As I took a seat at the Java City in the University Union to eat lunch, an unfamiliar face approached me. She asked, “Where did you get your boots?”

My response time was sluggish, as I was fixated on her bright red hair, facial piercings and baggy pants.

We shared a few moments looking over each other, as our appearances were very different but we did share a common ground, fashion.

After our short encounter, my new friend left me socially aware that college is the cornerstone of self-expression through fashion.

Sacramento State has a very diverse campus community. In being so diverse, students are able to express and are exposed to many different interpretations of fashion and beauty.

Minjeong Kang, Sac State apparel marketing and design assistant professor, said the fashion industry in general is beginning to transition away from stereotypical forms of beauty.

“As the fashion industry continues to evolve and become more culturally accepting, we begin to see new unconventional scales of fashion become more popular,” Kang said.

At Sac State we see examples of unconventional beauty and fashion every day.

From punk, preppy and urban, to athletically laid-back clothing styles, our campus is rich with trendsetters. We are a melting pot, but our cultural diversity is not limited to ethnicity.

Social groups also contribute to the campus culture and they have a major impact on the way we dress and how we choose to express ourselves.

It is through fashion that some students are able to make bold statements about themselves.

Oni Okeigwe, junior health science major, said fashion to her is only important to a certain extent.

“It’s important when I need to make a particular impression,” she said. “It’s not important when I’m just lounging, studying or hanging out.”

Take Lady Gaga’s raw meat ensemble at the 2010 MTV Awards for example. Through an unconventional form of fashion she was not only able to express herself, but also served as a voice for many men and women serving in the U.S. military.

She took a risk and was able to be the voice for those affected by the federal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, which restricts openly gay, lesbian and bisexual people from serving in the military.

Self-expression is the single most important functionality of fashion.

Whether your style is influenced culturally or socially, channel your inner Gaga and transition away from ideological forms of fashion and beauty. Be bold and set trends with the intent to make a statement.

What does your wardrobe say about you?

Talecia Bell can be reached at [email protected].