Duke campus style: What’s your swag?
Styles, trends, and inspiration from the BC to Perkins Library
We might not always wear their best to class, but we definitely each have our own unique style.
We asked undergrads and graduate students alike what their swag is, and what inspires them. In keeping with the global nature of fashion, we talked to students from around the world and asked them a few questions.
And this is their swag.
Alex Milu: Romania, Senior, Math and Computer Science
What’s your swag? Mostly casual style.
When did you fall in love with fashion? My peers in high school influenced me.
What should every fashionista have in their closet at the moment? A nice trench coat for the season. Preferably from Massimo Dutti.
Style tip: Don’t wear baggy sweatpants.
My favorite item on the spot: The suede brown lace-up boots. Definitely a trend for both men and women. And rightfully so. It looks great on Alex Milu and would probably look great on you.
Ashan-Wa Aliogo: Nigeria, Junior
What’s your swag? Colorful, bright, sophisticated.
When did you fall in love with fashion? During high school in Florida, my interest was kick started, also people being curious about my African prints.
Style icons: My Mum and Luanna Perez.
What should every fashionista have in their closet ATM: African Ankara print skirts, works for all seasons.
Style tips: Be yourself in what you wear.
My favorite item on the spot: The hoop earrings will always have a place in my heart. Though I don’t have my ears pierced, I love the look.
Vera Xu: China, Junior, BME/ECE
What’s your swag? Mild elements of punk rock style.
When did you fall in love with fashion? During a trip to Africa in Summer 2015, it influenced my personality, which then influenced my fashion taste.
What should every fashionista have in their closet ATM?: A nice leather jacket and lace-up flats.
Style tip: If you dress in all black, have something flashy that stands out, like gold earrings or a flowered patterned scarfs – it’s the little things that make the difference.
My favorite item on the spot: The gray coat with the slightly boxy fit and faded gray color looks great with the redness of her hair. The boxy jacket first hit the fall runways a couple of years ago, but still remains one of my favorite trends.
Abbas Zaidi: Boston, MA, PHD candidate in statistics
What’s your swag? Always between classic and simple.
When did you fall in love with fashion? Since childhood, I’ve always been passionate about looks.
Style icon: My Dad, he always dresses very classy.
What should every fashionista have in their closet ATM?: A nice watch.
My favorite item on the spot: Omega Watch – it’s the same brand used by the Apollo 11 astronauts. Besides that, I love a good watch.
Alessandro: Italian, Junior
What’s your swag? “I’m Italian.”
My Favorite item on the spot: His sunglasses. It’s a very casual and classic look, and the sunglasses with their shape and frame added a bit of an “edge”.
Emile Riachi: Lebanon, Freshman, Public Policy and Economics
What’s your swag? “Laughing with friends.”
My Favorite item on the spot: The long puffer coat. I like the casual look with the jeans and the hoodie, with the volume and the fur on the jacket. And it looks warm. Very warm.
Where you can find his coat: Pepe Jeans London.
Daniel Lin: Korea, Sophomore, Economics
What’s your swag? Short people can also dress nicely and look fashionable.
When did you fall in love with fashion? First got interested in fashion after getting to know about Nick Wooster online.
Style icon: “fashion ppl” on Instagram,
My favorite item on the spot: The blue suede shoes tie the look together. Very on trend with what I’ve seen here on Duke’s campus, all Blue Devils with a twist.
Alan Sze: Boston, First Year Masters, BME
What is your swag? I just like comfort.
Style tip: Super cold winters, gotta have a few heavy jackets.
My favorite item on the spot: The jacket for sure. The blue and beige with the big zippers add flare to the look.
Davies Odu: Nigeria, First Year Masters, Engineering
What is my swag? Grew up in Nigeria, then moved to Russia for university and am now in the USA. I love to travel, so my swag is a little bit of everything from everywhere.
Style tip: Confidence. And that’s exactly what all these Dukies have.
Check out Davies’ Instagram for more great style.