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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UFL chapter.

It comes across as no surprise to any of us that all English majors tend to have a flair for the dramatic. Likely influenced by the dark tales of Poe or Shakespeare’s tragedies or by the actual drama of essay deadlines and creative writing projects, we English students tend to let what we read seep into our everyday sartorial decisions.

Shanna Merceron, president of the English Society and notable style influencer on campus, is just one example of what an English major can accomplish with their drama-fueled imaginations. Her love of all-black outfits, unique nail creations and mythical role models are not only a part of her identity as a college trend-setter, but also showcases her as one of the unique individuals that Her Campus UFL has the privilege of interviewing. Stick around for a brief and fun fashion talk with the gothic-ly glam Shanna!Name: Shanna Merceron

Age: 20

Year: Senior

Major: English (with a concentration in Creative Writing) and an Educational Studies minor

Her Campus: What are you wearing and where did you buy it?

Shanna Merceron: “I’m wearing a bell sleeve black mini dress from T.J. Maxx, black suede booties from Forever 21, and a bunch of rings from weird shops. I like collecting amber rings—one of these I got in England. It’s medieval style, which is really cool, and this other ring’s a real bird skull! It’s freaky but cool. Oh, and I’m also wearing holographic nail polish.”

HC: What statement are you trying to make with the all-black ensemble?

SM: “I went for a ‘Witchy Woman’ look because, you know, the awesome song, but also because Fall’s here and I’m going to dress like it’s Halloween every day.”

HC: Who are your style influencers?

SM: “Mostly mythical creatures—I like pirates and mermaids and witches. I like to embody them with everything I wear. I’ll wear a puffy sleeve shirt and black ripped jeans one day and be like, ‘I’m a pirate today,’ or a black dress and boots with rings and then I’m a witch, or I’ll do a floral dress with my makeup all glittery and I feel like a fairy.”

HC: How would you describe your personal style?

SM: “I think it’s very eclectic. I tend to be edgy because I like the color black and studs and leather, so I guess eclectic and edgy.“

HC: What’s your favorite wardrobe piece right now?

SM: “I have this suede fringe jacket and it’s way too hot to be wearing it yet, but everyday I look at it longingly and soon I’ll be able to wear it! Once it’s cold enough.”

HC: Where do you like to shop?

SM: “T.J. Maxx is my one true love—I go in there and fill up the cart and it’s the best because they have no limit on how many things you can bring to the dressing room. So I’ll be like ‘sixteen today!’ And then I’ll text my friend and say, ‘guess how much I brought into the TJ Maxx dressing room?’ I also bought so much at Topshop and Zara while I was abroad, so I always look at them online and then pay the shipping. It’s just awesome.”

HC: What’s your style advice for fellow Gators reading this?

SM: “Whatever you think is weird or don’t think will work—go for it. Be true to yourself and what you like, because you should really be dressing for yourself, not for anyone else.”

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Anna Burbano is a junior at the University of Florida pursuing a B.A. in English. Alongside minoring in Classical Studies, she harbors a (not so secret) passion for fashion magazines and musical theatre. Most of the time, you’ll find Anna daydreaming about the following things: what life would be like as a Disney princess, meeting lyrical genius Lin-Manuel Miranda, or any number of dashing Jane Austen heroes (especially Northanger Abbey’s Mr. Tilney). Follow her at www.annaburbano.com!
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