Students Highlight Fashion Inspiration and Evolving Trends

Fashion at Santa Barbara High School (SBHS) has long been a reflection of individuality, creativity, and evolving trends. Students across campus approach style in unique ways, drawing inspiration from diverse sources and shaping a culture of expression that is as dynamic as the student body itself. Recently, several students shared their perspectives on what inspires their fashion, the trends they value, and those they believe are better left behind. 

For senior Malakai Castenada, inspiration can be traced back to a distinctive online era. When asked where he looks for ideas, he shared, “2014 Tumblr pictures.” Around campus, his favorite trend is clear: “long shorts with low socks.” Yet not all trends resonate equally. Castaneda stated directly that Uggs are “overrated” and “oversaturated.” His broader philosophy on fashion reflects his belief in freedom of expression: “wearing whatever you want because fashion is a form of self-expression.” His passion for style, he explained, began in middle school after being teased for wearing clothes from Target. From there, he started thrifting and, in his words, “never looked back.”

Belle Olivera described her inspiration as a blend of observation and online influence. After some hesitation, she admitted, “I get a lot of it from Pinterest and looking at other people in school and downtown.” She has been particularly intrigued by accessories lately. “I have been really into belts recently. I like to see everyone’s cool belt choices,” she said. Unlike others, Olivera declined to dismiss any particular trend. “I don’t really have one, I feel whatever way you express yourself is perfectly fine.” For her, style is about appreciation and balance. “I kind of like the collared shirt vibe that’s been happening a lot, like the ones from Brandy Mellville or the thrifted ones, I just love a good collared button-up shirt, I think it’s so cute.” She also noted her love of long skirts and dresses  and remarked that “boots are really cute.”

A’exla Ritchie described her approach to fashion as a journey influenced by fast decades and personal discovery. “Kind of from the 1990’s a little but, like the soul era, I also try to mix some 70s inspiration, and it’s kind of hippie, I guess you could say, with a little bit of bohemian,” she said, noting that, “some of it was from my mom and the rest I figured out on my own. It was definitely a journey, but a fun one.” Currently, Ritchie has been captivated by accessories. “The belts, I’ve been seeing a lot of baddies with some really cute belts, and I think it’s a light accent, but it can take an outfit to the next level one hundred percent.” When reflecting on what should fade, she offered a thoughtful critique: “I think it’s less of a trend and more of a mindset, but a lack of individuality, like trying to just do what you think is cool.” At the same time, she highlights what she thinks should stay. After switching between baggy jeans and skinny jeans, she landed on a statement about details: “jewelry, layering jewelry, jewelry layers, just wearing earrings and nothing else is beautiful and can take an outfit a long way, but a ton of bracelets, watches, and rings, I love that.”

Together, these voices underscore the vibrancy of SBHS’s fashion culture. From thrifted finds to collared shirts, statement belts to layered jewelry, students are crafting their identities through style. Their reflections point to a shared theme: whether through vintage inspiration, online platforms, or personal discovery, fashion on campus remains a living expression of individuality and creativity.”