Welcome back to Fetch Fits! Today, I will be speaking to you not as a disembodied all-knowing voice, but as Jess, a regular-ish high school girl with a fashion column. As my time on the Ledger comes to a close, I’ve been thinking about my time in high school a lot, and I want to commemorate not only the memories I’ve made, but the outfits that I’ve worn. In this article, I’m going to teach you how to dress like me (at this point in time, at least) in seven easy steps. Seven is my lucky number, and I wish you luck in executing this new style I have dubbed “Jess Core”

• The Clothes

This is the silhouette I wear the most often: some wide leg pants and either a plain tank top or a t-shirt. Sometimes, I’ll pull out a dress or a maxi skirt if there’s an occasion, but overwhelmingly, this is the combination I wear the most on a day-to-day basis. Keep your tops simple, but cute, maybe some lace trim or a cute graphic if you’re feeling crazy. Over the past year, I’ve been building up a pants collection: putting on a pair of pants that are a cool color or pattern with a boring top immediately makes your outfit look more impressive with less work. I’ve been partial to red and gingham pants myself, but there are countless options. Linen pants are amazing with the hot summer weather (even if they’re a pain to iron,) and I’ve also gotten into wearing the slacks I bought for my last internship on school days when I want to feel a little more polished. Jeans are fine and all, but don’t limit yourself- Jess sure doesn’t.

• The Accessories

Getting into jewelry has been amazing for my social life, but absolutely horrible for my bank account. Most of my bracelet collection was made by me, along with many of my necklaces- including the one I wore in my senior photos. Not only is this next-level gatekeeping, but it also gives you a fun hobby and a supreme advantage in any gift-giving scenario. Also, carabiners are incredible for carrying around stuff like your ID, your house keys, your car keys if you drive (I’m not quite there yet,) and most importantly, a cute little trinket that you paid too much money for. We are currently living in a trinket renaissance, so whether you’re hitting up Urban Outfitters, Miniso, or even Hobby Lobby to make your own, adding a little flair to your belt loop is so Jess.

• The Makeup

When I look back at how I did my makeup when I first started, I realized that I didn’t even really like makeup as a whole, I just really liked huge, winged eyeliner. Today, I still can’t leave the house without my eyeliner, but it’s a lot smaller. I’ve also hoarded plenty of berry-toned lip items, from balms to tints to glosses, that all look the same to most people but are very different to me. Pro tip- don’t put them in your pockets because you’ll forget them there and then they’ll melt into nothing in the laundry. Those two elements are the key to Jess Core makeup, along with powder, because Florida is hot and I’m always shiny the minute I step outside.

• The Hair and the Shoes

This is one section because there’s really not much to say. The thought of wearing shoes that aren’t Doc Martens is genuinely distressing to me. A lot of people will tell you that Docs are impossible to break in, but I’ve had my everyday pair since middle school, so they’re practically an extension of me at this point. As for hair, I almost never do my own hair and just leave it down- unless it’s due for a wash or really hot, then I might do two braids. Oh, and another essential item for Jess Core? Dry shampoo, because having curtain bangs is a battle and I am its strongest soldier.

• The Fight

In the past, I’ve advocated for raiding your parents’ closets for authentic vintage, but the tables have turned. My own mom has started building a rob list from my closet, consisting of several pairs of pants and at least four shirts from Uniqlo, which she refuses to buy from because they didn’t let her return a sweater once, and is devastated when I tell her where “her shirt” is from. So maybe a key part of Jess Core is buying a lock for your closet, too.

• The Scent

As part of a year-long initiative to start being quiet, I have tried to avoid revealing what I use to smell good for fifteen minutes before the school air gets to me. However, with college ahead and high school ending, I have nothing to lose, so here it is: Bath & Body Works Gingham Gorgeous body spray, either the matching body wash or the Orange & Ginger aromatherapy wash when it’s in season, Clinique Happy, and whatever Native deodorant my mom has under her sink. Real ones know that the stuff your mom has under her sink is the best.

• The Lifestyle

It seems like every good style comes with its own set of principles. So, what is the Jess Core mindset? Work hard, be creative, love your friends, love your parents. Keep your eyes set on your goals, but remember to take time to do things you like. Learn how to cook, drive (not well, but drive,) and don’t be afraid to ask for help. And of course, whenever you walk into a room, hold your head high, because you have some serious style- and because your posture is likely akin to that of a fried shrimp.

This might be the last issue of Fetch Fits that you read on this website, but I hope to take this column with me beyond my high school days. So, keep an eye out for when Fetch Fits reappears (wherever that may be,) and remember to put on deodorant, match your bag to your shoes, and never forget that you’re amazing and… I love you. See you next time!