No, we are not related…but she is my lovely roommate! Olivia Ingram is a freshman from Wilson, North Carolina, pursuing a Chemistry degree. When she isn’t hitting the books as a student of Honors Carolina, Olivia is a member of Young Republicans. She loves tennis just as much as she loves fashion and she shares her style points here!
HC: Your style is very classic and put together, what/who influences what you wear?
OI: My five main influences are fantastic ladies: Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Lilly Pulitzer, Sarah Vickers, and Blair Waldorf (even though she is fictitious). All of these women are icons of their time. One I consider to be up and coming, Sarah Vickers, a New Englander present day who is always dressed to impress.
HC: It has gotten MUCH colder on campus! What do you do to keep in style but beat the weather?
OI: Scarves, scarves, scarves! And, of course, mittens, muffs, and those wintery socks that are just tall enough to peak out over riding boots. But mainly scarves! Any color or pattern will do. They wrap up any outfit and provide a pop to any fall or winter ensemble. When you are bundled up in a big coat and boots, it’s great to have a funky scarf shine through!
HC: Do you have a classic piece you are never without?
OI: Four or five actually, in assorted colors- blazers. I think I’m sort of known for them. To me, they can make an outfit dressier or more professional or just warmer (in these extreme temperatures). A classic navy is a must and can go with just about anything, but I love the brighter, different hues that can really make an outfit. As for a simple, single piece…is it cliché to say my pearl earrings? I don’t think I’ve ever put on an outfit they didn’t go with.
HC: Where do you find the majority of your wardrobe- any specific shops or brands you like?
OI: A few key stores are, of course, the holy grails: Lilly Pulitzer, J. Crew, Ralph Lauren. But some of my best finds and essentials come from LOFT (jeans for a 6’0” girl don’t come from just anywhere) and local shops. I know in Wilson we have a store called Belle and Co. that I adore. Finding unique pieces make my outfits what they are!
HC: Can you share some essentials in your closet that you feel everyone should have?
OI: An Elsa top in your favorite color from Lilly- the great thing about this top is it is fun and flirty for the summer but great with a dark jean and boot for fall! A fun, printed skirt that could go dressy or casual- again, very versatile with the seasons and really gives an outfit some character. That very reliable and oh-so-functional white shirt you can wear under any cardigan or in the summer- this could be a flowy tank from J. Crew to the classic Ralph Lauren Oxford…either way, it goes with anything! And one (or seven) great party dress(es) that makes you want to dance the night away. From graduation parties to cocktails to Christmas dances, it’s great to have something fun stored in your closet.
HC: What does your style say about you?
OI: Fashion is art and movement, the way you dress your body is the way you paint your canvas. My style is a representation of how I want the world to see me; smart, fun, sharp, playful and more than anything, powerful! Above all, I want people to see me as put together. I want to be approachable, yet have some unique style choices. And that means some days I’m in an Oxford and cardigan and other days I’m in a funky dress!
HC: If you had to pick one pair of shoes to keep, which pair would you choose?
OI: Oh, hands down my gold, cork Jack Rogers. Easily the best pair of shoes I have ever owned. And plus, the iconic Jackie-O made them what they are!