BY KATE OVERBEY

Style comes from the center of the heart. For some creative virtuosos, personal style emerges in writing or art. But for others, it comes from the brush of cashmere on their collarbone as they raise their hand or the impressions of their feet in their favorite converse. From crazy to classic, these five Mariemont students stand out with their distinctive personal style.

Thrifting is the name of the game for sophomore Kennedy McNeil. She loves wearing unique clothes and finding the perfect flannels. On an average day, you can see McNeil in a large crewneck sweatshirt or sweater with shorts, depending on the season.

“Probably half the clothes I wear are from a thrift store. I go almost every weekend and it’s so fun,” says McNeil.

McNeil also loves being different than those around her. Diversity in outfits is McNeil’s forte.

“My style is that I try to be as different as possible. I love when I see people at school or just anywhere wearing something unique or kind of ‘out there.’ Even if I don’t like it, it just shows their confidence and individuality, which is such a cool trait,” says McNeil.

With her unique approach to fashion, McNeil has created a business called Shredded where she creates laced up shirts to sell to Mariemont teens through Instagram.

Just like Kennedy, senior Luke Garrison loves to step out of the box, and into styles of the past.

“I love old fashion trends like denim jackets, graphic t-shirts, and Vans or Converse,” says Garrison. “I always make sure to put my own twist on whatever outfit I wear.”

Along with his individuality, Garrison also strives for comfort.  “It’s essential for me to be comfortable in what I wear because when I am more comfortable, I am more confident. They go hand-and-hand for me,” says Garrison.

As one of the elders of Mariemont, Garrison really knows what it means to step out of your old style and into the person you have become.

“I think a lot of the time, people try to follow the latest trends and not wear what they really deep down want to wear because they are scared they will get judged by people.  But as I have grown up I have realized that having your own style and stepping out of the box is more important because it shows your unique qualities as a person,” says Garrison.

Madigan Smith, also known as the “unicorn-haired freshman”, loves to take style in a different direction. “I don’t

consider myself someone who dresses well, just someone willing to wear weird things that make me the most content,” says Smith.

Beyond being a standout individual, Smith has a unique and defined style hard to find in a world full of copycats. But when it comes to comfort or style, style always wins out for this unique fashionista.

“If I have something that I adore, like my platform shoes, I will wear them no matter how bad they hurt. Sometimes I opt for the higher, bigger, bolder, and more uncomfortable things because they make me the happiest,” says Smith.

Sister of renowned designer Madeline Falknor, Sophomore Abbey Falknor has been immersed in fashion her whole life. From the time, she was young, Falkner’s family has taught her well.

“Well my mom always told me when we were younger to dress well when you go to school because it shows respect, and that you want to be there.” says Abbey.

Throughout the years, Abbey has developed a style she defines as “preppy.” Walking through the halls, you can find Abbey in a pencil skirt or jeans and a sweater.

“You want to be comfortable in school, but you still want to look presentable, so you have to find a balance. Find the right clothes,” says Falkner. “You have to find something you feel comfortable in.”

On par with the most of Mariemont, sophomore Jonah Dill’s style is clean, polished, and preppy. He keeps it classy with his button downs and bow ties.

Despite his snazzy style, Dill still finds time to fit in a bit of comfort a couple times a week with a sweatshirt and jean combo.

“Jeans and a sweatshirt might be the most comfortable outfit ever! I try to wear it at least twice a week,” says Dill.

For Dill and other teenagers, dressing well helps to communicate productivity, self-confidence, and eventually reputation.

“I choose to dress well because it builds my self-confidence and makes me feel good,” says Dill.