fashion is deeply intertwined with his social connections and a thoughtful consumer philosophy. He views style as a means of bonding with like-minded individuals who prioritize self-expression. His "Saturday best" is often curated to impress this inner circle. Funding his passion, Owen returns to his movie theater job during summer breaks, using his earnings for thrift store finds. Thrifting alleviates his "shopping anxiety," transforming the hunt for unique pieces into a serendipitous experience. His choice of basketball shorts, for instance, playfully blurs traditional gender lines, with his mother humorously noting their skirt-like appearance. Owen's fashion journey culminated in a Brandy Melville-inspired outfit, a tight henley paired with his signature shorts, symbolizing his daring embrace of styles not typically marketed to him, a testament to his evolving personal narrative.