Student Style Spotlight: Vintage Meets Modern with Tatanasia Hightower

Central Michigan University’s campus serves as a runway for the everyday fashionista. Forget magazines and paparazzi shots – the real style icons can be spotted walking to class.

We caught up with Farmington Hills sophomore, Tatanasia “Nay” Hightower, to discuss her personal style.

Hightower describes her everyday apparel as a fusion of vintage and modern.

Finding Comfort in Layers

On days her eclectic inspiration falls short, Hightower shared that her go-to article of clothing is one of her many hoodies.

“Comfortable clothes are my favorite, so if I can just reach for a jacket or a hoodie I’ll do that,” Hightower said.

When styling a basic piece such as a sweatshirt, Hightower pulls inspiration from men’s fashion.

“You see guys with layers all the time. They’ll put a vest over a hoodie or just add another layer.”

Adding dimension to her looks with extra layers is how Hightower remains fashion forward while still staying comfortable.

A Dancer’s Eye for Design

Hightower is passionate about dancing and is currently an executive board member and choreographer for Central Michigan University’s Rampage Dance Team.

Before attending CMU, Hightower lived in Virginia and was surrounded and inspired by free-spirited individuals who provided more style inspiration than any celebrity ever did.

“I don’t have a celebrity fashion icon because I don’t feel like they do it themselves. They have people put those looks together for them,” Hightower said.

While assembling an outfit, Hightower looks for pieces that fit her personal style, but also fit her body well.

“I like for my pants and my shirt to be kind of fitted, but adding a jacket can add that loose feel to the look.”

Hair, Makeup, Accessories – Completing Her Versatile Look

Though clothing is an excellent way to express one’s style, hair makes just as much of a statement. For Hightower, keeping it as natural as possible is her go-to ‘do.

“I’ve never used chemicals in my hair because I try to keep it healthy. I can wear it straight, curly, puffy – it just depends on the day or the weather.”

Similar to her hair routine, Hightower keeps her makeup application fairly minimal.

Whenever she wears makeup, her go to beauty routine consists of eyeliner and mascara. Accentuating the eyes keeps the look simple while adding a touch of femininity to her look.

Hightower has recently acquired a love for wooden jewelry, as the texture and shade of the wooden pieces allow for more versatility than silver or gold.

Staying Fashionably True to Herself

Overall, Hightower embraces her natural beauty and allows her personality to shine through her apparel choices. Her style is unique and to be appreciated if you see her on campus.

Hightower capped off her interview with us by stating, “It doesn’t have to be expensive, and it doesn’t have to be name brand. I just like clothes!”