Inside Adina’s Ethereal and Androgynous wardrobe
By Team Whering published 01/08/2024
Creative technologist and fashion designer, Adina Nicola, shares her free-flowing and experimental take on style, discussing the importance of dismissing gender norms and utilising family hand-me-downs when curating your personal style.
Come and explore her wardrobe with us!
Can you describe your style in 3 words?
Ethereal, eclectic and androgynous
Why did you choose those words?
Eclectic because I like to collect different garments that maybe aren’t in the same style or are different textures and fabrics. Androgynous because I like wearing outfits that don’t define certain gender norms. Although I dress more feminine, I also feel really good when I wear a more masculine outfit. Ethereal because I like fabrics that are very flowy and you can feel free– think of a summer dress or anything that allows the body to move.
What does personal style mean to you?
I think personal style is a complex conversation because I know there is a lot of pressure to find your personal style but I think it comes with growing and knowing yourself, and going through different phases and experimenting. I think as long as you try and be as sustainable and borrow clothes from your friends or vintage shopping I think it’s a great thing to experiment until you find the things that define you. And also, you’re allowed to change it in time, because we also change as people.
Has your style evolved over time?
Yes it has! For me, it was easier because I studied fashion design, so that allowed me to experiment.
What is one item you can’t live without?
This denim skirt. I consider it my lucky skirt because I have been telling my friends I have been wanting a long denim skirt for the longest time and suddenly I saw this long denim skirt, Levi’s, really good quality and I was like “Oh my god like this is it!”
Do you have any advice for people looking to develop their personal style?
Look at the people around you, look on the street, try to imitate as much as possible with the clothes you have in your wardrobe already. Also, never forget about your mum, your grandma's closet, even your grandpa, your father, I have pieces from all of their wardrobes from when they were young and they never fail me.
Do you send pictures of your outfits to friends and ask for reassurance?
Yeah we love doing that! I have my group chat with my girlfriends and every time we’re going somewhere we all like sending pictures. Also, when I go out shopping, I can’t get anything without asking for my friends' opinions because I really want to make sure that those things will last and I will like them and it’s not just an impulse.
Do you prefer to shop alone or with friends?
I definitely prefer to shop with my friends. I like to go to each store first and take pictures of everything I like, and then go eat something and look over the photos– just to make sure I am making the right purchase, so I definitely need a little jury on the side to vote!
How similar are your and your friends' styles?
I think we are quite different. I feel like my friends are quite different in personality and style, but as mentioned before I don’t mind mixing different outfits and trying new things, I think that is what keeps things exciting.
Would you like to share your wardrobe with your friends?
Yeah I would love to do that, I feel like sharing your wardrobe expands your opportunities for different outfits. They would have to be really responsible with my clothes because I am very protective of them!
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