Professorial Style; What can we learn from Professor Fashion?
Nicole Lara
When it comes to dressing choices, everyone has a different style. Something that catches my attention is how professors dress and what leads them to those choices. Is there a department who dresses the best? Or does it have to do with individual choices?
I interviewed four Middlebury Professors who were all referred to me by several students as having great style.
Professor Sandra Carletti: Italian Department
When asked what department has the trendiest professors, Professor Carletti stated that “Italian and French departments but sometimes the Spanish department too.” She believes that the Italian or European style is more tailored and pays attention to structure and form.
“I think style is more related to where you come from and not necessarily the department you work for.”
Professor Carletti’s Fashion Do’s and Don’ts
DO
Pay attention to color
Coordinate and pay attention to details
Find similar color palettes
Make an effort in deciding what to wear
High waisted pants
Scarves
Mini purses & Bags
DON’T
Dress like you’re going to the gym
Sweatshirt and Sweatpants are not dressing up
Overall, Professor Carletti says she dresses “typical to how an Italian would dress” and loves to dress for the fall because she can mix and match two of her favorite colors, green and brown.
Professor Louisa Burnam: History Department
Professor Burnam describes her fashion as “Idiosyncratic and not very Vermonty” with inspiration from Italian and French trends. She agrees with Professor Carletti that athletic clothes should not be worn that often. She also said that Art History has the trendiest professors and that she likes to wear cool shoes.
“I’ve never tried to fit in, I make fashion my own.”
Professor Burnam’s Guide to Layering
A very simple base (Black or black and white)
Not too many accessories
Generally bright and Colorful top
Wear what makes you happy or amuses you
Wear comfortable and cool shoes
For the most part, Professor Burnam states that she has never really tried to fit in when it came to fashion and that in the 7th grade and high school she was described as someone who “Wears weird clothes and sings in the halls.” She is proud of how she dresses and says that she would dress the same no matter what department she worked for.
Professor Eliza Garrison; History Department
Professor Garrison prefers to dress for the spring and fall seasons and believes that the History and Art History departments are the best dressed. She thinks that style is a personal choice and that she would dress the same no matter what department she worked for.
Professor Garrison’s Style Tips
Wear what you want
Wear what makes you feel good
You can make basic things cool
Athletic Wear → Fluorescent patagonia shorts
It's about comfort
Adapt trends to fit your style
Wool will keep you warm in the winter
Altogether, Professor Garrison mentions that social media does influence her style choices but she adapts the trends to fit her current style. She also revealed that she worked in a cool vintage store when she was younger and loves clothes from the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
Professor Laura Lesta Garcia; Spanish Department
Professor Lesta Garcia declared that most of her clothes are from either Zara or Mango, which are both Spanish retail clothing chains. She takes inspiration from Spanish fashion and does not think she would dress differently if she worked for another department, but if she worked in another country she would dress differently. She is also very adamant that students should not show up to class in pajamas and they should put a little bit more effort if that is the case.
She does not think there is a specific department who has the trendiest professors but she likes people who dress with personality, like Sujata Moorti, who is the Dean of Faculty. She also takes muse from Spanish fashion and states that:
“It is hard to dress with personality, especially in Vermont. Bold style choices always catch my attention.”
She also prefers to dress for fall and spring because she does not like the heat of summer or the layering for winter.
Professor Lesta Garcia’s Guide to Capsule Wardrobe
Basic layers
High waisted Jeans
Blazers with sneakers
Style clothes is a comfortable way
Make it your own
Aim for pieces that pair well, not quanitity
Good winter coat, gloves, and scarves for the winter
French & Francophone Studies