When thinking about how to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States this July, the team at Vogue started asking: What does American style look like today? With over 340 million people living across 50 states and 14 territories, there’s no simple answer. So we turned to writer Biz Sherbert, who explores how young people dress in her newsletter, American Style, for guidance.
Vogue asked Sherbert to find 50 young people across the country who, in her view, best represent modern American style. The rules were straightforward: U.S. residents aged 18 to 30 submitted four photos, a short video, and answers to four quick questions through the Vogue app. (You can read more about how Sherbert chose them here.) After narrowing it down to her top 50, she met two of them in person. First, she went to Shakopee, Minnesota—a suburb of Minneapolis—to see 19-year-old Owen Peters, and then to Birmingham, Alabama, to meet Chelsi Banks, also 19.
Sherbert’s 50 American Style x Vogue finalists showcase the diversity of Americana, with personal tastes ranging from Pacific Northwest grunge to classic Westernwear and everything in between. As digital natives, they find inspiration on Pinterest and draw from their favorite TV shows (Sex and the City, Lizzie McGuire, The X-Files) and movies (Peppermint Soda, Amélie, Clueless). But they also take cues from real life—their grandmothers and fathers, Robert Mapplethorpe photos and Hilma af Klint paintings, Catholic school uniforms and frat boys.
Meet them below.
Chelsi Banks, 19, student, Birmingham, Alabama
Photographed by Ashley Markle
Describe your personal style in two to three words: Charmingly twee.
Describe the style in your state in two to three words: Colorful athleisure.
Where do you find inspiration? Fashion magazines from the 2000s to early 2010s, runway shows from that era, movies (my favorites are Emma and Peppermint Soda), and my mom’s old photos.
What is your favorite item in your closet? My Miu Miu spring 2008 purple dress. I got it for just $30 on Mercari, and it’s one of my most treasured pieces. It looks perfect with a ruffled top underneath, just like it was styled on the runway.
Read more about Chelsi, one of our American Style x Vogue finalists, here.
Owen Peters, 19, student, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Photographed by Ashley Markle
Describe your personal style in two to three words: Prep and glamour.
Describe the style in your state in two to three words: Forgetting a coat.
Where do you find inspiration? The internet, Jackie O, my friends, The Dare, Marc Jacobs, antique shops, Dara, Gene Kelly, my grandma, frat bros, Addison Rae.
What is your favorite item in your closet? My Nike basketball shorts. They’re three sizes too big and go down to my calves. They look like a skirt and shine really nicely. It’s easy to feel cool wearing them.
Read more about Owen, one of our American Style x Vogue finalists, here.
Isaiah Collins, 23, creator and welder, Philadelphia
Describe your personal style in two to three words: Personable, fly, and true.
Describe the style in your state in two to three words: Trendy, beautiful, and bold.
What is your favorite item in your closet? My Prada Brixxen boots. The leather tells a story. I have to take care of them and clean them to make them last longer. That’s how I think you should treat your clothes—with care and compassion. I also like that you can change the laces to make the boots stand out.
Sabelle Mebane, 22, student, Dallas
Describe your personal style in two to three words: Timeless, sophisticated, thoughtful.
Where do you find inspiration? Costume design is a huge influence on my style, from ballet traditions to Edith Head. Dior’s New Look has been a guiding force. I look to women from the past and their performances—Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn. Feminine traditions are key to how I express myself.
Varvara “Bobby” DiaKonenkova, 23, fashion designer and stylist, Philadelphia
Where do you find inspiration? Before moving to Philadelphia, I grew up in a family where every penny went toward designer clothes. That meant I didn’t have a college fund, but I did have suitcases full of hand-me-down swag. Now, I find inspiration while commuting to work on the subway.
What is your favorite item in your closet? My favorite is my skunk fur trapper hat—it’s huge and made from skunks. Also, my Valentino two-piece suit covered in Chiné à la branche floral print.
Kaila Thomas, 26, executive assistant, Boston
Describe your personal style in two to three words: Fluid, detailed, textured.
What is your favorite item in your closet? A pair of green and yellow T-strap Mary Jane shoes I bought in Italy. I love that they support a woman designer and her craftsmanship. They add a pop of color to any outfit or bring subtle depth to a yellow- or green-based look.
Orlande Mensah, 25, university internship program assistant, Newburgh, New York
Describe your personal style in two to three words: Innovative, colorful, sophisticated.
Describe the style in your state in two to three words: Everything, everywhere, all at once (tee-hee).
What is your favorite item in your closet? My rainbow plaid Forever 21 skirt that my mom got me when I was younger. I didn’t like it back then because I didn’t know how to style maxiskirts, but I knew I’d figure it out one day. Now it’s my absolute favorite—it’s so unique and has endless possibilities.
Asha Aden, 24, unit coordinator, Columbus, Ohio
Where do you find inspiration? I love browsing Pinterest and making boards of things I want to create. But most of my inspiration comes from Yohji Yamamoto. I have a deep respect for him, and I took cues from him to help find my own style.
What is your favorite item in your closet? My Cos bag, which I got in Paris. It’s so simple yet so chic. No fancy designs or hardware—just a plain black crossbody that can be dressed up or down. As someone who loves decorating bags, I wanted one with a dark, minimalist look that still does the job.
Nicole Quinonez-Frias, 24, sales clerk, Fontana, California
Where do you find inspiration? It might sound cliché, but I find inspiration in my own closet. After going through a period of insecurity, I promised my younger self I’d only buy clothes I truly loved and felt comfortable in. I never wanted my style to be shaped by others’ opinions or tastes just to please them. I want to wear things I can see myself still loving when I’m 40.
What is your favorite item in your closet? Right now, it’s a tie between a 1960s royal blue jacquard Lorrie Deb gown and a 1950s Mam’selle brown cocktail dress with heavy black beading. I love how dazzling and elegant they make me feel whenever I wear them.
Samantha Burnett, 23, daycare teacher and table busser, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Romantic. Vintage. Girly.
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Minimal. Earthy. Western.
What is your favorite item in your closet? I have this bullet cartridge belt I’ve been styling a lot lately. I got it at a local vintage market here. I’m not really into guns, but I love the kitsch and drama of it. I like to sell a grounded fantasy. Plus, the leather is great.
Anjulina Chukwu, 19, student, New York, New York
Where do you find inspiration? New York, books, movies, art, the world, religion. Sometimes even food.
What is your favorite item in your closet? I don’t have a favorite! That’s like picking between ice cream flavors! But I’d say my masquerade mask (from Reminiscence), which I hang on my wall when I’m not using it. Shhh, don’t tell my other favorites I said that.
Jerrius Williams, 19, student, Cincinnati, Ohio
Where do you find inspiration? I take a lot of inspiration from ’90s and early 2000s TV shows. Characters like Murray from Clueless, Arnaz from One on One, and Shawn from Boy Meets World really influence my style.Some of my biggest inspirations come from Boy Meets World. I shop anywhere—thrift stores, Amazon, Depop, you name it.
What’s your favorite item in your closet?
My denim fur coat from Supermade. It goes with so many outfits and always keeps me warm.
Jazmyn Ewing, 29, media strategist, Chicago, Illinois
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Structured. Feminine. Effortless.
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Business-casual Fridays.
Where do you find inspiration? Just being curious and okay with going places alone has pushed me way out of my comfort zone—dance shows, pottery classes, networking events. I like seeing what people feel comfortable wearing in those settings, then tailoring my style to fit in, but tweaking it enough to stand out.
Lucy Hannah, 20, social media marketing manager, Fort Collins, Colorado
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Lately, I was inspired by Amy Smilovic, the designer of Tibi, to find three adjectives that describe my style. The key is focusing on how you want to feel when you dress, not just how you want to look. My current three are clean, interesting, and easy. I never want to feel fussy—I always want to feel authentic and put-together.
Where do you find inspiration? I’ve noticed that when I actively look for inspiration, I rarely find it. It comes when I least expect it. I take the most notes from people I see being authentic. I struggle to find influencers inspiring because I can’t shake the feeling they dressed that way just for photos. But when I see someone on the street, going about their day looking effortlessly chic? Noted. Also: interiors, food, and nature.
Bunny Darling, 28, writer, Richmond, Virginia
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Red-hot sexpot.
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Quarter-zip consultants.
Where do you find inspiration? Ariana Papademetropoulos oil paintings, Dita Von Teese pinup photos, transcendental meditation, Ann Demeulemeester runways, ornate candelabras, Lana Del Rey’s poetry book, Nigella Lawson red carpet photos.
Julie Kim, 26, painter and copywriter, Cranford, New Jersey
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Inquisitive, fun, classic.
Where do you find inspiration? Stylish older people in NYC, 20th-century paintings (Bonnard, Matisse, Hilma af Klint), my friends, scrolling through The RealReal and Depop, ’60s style photos on Pinterest, ’90s supermodels, old runway looks (’90s Prada, 2000s Chloé), films and TV (Rohmer, Wes Anderson, Party Girl, Amélie, Sex and the City), people-watching on vacation, my parents’ old photos, antique stores, and the furniture and clothing sections at art and anthropology museums.
What’s your favorite item in your closet? The metallic charcoal grey Tahari flats I dug out from my middle-school shoe collection. My mom and I shared them back when we got them in the early 2010s for school dances or weekend outings.
Lizzie Cassidy, 28, librarian, Chicago, Illinois
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Instinctive, experiential, spunky.
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Utilitarian, layered, proud.
What’s your favorite item in your closet? My dad’s Penguins jersey. I took it from his closet when I went off to college. He passed away recently after being sick for a long time, so whenever I wear it, I feel close to him. I feel like him when I wear it—the coolest guy in the room, life of the party.
Sada Haibe, 25, data entry clerk, Columbus, Ohio
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: “She looks…colorful!”
Where do you find inspiration? Purpose. I remember a Katharine Hepburn interview where she talked about her famous pants in 1930s Hollywood. She said they’re comfortable and easy to move in. My mother always told me she only wears shoes she can run in. Color lifts a bad mood, so I reject beige. I picked all these things up to figure out what I truly need in my style.
What’s your favorite item inYour closet? The oldest thing I own is a blue cotton babydoll dress from the 1970s. I found it at a yard sale in Athens, Ohio. I love how free and flowing it feels, and how easy it is to wake up on a summer Saturday morning, slip it on, and go about my day.
Valentine Geze, 27, graduate student, Boston, Massachusetts
Where do you find inspiration? My style lives somewhere between worlds. I’m drawn to contrasts. The media that inspires me ranges from the dark Americana of Twin Peaks to the playful excess of Sex and the City. The colors of landscapes, woven textures, and sculptural forms—artists like Anni Albers and Georgia O’Keeffe—also shape my eye. From vintage to avant-garde, I take cues from the ease of archival Dior and the textures of Ralph Lauren. I love a night dancing at the club just as much as a week on a farm.
What is your favorite item in your closet? A Neiman Marcus coat from the early 2000s that my grandmother passed down to me after she moved to a warmer climate. I love it: a camel-colored suede outer with soft fur lining. Suede piping runs along the edges, and the collar folds into a beautifully structured shape. It has leather pockets and a silk tag with my grandmother’s initials, L.L. for Louise Lessard, making it both incredibly chic and deeply sentimental.
Mhilo Moon, 21, student, Washington, D.C.
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Head-turning and layered.
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Business-casual.
Where do you find inspiration? Old gyaru magazines.
What is your favorite item in your closet? My Hello Kitty earrings. You’ll probably see me wearing them every day.
Naomi Herbert, 19, student, Somerset, New Jersey
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Feminine and wistful.
Where do you find inspiration? Late-night scrolls on Tumblr and abandoned lookbook sites, boutiques in NYC, people I meet in the elevator on my way to class.
What is your favorite item in your closet? A deer print coat from Adeam’s fall collection. I love the pattern and the leather sleeves.
Chelsea Douglas, 27, revenue and marketing manager, Denver, Colorado
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Structured. Classic. Romantic.
Where do you find inspiration? Ralph Lauren always. John Galliano during his time at Dior. Dana Scully in The X-Files, Laura Palmer, 1992 Prada, Buffy Summers, 2001 Dolce, and the costumes in House of the Dragon.
What is your favorite item in your closet? My current favorite is my vintage kilt. It’s a piece I’ll have forever that I can style with a clean Calvin button-down, a Ralph Lauren turtleneck, or a cute bralette and stiletto boots.
Lizzy Thompson, 28, electrologist, Portland, Oregon
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Home of thrift.
What is your favorite item in your closet? My favorite item is my cropped handknit Norwegian sweater, which I’ve half-covered in buttons. It feels like me. I love how I can ask anyone what their favorite button is as an icebreaker—no social anxiety here.
Adriana Román, 23, gallery assistant, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Layered, eclectic, and textured.
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Breathable, short, and comfortable.
Where do you find inspiration? I’m really inspired by the resourcefulness of queer artists and drag queens, so I love finding new ways to style things I already have. Outfits with silhouettes that aren’t just form-fitting are more interesting to me, so I keep adding layers. Some online creators I look up to are handsomegirly for her playfulness, evelilycp for her ability to layer multiple prints, and percish for her masc and tailored looks.
Cameran Ford, 22, student, Orange, California
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Slouch, chic, play.
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: iPhone, convenience, influence.
What is your favorite item in your closet? These jeans first belonged to my high school boyfriend. Later, I was in a relationship where the person asked me to get rid of them.I threw out everything that belonged to my ex, except for these jeans. After we broke up, putting them on made me realize how much I had lost in the relationship. So I changed them—sewed up the holes and added fringe. I made them mine again. Every time I wear them, they feel like they were made for me. They remind me that I’m worth everything.
Skylar Jaundoo, 29, store director, Los Angeles, California
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Refined and discerning.
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Practical glitzy wonderland.
What is your favorite item in your closet? My favorite item has to be my Cecile Tulkens navy brushed-cotton pants. They have beautiful stainless steel rivets all along the waistband. They make me feel powerful and are also a great conversation starter.
Eva Rutledge, 24, production coordinator, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Androgynous city pirate.
What is your favorite item in your closet? Probably my 1960s marching band jacket! It fits me perfectly and feels really unique. I love thinking about its history: Who wore it? What instrument did they play? Vintage clothes are special that way—they make us think more carefully about the life cycle of a garment.
Lexi Brown, 24, interior designer, Washington, D.C.
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Nostalgic, smart (in a vintage way), and intuitive.
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Bougie, Black, intentional.
What is your favorite item in my closet? My 1890s mutton-sleeve bodice, which I bought at the Brimfield flea market in Massachusetts. It was one of the last days of the market, and the vendor was mostly selling menswear. He sold me a near-perfect antique piece for just $25. It’s so versatile—I can wear it in a modern way or in a period-accurate style. It’s a forever piece.
Cole Felton, 26, solar outreach coordinator and art studio model, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Sustainable, sophisticated, fruity.
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Depopageddon, athleisurely, “gobirdsss.”
Where do you find inspiration? Being a Catholic school alum; secondhand stores and shoppers from my study abroad in Tokyo; clubbing with an observant eye; a 20-ounce cold brew, Muji notebook, and a street-facing window seat at a downtown cafe; community art and clothing swaps, leaning into the seasons; challenging my artistic limits by repurposing garment “waste”; and, of course, my talented and stylish friends.
Davida Rogers, 29, graduate student, Rochester, New York
Where do you find inspiration? Vintage African films (Holy Cross, La Femme Au Couteau, Girls Cot), the pomegranate color palette, Gianfranco Ferré fashion, the African women who came before me, African American women from the ’90s and 2000s, and my father’s bold, confident style.
What is your favorite item in your closet? My oversized snow leopard faux-fur coat. It’s the best thing to grab to dress up any outfit—super cozy and really fabulous.
Niah Aleger, 24, student, New York, New York
Where do you find inspiration? When I moved from Florida to New York, my style shifted. Before, it was flowy, boho-chic, and western, but after moving, my outfits became more refined. I focused on silhouettes, monochrome, and storytelling. I credit this to the architecture, strangers on the subway, and people I see at school. Taking fashion history courses expanded my styling and helped me explore vintage styles.
What is your favorite item in your closet? A suede embroidered coat I found at the Goodwill bins in Florida. It has no buttons or tags and doesn’t keep you warm. But it’s fabulous—the brown is rich, and the flowers are multicolored and embroidered all over the jacket. Even though I’m known for selling my clothes, this is one piece I plan to pass down to my children.
Charlie Zhao, 28, software engineer, New York, New York
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words:Robert Mapplethorpe, ’70s, raw.
Describe your style in 2-3 words: Chaotic, commercialized, cunty.
What is your favorite item in your closet? A pair of vintage Gianni Versace cowboy boots. They feel so freeing—a perfect reflection of my inner world and where I drew my energy from. They’re well-structured, soft leather, with metal studs and a heel protector, and they fit just right. Wearing them makes me feel like Linda Evangelista on the Versace runway.
Casper Schaugg, 19, student, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Where do you find inspiration? ’90s Helmut Lang, my mom’s huge closet, Fruits magazine, wallpaper catalogs.
What is your favorite item in your closet? A Helmut Lang spring 1997 prototype denim jacket. My dad studied under Helmut in Vienna and later worked with him. This jacket was made for him by Helmut, worn on the runway, and then given to him. The back panel is cut perfectly and fits me really well. The wear and tear from my dad’s life means a lot to me, and it gives me big shoes to fill.
Lily Kenyi, 27, art director, New York, New York
Where do you find inspiration? Colors from nature, the color wheel, fashion girls.
What is your favorite item in your closet? I love my bold accessories—especially my bags and sneaker collection. There’s a beaded vintage bird bag I’ll never let go of.
Emir Edwards, 23, artist and designer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Tailored, militant, and free.
Where do you find inspiration? I come from a very artistic background—almost everyone in my family loves music, painting, and fashion. My mom is a professional hairdresser and a stylish woman herself. I grew up always dressing right for the occasion, and from that came my natural confidence and my own unique style.
Willa Stonecipher, 24, Ph.D student, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Eclectic, vivacious, quirky.
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Neutrals, workwear, practical.
Where do you find inspiration? I thrift most of my wardrobe, and the Boston Goodwills are like my second home. I’m inspired by media and fashion that mix history with modern looks. I love the rich textures and colors you see in medieval and Renaissance paintings. As a historian, I see clothing as the most accessible form of art that everyone has had across time. My style is a tribute to the past while looking toward the future.
Henry Haggenmiller, 23, style and reviews assistant, New York, NY
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Alive, eccentric, ever-changing.
What is your favorite item in your closet? The Row eel loafers. No knockoff or copy comes close. The sleek shape lets me wear them with anything. Since I got them last March, I’ve walked over 10,000 steps in them, rain or shine—even in the snow.
Gabi Evans, 25, sales associate, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Where do you find inspiration? Vintage stores, Poshmark, Jenny Walton, Lee Radziwill, Audrey Hepburn.
What is your favorite item in your closet? My latest bargain find! A spring 2001 Prada skirt that Carrie wore on Sex and the City. The fabric is surprisingly rich, and you’d never guess it’s vintage. It’s an easy piece I can pair with anything.
Tracy Pendleton III, 24, fashion designer and stylist, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Whimsical. Authentic. FUN!
What is your favorite item in your closet? A rainbow fur-trimmed wool royal blue coat by designer Trucé L’Officiel. Whenever I want to feel confident, I wear that jacket. I love how I can dress it down with sweatpants or dress it up with tailored jeans and boots to create different moods. I love wearing and making art, and that piece feels like Picasso.
Grace Gordon, 24, sweater designer, New York, New York
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Beautiful, layered, worn.
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: Trying, inventive, real.
What is yourWhat’s your favorite item in your closet?
Based on how often I wear them, I’d say my Zucca boots. I was obsessed with them for about a year before I found them at a vintage shop on Instagram. I bought them as a birthday gift to myself when I turned 23. They’re slouchy and kind of look like gaiters. I love how oversized they are—they feel like a safety blanket.
—Rylee Dunn, 27, barista and nonprofit communications coordinator, Bozeman, Montana
Describe your personal style in 2–3 words:
Eclectic, delicate, “whimsi-prep.”
Where do you find inspiration?
I’m lucky to be surrounded by a really creative community of artists, musicians, makers, and vintage curators. By supporting my friends’ work, I’ve collected a lot of handmade and one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothes, accessories, and art. It brings me joy to style, use, and admire them.
—Isabella Gonzales, 21, model, San Antonio, Texas
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Describe your personal style in 2–3 words:
Unsure, vintage, and exploring.
What’s your favorite item in your closet?
I recently got my first pair of Bekett wedges by Isabel Marant. They were an amazing, unexpected birthday gift when I turned 21.
—Arjun Rajan, 21, student, Washington, D.C.
Where do you find inspiration?
I grew up in Virginia, and I’d spend all my time going to Goodwill and thrift stores, walking around, looking at clothes, and trying to pair things together. People-watching is another way I find outfit ideas—I love recreating looks I see on people using pieces I already own. I look for inspiration wherever I can find it. It’s not hard—you just have to know where to look and what to take from what you see.
What’s your favorite item in your closet?
My favorite item is a green bomber jacket I got in Greece. There’s nothing special about it, but it’s sleek, fits well, and goes with everything. I’m big on wearing your clothes until they fall apart. There’s something beautiful about the idea that a piece of clothing can see so much of your life.
—Ava Powers, 23, social media manager, Dunedin, Florida
Describe your personal style in 2–3 words:
Eclectic cocotte.
Describe the style in your state in 2–3 words:
Frumpy resort-casual.
Where do you find inspiration?
The internet, always. Japanese eBay sellers, cool girls on Instagram, and Pinterest images.
What’s your favorite item in your closet?
My green Mirror Palais supermodel dress. I can barely get it on, but when I do, I feel like everyone is watching me.
—Bryanna Brown, 22, EMT student, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Describe your personal style in 2–3 words:
Whimsical, chic, chaotic.
Where do you find inspiration?
My grandmother. She inspired my love for fashion and antique items. I remember always playing in her Sunday best and putting on all her jewelry—I definitely tangled a few necklaces.
—Jeune Hagape, 20, student, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Describe your personal style in 2–3 words:
Whimsical, cute, frilly.
Where do you find inspiration?
I look for colors in the desserts I eat and the makeup I use. I see candy packaging and take pattern inspiration. I look at a video game poster and take motif and character inspiration. I love looking at historical eras like the Victorian and Edwardian periods for layering ideas. I want to be a doll.
—Sydney Stokes, 20, barista, bakery employee, and student, Oakland, California
Describe your personal style in 2–3 words:
Sporty, hodgepodge, colorful.
Where do you find inspiration?
My inspiration mostly comes from shows I grew up watching—especially from the early 2000s, when style was fun and colorful: Legally Blonde, Lizzie McGuire, Friends.
—Priscilla Yael, 24, fashion archivist and writer, Los Angeles, California
Describe your personal style in 2–3 words:
Decadent. Subversive. Intimate.
Describe the style in your state in 2–3 words:
Raw. Glossed. Unraveling.
What’s your favorite item in your closet?
My 2004 Dior Ballet bag.I tend to wear my clothes until they fall apart, so I don’t buy much for myself. But I got this piece from a special mentor in fashion. It’s romantic and sexy, with a peplum shape, leather corsetry, and a silver Dior handle that spells out the name. It feels like it brings together all the different sides of me. I take it everywhere—from the club to work meetings—and people often tell me it’s such a “me” bag.
Orlie White, 24, samples coordinator, Maplewood, New Jersey
Describe your personal style in 2-3 words: Eclectic, eccentric, spunky.
What is your favorite item in your closet? My favorite item is a vintage F1 Ferrari racing jacket I found at a flea market in Mexico City four years ago. The leather is perfectly worn in, and it has that ideal oversized fit. It makes any outfit feel bold but easy. I often pair it with a small New York City coin purse I found at a toy store in the Adirondacks, which adds a fun contrast.
Drew Fishburn, 23, photographer, Vancouver, Washington
Describe the style in your state in 2-3 words: North Face puffer.
Where do you find inspiration? I get a lot of inspiration from the things I loved as a kid. My interests haven’t really changed—they’ve just grown up. I’m inspired a lot by Ralph Lauren, Hunter S. Thompson, and Brad Pitt. I like feeling masculine, but it’s nice to have a polished side that shows you’re not all rough edges. I wear a lot of D&G and swear by Diesel jeans. I like dressing like Jack Reacher on a Hawaiian vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the American Style x Vogue 50 finalists written in a natural conversational tone with clear direct answers
General Definition Questions
1 What exactly is American Style x Vogue
Its a joint initiative between American Style magazine and Vogue to find and celebrate the most stylish people across the United States They held a nationwide search and selected 50 finalists who represent diverse fashion perspectives
2 Who are these 50 finalists
They are regular peoplenot celebrities or professional modelschosen for their unique personal style They come from all different cities backgrounds ages and walks of life
3 Is this a competition or a list
Its more of a curated list than a traditional competition The 50 finalists are being highlighted to showcase the breadth of American fashion There may be a final winner chosen from this group but the main focus is on celebrating the finalists themselves
Benefits Why It Matters
4 Why should I care about this list
Its a great source of realworld style inspiration Instead of looking at red carpet gowns youll never wear you can see how actual people put together cool everyday outfits It shows that style isnt just for the rich or famous
5 Whats the point of featuring real people instead of celebrities
It makes fashion feel more accessible It proves that you dont need a stylist or a huge budget to have great style It celebrates individuality and creativity over trends and brand names
Common Problems Criticisms
6 Wont this just be a bunch of people who already look like models
The initiative specifically aimed for diversity in body type age and style While all finalists are photogenic the goal was to move beyond a single model look and represent a wider range of real Americans
7 Is this just a marketing gimmick for Vogue and American Style
It is a marketing and branding partnership for both publications However it also serves as a genuine effort to connect with a broader audience and highlight communitydriven style which is a real shift from typical fashion media
8 How were these 50 people chosen
The process involved public nominations and a selection committee from both