In today’s edition of What to Wear This Week, Man Repeller’s Editorial Intern Imani Randolph breaks down the mechanics of what she wears and why.
Is there a particular vibe that you’re trying to channel these days when getting dressed?
I wanted my outfits for this particular shoot to channel several versions of my personal aesthetic. I’m typically drawn to athleisure, anything quirky or funky, and simple looks with a vintage charm. Sometimes these different styles blend together, though. For example, my wrap dress, net bag and wooden sandal combo treads in the simple-vintage zone, but when paired with a turtleneck and opaque tights, it crosses into quirkier territory.
What item(s) of clothing are you obsessed with right now?
Where are your favorite places to shop lately? Any affordable gems? Instagram discoveries?
My latest purchases have been from Maison Cléo, Reformation and The Break (a.k.a. my affordable vintage dream come true). I’m always looking on Kith’s Instagram, as I’m a wannabe sneakerhead, but honestly keeping up with the kick game is too expensive. I also frequently check the Opening Ceremony Instagram because they always have a finger on the pulse of what’s fresh.
What’s a weird fashion trick/tip/secret you store inside your brain?
I find that I am able to pull off pieces, especially dresses, that I don’t often have specific reasons to wear by pairing them with sneakers. If you’re concerned about being overdressed, sneakers automatically tone things down so you don’t look like you’re trying too hard.
Has college affected your style?
Yes, but not in the way you might think. I’m not the type of college student who only dresses up when I have plans or when I’m going out. I am the type of college student, however, who has been five minutes (okay 10, but who’s counting) late to class because I wanted to perfect my cool new eyeshadow.
Where do you look for fashion inspiration?
Paloma Elsesser and Summer Dawn are two of my favorite people on Instagram; their respective wardrobes make my heart sing. My number one source for IRL inspo is the Glossier Showroom. I kid you not, I ask “Hey, where’d you get that?” at least five times during every shift I work. Between my coworkers’ adorable hair clips and unique jewelry and the clientele’s spectrum of styles, my head is constantly swimming with new ideas.
Name three things at the top of your current shopping wish list.
Raf Simons + Adidas Originals Ozweego III Sneakers
Sleeper’s Dijon Orange Loungewear Dress
Julieta Alvarez’s Oyster Earrings
What’s that cool reddish-orange eyeshadow you’re always wearing on Instagram?
You change up your hair a lot. What are your favorite hair products? Any hair care/styling tips?
My hair has a tendency to get very dry, and I find that most hair products make it feel sticky instead of moisturized. The only things I stand by are argan oil and castor oil; they’re simple and do exactly what I need them to. After co-washing, I section my hair into small pieces and use the oils while doing two strand twists, then let it dry overnight (if it’s not completely dry by morning, I’ll blow it dry). Once I untwist my sections, my curls are more defined, shiny and evenly moisturized. However, this routine is a lot of effort and between class, my internship and jobs, I don’t always have time to devote to it. That’s why I change things up: buns, up-dos and braids save me a lot of time.
What’s a song you’re obsessed with right now?
I’m going to use this as an opportunity to plug one of my favorite Spanish trap music artists, who is also a friend: Check out “Imani” by Kinder Malo!
Photos by Edith Young.
