Street Style

First Day of School


Fall 2021

by Joe Giovannetti
Photos and video by Greg Stephen Reigh (BFA 2013)

On September 1, School of the Art Institute of Chicago students gathered at the 280 Building for a barbecue to celebrate the first day of classes—and they were serving looks. Check out some of our editors’ favorite fits from this year’s Welcome (Back) BBQ.

A young man in white trousers and a long-sleeved black polo poses on a stretch of grass

Paarshav Shah (BFA)

Why this outfit?

I like dressing sharply, so that’s why I chose this outfit. It’s comfortable but bespoke in its own way.

What’s your favorite part?

I want to say this collared polo shirt, because it’s super comfortable and fits me perfectly. 

What’s your personal style?

Business casual.

Sara Walls (BFA)

Why this outfit?

I have a really extensive wardrobe that I’ve worked on, and I really love vintage and designer styles. I just am starting to go back through and rediscover what I have.

What’s your favorite part?

I really like the T-shirt, tank top combo I’m sporting. I’m wearing a reprint of Vivienne Westwood’s Seditionaries tee from the ’70s and ’80s.

What’s your personal style?

I kind of go through phases, but I wear a lot of vintage and streetwear but also take elements from historical fashion or vintage designer pieces. I really like texture, style, shape, and playing with color and layers.

A young woman poses outside a campus building in cowboy boots, black shorts, and a mesh tank top over a graphic white t-shirt
A young woman poses outside of a campus building in ripped black jeans, a black and white t-shirt, a face mask, and cat ears

Sabrina Humphrey (BFA)

Why this outfit?

I dress like this every day. I’m goth; it’s a part of the subculture I’m a part of, but it’s also what I like and what makes me happy.

What’s your favorite part?

I would definitely have to say my hair. I always like to express myself differently with my hair. It shows off my creative side.

What’s your personal style?

I would say edgy, gothic, dark, but at the same time, cute. ■

A young man in white trousers and a long-sleeved black polo poses on a stretch of grass

Paarshav Shah (BFA)

Why this outfit?

I like dressing sharply, so that’s why I chose this outfit. It’s comfortable but bespoke in its own way.

What’s your favorite part?

I want to say this collared polo shirt, because it’s super comfortable and fits me perfectly. 

What’s your personal style?

Business casual.

A young woman poses outside a campus building in cowboy boots, black shorts, and a mesh tank top over a graphic white t-shirt

Sara Walls (BFA)

Why this outfit?

I have a really extensive wardrobe that I’ve worked on, and I really love vintage and designer styles. I just am starting to go back through and rediscover what I have.

What’s your favorite part?

I really like the T-shirt, tank top combo I’m sporting. I’m wearing a reprint of Vivienne Westwood’s Seditionaries tee from the ’70s and ’80s.

What’s your personal style?

I kind of go through phases, but I wear a lot of vintage and streetwear but also take elements from historical fashion or vintage designer pieces. I really like texture, style, shape, and playing with color and layers.

A young woman poses outside of a campus building in ripped black jeans, a black and white t-shirt, a face mask, and cat ears

Sabrina Humphrey (BFA)

Why this outfit?

I dress like this every day. I’m goth; it’s a part of the subculture I’m a part of, but it’s also what I like and what makes me happy.

What’s your favorite part?

I would definitely have to say my hair. I always like to express myself differently with my hair. It shows off my creative side.

What’s your personal style?

I would say edgy, gothic, dark, but at the same time, cute. ■

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