Street Style
First Day of School
![](https://www.saic.edu/sites/default/files/shorthand/stories/oRlrUW4ZA4/2021-10-20T14%3A59%3A38.027Z/assets/ZTkybINmjS/streetstyle_covericon-2560x1440.jpeg)
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](https://www.saic.edu/sites/default/files/shorthand/stories/oRlrUW4ZA4/2021-10-20T14%3A59%3A38.027Z/assets/7N1RrfzZyd/paarshav-desktop-750x1125.jpeg)
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](https://www.saic.edu/sites/default/files/shorthand/stories/oRlrUW4ZA4/2021-10-20T14%3A59%3A38.027Z/assets/TeDpfbKxFj/sara_mobile-900x1350.jpeg)
![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](https://www.saic.edu/sites/default/files/shorthand/stories/oRlrUW4ZA4/2021-10-20T14%3A59%3A38.027Z/assets/xbLxzwlBns/sabrina_mobile-900x1350.jpeg)
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](https://www.saic.edu/sites/default/files/shorthand/stories/oRlrUW4ZA4/2021-10-20T14%3A59%3A38.027Z/assets/VjwS1w7K7Q/paarshav-mobile-900x1350.jpeg)
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](https://www.saic.edu/sites/default/files/shorthand/stories/oRlrUW4ZA4/2021-10-20T14%3A59%3A38.027Z/assets/uhUJlnj10h/sara_mobile-900x1350.jpeg)
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](https://www.saic.edu/sites/default/files/shorthand/stories/oRlrUW4ZA4/2021-10-20T14%3A59%3A38.027Z/assets/NGxob6JoJT/sabrina_mobile-900x1350.jpeg)
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. ■
![](https://www.saic.edu/sites/default/files/shorthand/stories/oRlrUW4ZA4/2021-10-20T14%3A59%3A38.027Z/assets/templates/set-a/placeholders/transparent.png)