Q&A On Personal Style With Emma Vondra

Story by Alayna Fiel

Photos courtesy of Emma Vondra

The key to looking great isn’t following all of the latest fashion trends — it’s staying true to your style. We often think of a personal style to be for people who are extremely fashion conscious, when in reality, clothing affects everyone.

Below is a Q&A interview with Central Michigan University senior, Emma Vondra, who discusses how her style has helped her build confidence and reflect who she is as a young woman.

How would you describe your style?

Fun and trendy, but comfy!

What’s your favorite item in your closet?

I have this bright pink skirt that I am obsessed with!

When it comes to clothing, do you prefer colors, neutrals, or black & white?

It totally depends on what I am going to, but overall I think I tend to wear dark, more neutral colors.

When getting rid of old items, do you donate to goodwill? Do you shop/buy from goodwill?

I go to Goodwill every now and then. I feel like I have bad luck or just don’t know how to thrift very well because a lot of times I leave feeling empty-handed. When getting rid of clothes recently, I have been using apps like Poshmark.

What is the best style advice you’ve ever gotten?

Fashion was something that I have gotten into more recently, so I am not sure that I have ever been given direct advice about it. This likely sounds super basic, but I follow a fashion influencer on Instagram (@annagracenewell) who dresses how she wants when she wants, no matter the occasion. Seeing her do this was sort of like advice because it gave me the mindset just to do the darn thing. If I think something is fun or cute, I wear it. Life is too short to not have fun and express your creativity.

What’s the best (general) advice you’ve ever gotten?

You will never please everyone, so do your best and everything else will work out.

What is the most expensive clothing item you’ve ever bought?

A pair of real cowgirl boots from a boutique in Nashville.

Do you still have them?

Yes!

What item in your closet do you wear the most?

Gym leggings honestly. But for nicer, real clothes, probably my black denim skirt. I love a good skirt moment and it goes with everything.

Shoes or Bags?

Shoes, easy.

What are the last three items you bought?

Gym leggings, a white dress with flower accents, and a hot pink top.

Do you use any specific hair products? If so, what?

I use an argon hair oil after days I wash my hair. I have been doing this for years now and I don’t think I will ever stop.

What’s a style every woman should try at least once in their life?

A fun flare jean. These were in style in the ‘70s and they have started to come back into style down south, which is the vibe I try to base my clothes on. They are so flattering.

Do you have a skincare routine? If so, what is it?

I use LaRoche posay face wash, then I put on the Ordinary’s niacin amide, and lastly, I add a CeraVe sunscreen/moisturizer.

Do you have a fitness routine?

Yes. This is something that I wanted to do for myself this year. I quite honestly go to the gym 6-7 days a week. I alternate between 3 different areas – shoulders/back, triceps/biceps, and then leg day. I input cardio typically 3-4 times during the week too.

Do you have fitness goals?

Honestly, I am just working to be the best version of myself. Someone I feel confident in. Super cliché, but that’s my truth.

Who is the last person you followed on Twitter or Instagram?

Oh my gosh, I don’t even know. It was probably a company that is related to an internship I am completing.

Do beauty standards affect your mental health?

At times I do think it impacts how I feel about myself, but I would say for the most part, I do a good job of not letting it impact me.

What do you do to pull yourself out of a rut/low point?

I am someone who finds great passion in my faith, so I turn to Jesus.

What is one thing you wish you knew about your style when you were younger?

It’s okay to try new things. Don’t be scared to buy that fun piece of clothing.