Style Capsule: Octavia
Thoughts | Vanessa Nardin Kruczaj and Lesley Cheung
Sights | Sena Cheung
Octavia Andrade-Dixon, ‘20
UofT, Human Geography Specialist, Focus in Planning, Minor in Portuguese
On a chilly Sunday afternoon at the culmination of reading week, Octavia Andrade-Dixon can be found hard at work, writing an essay. The Howl’s second-issue cover star and Woodsworth’s very own knows how to dress for both form and function. She reveals her approach to dressing for one’s self and how her choices are influenced by the events of the day in store for her — from commutes on a bike, to taking an exam, to delivering a presentation, to working a shift, or a cozy day at home. In this sit-down interview, we explore how Octavia uses her style as a form of communication, her view on the importance of sustainability in fashion, the influencers she is inspired by, how mood and location affect the way she dresses, and the perceptions that come with it all.
Let’s begin with what you’re wearing right now:
Octavia: I really like thrifting because I work in retail and fast fashion is bad for the environment. Everything I’m wearing now is either thrifted or from a non-fast fashion store, except for my shoes. I’m wearing Reebok Aztreks in peach and coral. I paired it with boys’ uniform pants from a local uniform store with a cropped button-up sweater tank from the local surplus store like those ones you see in Chinatown. If you’re willing to dig, you can actually find some really cute pieces. A thrifted, allegedly, Armani belt. I don’t think so though, it’s probably Armani Exchange. A belt chain that is actually a necklace that my friend got me from India; I’ve turned it into a belt chain by attaching to a carabiner which has my keys on it. In terms of jewelry, I wear eight rings a day. I never take them off, except for the chain rings. A Pandora bracelet my mom got me, a FitBit with a silver chain link band, another necklace that my mom got me, and one from my godmother from Thailand. [The necklace] is a purple orchid since my middle name is Orchid. Then, I have a pendant necklace from my aunt that has my birthstone in it. For earrings today, I have a pair of Pandora hoops and they have a heart pendant on them.
Does your style help you meet people or start conversations?
Octavia: Depending on the spaces I’m in, I would say yes. I’ve experienced people ask me where I’ve bought things from and we will discuss that. If I’m in a space where people dress more eclectically, not just fast-fashion, I will feel comfortable to go up and talk to them because I have something to bounce off of. A lot of times my rings get attention because I wear so many. If I compliment someone on something they are wearing, and we start talking then they might ask me about my jewelry. A lot of times it’s also my pants.
Tell us more about these eight rings a day.
Octavia: The first one I ever got is the one on my right index finger. My mom gave it to me; it was hers which she got in Mexico when she was young and travelling. On my pinky, I have a ring by MAILROOM, @mailroomofficial. It’s a Toronto designer who makes chain rings, and I have another matching one on the other pinky. On my middle finger, I have a ring from Queen West from one of those small kiosks. Same for my other index finger. This is a multi-ring ring; it has five rings connected together. Then, I have a Pandora circle ring that I got from my godmother and another Pandora ring on my other thumb, and on my left index finger, I have a ring that kind of looks like a bolt. My dad got it for me when he went to Jamaica.
I wear them every day because I’ve gotten so used to them. If I don’t wear them, my fingers look naked. But they are cool, and they don’t really get in the way of anything. They make a lot of noise if I’m moving my hands around.
When did you first become interested in fashion and style?
Octavia: From when I was teeny. My mom and I used to watch What Not To Wear together on Fridays. That was our little tradition. If you remember Scholastics, you could get those books where you cut out your own designs and fabrics. I had books and books of those cutout designs. I also learned how to sew when I was really young and would sew clothes for my stuffed animals.
When I was in 7th and 8th grade, I was on Tumblr following model accounts and from there I would see the shows and various fashion cycles. I remember following Imaan Hammam and Duckie Thot. It was really nice as a thinner black girl, which isn’t necessarily the beauty ideal. I’d look up to models because even though I wasn’t under scrutiny, I was told I could gain weight. Seeing people who looked like me and shaped similarly to how I am gave me [not only] style inspiration but also confidence and people to look towards.
My mom was also always a really stylish woman and she still is. She taught me to buy quality rather than quantity. She was always an inspiration. My aunts also owned a clothing store selling Italian designers in Yorkville. It was interesting seeing what they were selling, their clients, and going through their books to see what they saw on their buying trips to Europe.
What does an everyday outfit look like for you?
Octavia: I would say a pair of cool pants; probably a wide or straight leg trousers, or a pair of mom jeans. Frank and Oak mom jeans are really nice. I always end up layering because I get cold really easily. Today, I’m wearing three layers. I own like twelve turtlenecks, so a turtleneck from Uniqlo or thrifted (the heat-tech ones are my favourite) in a solid colour or striped. Then, a fleece or a bomber with a puffer like the black one I’m wearing today — a piece of outerwear that doesn’t ruin the whole outfit — paired with sneakers or a pair of loafers.
What’s the first thing you notice that someone else is wearing?
Octavia: I think pants and shoes. I love a good pair of pants. I notice how people move in their clothes too. There is definitely a certain type of confidence when someone is wearing a more elaborate outfit.
How did you choose to study Human Geography?
Octavia: I wanted to do a History Major and a Geography Minor but then I took History and the Intro to International Relations. It was the most uninteresting course I’ve ever taken but the professor was a sweetheart. I then took the Geography of Food and thought “Oh, this is really interesting,” so I dropped a course and picked up another Geography course, GGR124, and [knew] this is what I was going to study. For Portuguese, my great-great-grandfather was Portuguese, and I had an uncle who lived in Brazil and spoke [the language]. First year, I decided to try out the class to see how it goes and it was super small, a Monday 6pm-8pm, all year. Winter nights, eight of us together. By the end it was really nice, and I was doing well, so I continued in the program. I’d say it is one of the better language programs at U of T. I’ve managed to learn Portuguese and have gone to Portugal and Brazil. It’s a nice combo and somehow ends up working well together. I get access through knowing Portuguese to reading papers from Brazil and Portugal which is really interesting because of the geographies and the different political climates, especially in Brazil currently.
What do you do outside of school? Sports? Hobbies?
Octavia: I work at Hollister at Fairview Mall, which is a hilarious place because whenever people think of Hollister, they think of those logo tees and low-rise jeans. They’ve definitely revamped and have [become] trendier, which is nice because I can actually buy some clothes from there. It gives me a chance to see what is on the market before it is popular. I keep up with fashion and things that are outside of the fast-fashion world. I like to see what trends blend into fast fashion. I remember winter 2018, we had basically Gucci knockoffs, with embroidered snakes and tigers. We had box logos which was like knockoff Supreme. It also makes me shop fast-fashion less and see how high the turnover is. We update clothes every three weeks during busy seasons. It makes me more conscious of what I wear, and I try to make my clothes outside of work as interesting as I can.
Is there an article of clothing you are scared of wearing?
Octavia: I don’t like when items are shapeless because I think I can get lost in them since I am a petite person. I wore a lot of bodycon things in high school but I don’t like to now. There is a certain level of scrutiny that comes with wearing bodycon items because people think they have the right to start staring at you. I don’t necessarily enjoy the attention bodycon invites, so I don’t wear it as often. I do wear bike shorts, but I associate those with exercise rather than the objectification that comes with bodycon dresses.
Would you say your style is associated with your identity?
Octavia: I think so. I grew up going to the gym a lot because my dad was a track coach. A lot of things I wear in the summer are athleisure and not just to be fashionable but to be functional since I do bike. I’d also say I’m pretty tomboyish. I do still love wearing dresses, but I did have a phase where I was like “I don’t wear dresses.” It wasn’t until middle school/high school where I started again. There are definitely days where I dress more androgynously or some days where I dress really feminine. I like that I can do both and they are both comfortable. I’m not sure how people read it, but I like how it feels. Sometimes, I mix the two [i.e.,] pairing a very masculine outfit with colourful eyeliner or a bunch of blush.
What TV shows do you watch?
Octavia: I’m really bad at watching shows but I waste my time on YouTube. Some of the youtubers I really like are:
· Tar Mar, she is an Irish creator living in New York and does fashion content,
· Lizzy Hadfield, she’s from Manchester, lives in London, does a lot of fashion content,
· Wear I Live, she is a vegan and thrifty-type person,
· A Brazilian youtuber I watch who does thrifting, named Nátaly Neri. All of her content is in Portuguese. She does DIYs, how to make your own makeup, and a self-care series. Her stuff is really cool.
What about music?
I listen to a lot. I almost always have my headphones in. Depending on the day: Brazilian Funk, Brazilian Bossa Nova, which is a bit jazzier, or what they call MPB, which is popular Brazilian music in English. A lot of alternative R&B. My favourite artist from middle school until now is The Weeknd. It ebbs and flows with how much I like him, but I still go back to Trilogy a lot. Alternative rap, not mainstream. Smino is really good, I think he’s super fun. Also, Doja Cat. Her music videos are fantastic. Japanese city pop is nice for studying; it’s instrumental and jazzy.
Do you think music, TV, and social media impacts the pieces you buy and wear?
Octavia: 100%. I don’t know about music but YouTubers, for sure. I take style cues from Lizzy and Tara. Their style is up my alley, and Jenny from Wear I Live who has the mindset to thrift. Asia Jackson does a lot of specific styling tips and how to formulate an outfit, which I think is really useful. When I see trends online, my goal is to try and interpret it in my own way. I have a cobalt blue polo top with a neon green Polo emblem that I thrifted, which was my take on neon. Everyone was like, “That’s my slime,” and we get it, highlighters, but it has to be done well. Most people throw on a whole neon outfit and think they are set but it needs to be a moment, not a Hilroy highlighter. I still haven’t jumped on animal print.
Would you say your mood influences how you dress?
Octavia: Yes, I feel like it’s the mood and the weather. I’m like, “Today is going to be a cozy mood,” so I’ll wear a pair of lowkey Uniqlo trousers, a big hoodie, and a beanie. If I have an exam or presentation, I will beat my face and put on an outfit that makes me feel really good. If it doesn’t go that well, at least I still look nice. If I have the confidence to do well, I look good, and I’m prepared, I will get an A.
Do you think going to school in downtown Toronto (compared to in the suburbs) has influenced the way you dress?
Octavia: I definitely think it’s given me the freedom to dress how I want. It’s not necessarily that U of T is a fashion campus. If I were to compare it to UTSC or if I had stayed going to school in the suburbs, it’s far less of a big deal if you are wearing something not normative here. You are more likely to see someone else [doing the same].
I still work uptown, so if I’m at work and come in with the clothes that I wear at school, they assume I am dressed up but it’s more like this is how I dress every day. At work I will come in with jeans and a t-shirt whereas at school you will rarely catch me in my skinny jeans. If I do, it’s very intentional. Downtown has given me the space and the option to go to events and see what people are wearing [which I can] take cues from.
Do you receive the comment that you are “dressed up” for class often?
Octavia: Yes. At the beginning of the semester, I would have three classes on Tuesdays, and I’d start at 10am and finish at 8pm. I’d dress nicely because [that day] was going to suck and I would want to wear something that would make me feel good. When I’d get to class, someone would say, “You’re so dressed up” and I’d be like, “On purpose.” I’m not really that dressed up; it’s a skirt and a shirt, not sweatpants. That’s another thing; I don’t really wear sweatpants outside the house. My mom was always saying sweatpants are for in the home, and so I grew up thinking sweatpants are pajamas and home clothes. I still have yet to find a good pair of sweatpants that I can wear outside the house. That’s my goal; to be cozy but not look like a slob. Right now, I have a pair of Uniqlo ankle trousers that serve as my sweatpants.
Do you find yourself gravitating towards people with a similar style to you?
Octavia: If I’m out and I don’t know people, then I will think, “Oh, they look interesting,” and I will want to talk to them. My friends and I don’t actually dress alike but we all dress well. We all have different body types and different skin tones. It doesn’t necessarily have to be that they are dressed in a cool way or stand out but if I can see that there was intention, I pay attention to that. Someone who is wearing something classic and is well put together is more impressive that someone that is wearing a bunch of ostentatious things that don’t look that good.
Do you believe your interest in fashion hinders how people perceive your intelligence?
Octavia: It depends on what context I’m in. I don’t dress conservatively but I’d say I dress appropriately to the settings I’m in such that I will be taken seriously. Makeup is an interesting thing because it ages me in a way to which people aren’t looking at me like I am a young person. I find I have the ability to be articulate and dress appropriately in settings such that it isn’t such a barrier.
I’m also usually one of the few black people in those spaces and so that is more of something to say than what I’m wearing. What I’m wearing adds to that, but it’s layered. My hair gets attention, a lot of weird attention, with people being over-inviting to my body and my space. Just because I’ve done my hair doesn’t grant you access to my body. My hair is definitely noticed more but it is also part of my style as I have the ability to change it and wear a multitude of styles. In these spaces, I am also self-regulating where I am cognizant of these perceptions.
Do you have a desired career path for the future? How do you see fashion fitting into your future and/or career?
Octavia: Here I am in my fourth year, existential crisis, where I don’t actually know. I was set on becoming an elementary school teacher which I wanted to do for quite some time. It was during my third year that I realized I really like doing research. It was then that I thought I could see myself as an academic. I find that I sometimes find myself thinking that I’m peaked dressed as a teacher. When I’m in an academic setting, I don’t find anyone particularly interestingly dressed. When I’ve had to do presentations, I always try to dress in a way to convey style but also professionalism and try to make even those outfits interesting with not just a standard button-down and trousers.
Do you have a “feel good” outfit, one that makes you feel most you?
Octavia: My black-wash Frank and Oak Stevie jeans; they fit me perfectly and I don’t need a belt which is very rare. I’m indifferent on the top. Maybe my cobalt blue polo or a t-shirt with a striped turtleneck underneath paired with loafers to switch it up the streetwear on top and [have] classic shoes on the bottom.
In terms of jewelry, my everyday rings and a pair of earrings by this artist named Karina Padilla, she’s Mexican American, and she puts her paintings on pieces like totes and jewelry. I would feel really good in this during the fall. In the summer, biker shorts with an oversized Sydney 2000 Olympics t-shirt my dad got coaching there. This is a quintessential outfit for me. For hats, bucket hats for summer, a beanie in the winter.
QuickFire Questions:
Vintage or Modern?
Sneakers or Boots?
Denim or Leather? Denim jackets, Leather pants.
Gold or Silver?
Neutrals or Bold Colours?
Day or Night? Evening
Staying In or Going Out?
Summer or Winter?
Movies or YouTube?
Nike or Adidas/Reebok?
Tailored or Oversized? A healthy mix.
