Josephine Cusumano
TCNJ Alumna, ’09
What are you wearing?
I am wearing Steve Madden boots, Madewell jeans and shirt, and a Zara sweater.
How would you label your style?
Comfortable. You’ll always see me in a big sweater, skinny jeans, leggings and yes, even jean leggings. As long as I’m confident with what I’m wearing, that’s what matters. My style is also constantly evolving. I always find myself trying something new.
Where do you like to shop?
I love shopping at Madewell 1937, Anthropologie, Loehmann’s, H&M and my mom’s closet.
What attracts you to fashion?
Fashion is different to everyone. Each person sees it in a different way. There are so many ways to put together an outfit. There are endless possibilities to it. I love that flexibility.
How has your style changed from when you first started college to now?
When I first started college, I was a bit confused by fashion, honestly. I was trying to keep up with popular brands, looks and making sure I followed all the rules. Now I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t care about the rules anymore. I just dress for what’s comfortable, what fits and looks best on me. I hate it when people tell me that you can’t match this with that. As long as it looks good on me, and I feel confident, it goes.
You studied English and professional writing while you were here. Do you see yourself writing about anything fashion-related in the future?
Writing is definitely in my future, but writing about fashion would be a dream. However, I don’t want to write about the fashions you see on the runway. I want to write about fashion in an accessible way, taking it from the runway and making it practical. People won’t be wearing 10-inch heels to work every day. Sorry, but that’s not how the real world works. So making it work on the street and in your closet is what I want to write about.
Is your hair naturally curly?
Yes, it is naturally curly and also big and crazy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I used to keep it straight a while back, but I just got fed up with it. I wasn’t myself with straight hair. So I decided to embrace the curl and let it grow wild. It’s annoying at times and gets frizzy, but it’s a part of me. You can spot me a mile away because of it, and everyone recognizes me for the curls, so I guess that’s a good thing.
Do you have any fashion icons?
Ashley Olsen — she dresses for comfort, goes for the basics and doesn’t follow any rules. She is making such a big impact in the fashion world, it’s hard not to notice her. I also admire Lady Gaga for her fearlessness in fashion — of course I won’t be walking around in a bubble suit — but it’s her confidence I admire.
