Fashion Profile: Mary Begley

Year: 2014

Major: American Studies

Q: How would you describe your style?

Denim on denim. Black on black. What Chelsea Clinton would like if she was in The Descendents. With a little bit of glam.

Q:   What are your most prominent fashion influences?

Early 80’s punk. My So Called Life-Rayanne Graff. Pizza. My Catholic school upbringing and Americana.

Q: What is your favorite piece of clothing that you own?

Probably this chiffon skirt that I got in Moscow that’s full length, see-through and has little booty shorts attached underneath. I feel like the witch queen when I wear it.

Q: Is there anyone on campus whose fashion style you admire?

Frenchie, because he always has a lot of school spirit on his sweatshirts and his pants are always the perfect amount of slouch.

Q: How do you think going to a Catholic school for 13 years has influenced the way you view fashion?

Since it was all girls, it was low maintenance and I didn’t have to shower a lot. You couldn’t really accessorize your uniform much but I put patches on it and always wore crazy boots. Wearing the same thing every day meant that on the weekends I really got wild with my look and wore a lot of dramatic things. Today, I like to play with religious elements of style such as cross necklaces and plaid and my school cardigan.

Q: As the lead singer of a punk band, do you find that you alter your style when you perform? 

It’s pretty much the same as my everyday clothes except sometimes I put sequins on the corner of my eyes. I also always wear my hair down so I can flip it around for effect.

Q: What are you wearing right now?

I’m wearing a necklace with triangles because it’s the strongest geometric figure. My denim jacket. My Catholic school cardigan. A black dress, black tights, smart wool socks because I’m practical and my black boots that are indestructible.

Q: Do you have any advice for the less fashionable?

When you wake up in the morning wear exactly what you’re feeling. Don’t wear what’s stylish or what looks cute to boys. Uproot the conventions of fashion and replace them with your own by wearing only what you like and nothing else. And don’t forget your denim jacket.