Style appeared in public places, outings with friends and especially at California Baptist University. When students met someone new, fashion often became one of the first things they noticed, showing that first impressions still mattered and appeared through the style students displayed around campus. Students also expressed spiritual ideas through the pieces they wore.
Hannah Micu, junior business administration major, connected the idea to faith. While students might dress to give others a first impression, Micu said their clothing could also reflect something greater.
“As Christians… we represent the image of God, and I think He allows us to steward our visual aspects as well. Not just what we do, what we say or think, but also how we portray ourselves to others is important,” Micu said.
Being made in the likeness of God allowed people to express themselves through clothing choices. For students, style sometimes became a way to reflect Christ in everyday interactions without having an explicit gospel conversation.
Style also served another purpose. Sierra Pipersburgh, freshman communication sciences & disorders major, said the clothing she saw around campus inspired her own fashion choices. Because of the variety of styles on campus, she said she felt motivated to elevate her own wardrobe.
“When I see someone’s outfit that I like, I take note of it in my head so I can go back and then look and buy the same thing,” Pipersburgh said.
Micu also spoke about the visual impact style had on building relationships. She said starting a conversation could sometimes feel difficult, but style provided an easy entry point.
“Style is easy because it is visual and you can kind of just mention right off the bat without having to get into a conversation about it,” Micu said.
Beyond relationships, style also reflected trends and cultural influence. New trends, evolving styles and exposure to different people introduced students to new ways of expressing themselves.
Fashion allowed students to draw inspiration from one another while reflecting broader cultural influences. Julie Goodman-Bowling, professor of anthropology, expanded on the cultural role of fashion.
“We are in a consumer culture so that certainly influences what we wear. We want the name-brand thing… [that is] a really pervasive reason why we dress the way we do per culture,” Goodman-Bowling said.
Style also allowed students to pursue individuality and self-expression. Clothing became a way to communicate who they felt they were or how they wanted others to perceive them.
“[Just] being able to be your own person through your style,” Pipersburgh said.
Despite the many factors influencing fashion, style often served as a form of communication. It allowed students to express themselves, connect with others and spark conversations. At CBU, style inspired new outfits, reflected faith and helped foster social connections across campus.
