BY CAMILA RYDER

In print | Published October 29, 2009

Name: Marie Rousseau
Class Year: 2012
From: Paris, France
Current Residence: Roberts

What she’s wearing:
“This is a dress from Urban Outfitters. This [scarf] is from Gap. The leggings are from Topshop, and [the purse] is H&M,” Rousseau said. With her French origins, most of her clothing is from Parisian boutiques and stores. “The boots are from a French store called Naf Naf. This leather jacket is from Promod.” Rousseau wears her clothes effortlessly, a technique that most Parisians seem to have.
Though she claims she doesn’t follow fashion as closely as some, she combines simple items to make an outfit equally comfortable and cool. The light brown ankle boots stand out in her outfit, especially against the black leggings. The chunky heel and suede-like material are reminiscent of the ankle boots seen in stores and runways. The ankle boot is the tamer of the boot trends for the season compared to the thigh-high boots.

Her fashion influences and inspirations:
Rousseau takes fashion cues from the 60s rock era. “I’m thinking of the girls who would go out with The Beatles: kind of groovy and always wearing dresses and skirts,” she said. The easy-going looks of 60s style are similar to Rousseau’s approach to fashion. “I just pick what I like, and it turns out most of the time to be shirts, skirts and dresses.”

Though Rousseau hails from one of the fashion capitals of the world, she tends to stay away from trends. “One thing that I don’t like about Paris is that a lot of the kids that dress fashionable all dress the same and according to these codes,” she said. “They don’t really choose what they wear; they just follow whatever.” Rousseau did not dress like them while in high school, but since coming to Swarthmore, she feels her attitude to how she dresses has changed. “Since nobody here really dresses like anyone I used to know in Paris, I feel like I can do it and it won’t be like I’m trying to be everyone else.”

Where she likes to shop:
“H&M, Zara and Urban Outfitters,” Rousseau said. She especially likes the latter for its online store and for dresses. “I’ve kind of gone crazy over Urban Outfitters,” she said of her recent purchase of three dresses.

Fashion blogs she follows:
“There’s this one website, which is French, called www.madmoizelle.com. It’s got everything. It’s got fashion and reviews of books and movies,” Rousseau said. Similar to other websites that feature daily looks from people on the streets, it also features sections about beauty and pop culture, restaurant reviews and forums.

Favorite item in her closet:
“A good black skirt” is a must, Rousseau said. She wears one all the time because its material, which is similar to wool, makes it a perfect item for when it starts to get cold. A simple wool skirt or even a red plaid mini can keep you warm and stylish; just throw on a pair of tights (this season’s look is textured) and you’re good to go.

Do you think you’ve got great style? Want everyone to know about it? Then submit a photo of you in your best outfit to cryder1@swarthmore.edu. Please include your name and contact information.

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