Student Style Spotlight: Rock ‘n’ Roll and In Control with James Rousse

Story by Hannah Kaske
Photos by Anne Langan

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

We caught up with James Rousse, who shows off his style on and off campus.

The economics and fashion merchandising student describes his unique style as “cool and trendy,” but he may just be being modest with that description.

 “I think my style reflects my personality – it can be pretty loud sometimes and I am a loud and fun person. I’m always trying different, and trying out new things, and it reflects in my style.”

Social Inspiration
Rousse’s inspiration comes from celebrities and magazines.  He says he looks to them for fashion advice, so he can put his own spin to the look.

He says he also likes to follow iconic celebrities, like the Kardashians.

“They are huge in the fashion world and there is no way to deny it,” Rousse said.

Rousse says he likes finding the models who are in fashion shows and following them on Instagram and see what they wear in real life.

“I feel like most people would tell you to wear whatever you want, but my big thing is, if I see something I like, I want to look like them and follow their style inspiration.”

Achieving The Look
Rousse shops specifically for pieces in order to accomplish a look he wants to achieve. There’s no browsing and picking up what he thinks might look good.

He admitted he has a weakness for sweatpants and always buys them when he sees them in stores.

Another weakness?

“I love jackets. That’s why the leopard jacket stuck out to me. It is very me because it is so noticeable,” Rousse said.

Rockin’ Out
Rousse admits his favorite way to express his style is through the vastly different genres of fashion.

He mixes it up, favoring the hip hop culture, but also likes rock ‘n’ roll, high fashion and fast fashion.

In high school he said wasn’t confident enough to wear what he wanted to wear. But since college, his confidence has skyrocketed.

“I honestly believe that if I didn’t gain confidence from changing my fashion, I wouldn’t have been confident enough to have made half the friends I have today. Fashion changed me as a person and gave me so much more confidence. It really can help shape you as a person and give you confidence, and that is the best part about it.”

For some, fashion is only the clothes we wear, but it’s also a way of life, and for Rousse, it’s a passion and expressive outlet to be his true self.