Fashion is an expression of culture, of one’s true self, and, just as art defines a culture, fashion has the potential to do the same — Personal style is so important. It defines who someone is, who they may want to be, what they care about and who they want to impress.

A college campus is the perfect place to find various examples of personal style. With people coming from all over the world, the fashions present at the UW range from the conventional to the downright bizarre.

In a search for those who exemplify personal style, senior Allison O’Connor was found. With her skinny jeans, gray converse shoes, and short jacket, she dressed to what suited her.

O’Connor said that she finds her inspiration from anything around her.

“My friends, Japanese fashion magazines, and characters from books and films I like all inspire me to dress in the ways that I do,” she said.

Japanese fashion can be very edgy and urban. Senior Seamus Montgomery said that he gets the inspiration for his hippy chic fashions from music, among other things.

“Music unquestionably inspires my fashions,” he said. “The evening’s events, as well as those around me who look impossibly boring also inspire me to dress like I do.”

With cravats as a fashion staple in his wardrobe, Montgomery is the opposite of “impossibly boring.” Prints, such as paisley and polka dots, are his favorites, along with flared jeans and large sunglasses.

One might think that Montgomery’s fashion styles are a little dated or weird, but he thinks otherwise.

“By now, we’ve all reached an age where our mothers no longer pick out our clothes for us; we all must go shopping,” he said. “It’s not like I’m really putting more effort into it than you — the only difference is that when you do so, you willfully choose articles that are completely uninteresting, and you don’t have to.”

As far as where to shop, the possibilities are endless. Target, Old Navy, the mall, and even thrift stores contain hidden fashion treasures, waiting for the right person to snatch them up. Leave no shell unturned in the pursuit of personal fashions.

“Don’t be too cool for the sale racks — they are full of cheap and interesting leftovers,” O’Connor said.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and embrace different fashions, either. You should also not be worried about what others will think or afraid to be yourself.

Wear what you like, and don’t let others dictate what you choose to wear.

“Fashion is identity, but mostly participating in the form of beauty,” Montgomery said. “Paint your own self portrait, and pay no mind to Neanderthals who might make ridiculous presumptions about your sexuality or gender.”

[Reach columnist Stephanie Small at arts@thedaily.washington.edu.]