Dazed and Reused: Personal style then and now

MANILA, Philippines - One of my favorite things about Instagram (a.k.a. Twitter for people who don’t like to read) is the weekly dose of nostalgia known as #ThrowbackThursday. Once a week, I get to upload glorious images from the past, ranging from portraits of a young Marlon Brando to “gems” from my digital Pandora’s box. Last week, I posted a photo from my senior ball in 2002 wearing a chiffon poncho and the mega-smile of a 19-year-old, with the caption “I was Sharon Cuneta in my past life.” Looking at the photo, I realized that I haven’t changed much. I’m definitely a different person with what I know now, which is why I willingly kissed my 20s goodbye. But there are some habits from high school that I can’t seem to shake off. I still don’t read a lot of books, I don’t go to bed before 12, I still love taking photos (but today, as a professional!), and lastly, I still dress like Sharon Cuneta.

From maton to matrona

 For the record, I have respect for the Mega Star, but when you’re an overweight teenager who is most comfortable wearing stretchy pants and Marks & Spencer tops, there may be a problem. Pre-Sharonian ensembles, I used to live in my Adidas Superstars, cargo pants, black T-shirts, and everything XXL from the Gap bargain bin. From maton, I slowly transitioned to matrona but I had no idea then that my personal style was not age-appropriate, since people would compliment me for finally dressing like a woman. Those “You look so nice” compliments stuck and, at 30, I’m happy to report that I finally dress my age. I am not fabulous. In fact, I admit my personal style is sloppy soccer mom, but I’m just thankful I don’t look like somebody who’s still stuck in high school.

 But once in awhile, we bump into people from our past who appear like holograms straight out of Quad or Virra Mall (That’s Glorietta or Vmall to y’all millenials!). We try to figure out what some of their reasons are. To celebrate the return of the ‘90s to the runway, YStyle asked a few of our friends about their personal style then and now.

1. Stuck with a stereotype

I’d like to believe that being a stereotype is very ‘90s, and it’s slowly fading like the movie career of Sarah Michelle Gellar. Today, you have hipsters who have six-figure salaries, jocks who also happen to be geeks, sluts who go to church, and preppy people who often forget their wallets when it’s time to get the check. Just check blogs –– stereotypes are no longer a lifestyle, but a suggestion for #OOTD (Outfit Of The Day). Some of my peers (Gen X, Y, and millennials) just never grew out of their logo-overload ensembles, sports jersey tops, tube top skirts, or NGO-boho scarves and sandals. Sure, it’s a free country; we can wear whatever we want. But, don’t forget what Shakespeare wrote: “The apparel oft proclaims the man.” That should make you think twice about wearing that marijuana T-shirt.

2.  In the (comfort) zone

I consider myself lucky that I enjoyed high school, even if I wasn’t popular and was the token underachiever among my overachieving friends. I had fun but I am proud that I was able to move on and get out of my comfort zone. That’s why it saddens me sometimes to see people who still cling to the best years of their lives, be it high school or college. Yes, I am talking about you grown-ups who love to wear insert-UAAP-school-here jacket during off season or T-shirts that tell the world “Thanks, Dad, for blowing millions of pesos for grad school” when they work out. I’m also referring to the forever fans of bands and other religious orders, like Star Wars. Trust me, you don’t want to be the grown-up wearing an N’Sync T-shirt. The world is not Araneta Coliseum. Leave the school spirit and the fandom to the young ones.

3. The uniform

I blame my ultra-conservative university in Pasig for cementing my values in matronic dressing since we were required to wear business attire. Sadly, years after graduation, I find myself shopping in the same stores and going to the same tailor. I can relate to others who still wear the same hoodie or pencil skirt since it became a force of habit and are probably comfortable with their personal uniform. Even Vera Wang approves of the uniform via her blog: “As you become more certain of your own vision, and your own taste and your own style, as you evolve, as a person, not just as a woman, you do end up in a uniform.” As much as I’d like to think I’m like Vera Wang or Karl Lagerfeld, I know deep down that I’m simply too lazy to shop.

4. (Old) weapon of choice

Remember the kids in high school whose outfits were always hits during parties, who received one compliment after another, and never ran out of dates? A decade later, the magic is no longer there, and most of them are left wondering why their “milkshake no longer brings boys all the boys to the yard.” Some people just forget that, like their metabolic rate in high school, their body changes. For these people, their standard “looking-for-trouble” outfit is in order.

Sara Black Photographer

Generation/era when you were in high school-college: 1994-2002

What mold did you fit? Nerd.

In high school, I was a wannabe leader/bossy nerd. I am sure I was super annoying!

While in college, I was the same, maybe a little less annoying.

My style icon was, in my head, Gwyneth Paltrow, but I never really made an effort to be like her.

On weekends, I wore jeans and a T-shirt.

For prom, I wore some dress off the rack somewhere, I can’t remember. My prom’s theme was ‘70s. I look at the photo and feel like I stepped out of That ‘70s Show. My boyfriend’s prom didn’t have a theme so we could wear whatever. I bought a dress off the rack again from Baghera in the old old Greenbelt (Carla Sibal’s shop way before her Mega magazine days). And please notice my boyfriend still imbibing the ‘70s theme he loves, hilarious.

Describe your personal style then and now. I’d stay it’s still pretty much the same. I like things simple, clean and elegant.

Is there something you regret wearing in high school? Not really. Anything you do in high school is excusable.

What is a piece of clothing or accessory from high school that you still use today? I’m not sentimental at all and don’t hold on to a lot of things for long so I don’t think I have even one piece of clothing from high school — besides, would it really fit me now? I was looking through these photos and haven’t yearned for my 18-year-old body like this ‘til now!

Eric Delos Santos Designer

Generation/era when you were in high school-college: ‘90s.

What mold did you fit? Nerd-artist.

In high school, I was an active volleyball player, student leader.

In college, I was a nerd.

My style icons were the boys of the Backstreet Boys. Now, I love Adam Levine.

On weekends, I wore white shirts, jeans and rubber shoes.

For prom, I wore items bought by my mom.

Describe your personal style then and now. Jeans, white/any plain shirt for guys and I loved high cut rubber shoes then. And I never owned a pair of black leather shoes. Now, I love colorful Nike/Adidas rubber shoes, nice jackets from Jerome Lorico, Nixon Marquez and Regine Dulay. I love Viktor Jeans as well. I am now more trendy but I still love the classics.

Is there something you regret wearing in high school? Oversized polos and baggy jeans.

What is a piece of clothing or accessory from high school that you still use today? Rubber shoes.

Puey Quiñones Fashion designer, chef

Generation/era when you were in high school-college: Early ‘90s.

What mold did you fit? Mix of nerd, cheerleader, queen bee and artist. I was all-in-one! Complete package. Haha.

In high school, I was: a trying-hard nerd! I wanted to look nerdy para kunyare matalino ako. But seriously, yes, I was a trying-hard nerd kasi my mother was a teacher in my school so kailangan behave. But, I wasn't so poor at academics as much as I was tamad. I was more active in extracurricular activities. I graduated high school with 10 medals and a trophy but none of them from academics or honors. It was all best in dancing, best in dressmaking, etc.

While in college, I was a queen bee and a performer. I was active as a member of the performing arts group in our university. My college best friend Irvin was the one who would enroll me, get my class cards and grades and I’d just ask him to take notes during class and I’d review during break. I was lazy again because in college I was forced to take political science because of my policeman father. He told me to take up poli-sci so when I graduate I can be a police officer! Duh? Haha. So I didn’t finish college. I moved to Manila after third year in college and became a designer.

Who were your style icons? Growing up in Samar, I wasn’t really exposed to international icons. Kilala ko lang at that time was Nora Auror, Vilma Santos, and I was fascinated by Kuya Germs’ suits! Parang, wow very cool siya. Although I knew Madonna and Michael Jackson so I admired their style also.

On weekends, I wore T-shirts and shorts.

For prom, I wore a barong that was two sizes too big that it looked like a dress, and it looked like it had a V-neck collar because it was too big for me!  OMG, that’s the worst! Super baduy!

Describe your personal style then and now. OMG, I think I can relate to Nanette Medved’s “hiram na mukha.” I really transformed.

Is there something you regret wearing in high school? That barong for prom. Super-duper baduy! I never wore barong again after that.

Rey Ilagan Editor in chief, Garage magazine

What mold did you fit? I didn’t fit a particular mold. So, I guess I was with the nobody crowd. LOL.

In high school, I was an introvert

In college, I was even more introverted.

My style icon was Tom Ford.

On weekends, I wore T-shirts, jeans and accent accessories.

For prom, I wore three different outfits! I would change every hour. Why? I actually don’t know. LOL.

Describe your personal style then and now. I was more conscious of brands before and was quite preppy. But now, I settle for more sleek black and white ensembles with a pop of color or print. I still enjoy wearing sneakers anywhere.

Is there something you regret wearing in high school? A lot. See prom pictures.

What is a piece of clothing or accessory from high school that you still use today? I had a Balenciaga shirt from then that is still my favorite to this day. Also, my Gucci loafers are timeless.

Marco Lobregat Model/entrepreneur, Ministry of Mushrooms

Generation/era when you were in high school-college: 90’s

What mold did you fit? Jock, nerd, cheerleader, queen bee, artist etc.

In high school, I was a boy-next-door type.

While in college, I was an ugly duckling. Luckily I had great friends that made me their project, gave me confidence, taught me how to dress up and talk to girls, showed me the value in being healthy and in being makatao.

My style icons were my high school and college friends.

On weekends, I wore a white long sleeve polo with jeans or khaki pants.

For prom, I wore a suit and tie

Describe your personal style then and now. Rugged preppy.

Is there something you regret wearing in high school? Yes, I was not used to dressing up every day as we had uniforms in grade school then moved to high school, which had no uniform but implemented a dress code. I thought I’d be really popular if I showed off some of the branded clothes I had. Loose Tommy Hilfiger printed shirt, tight green Versace pants, I had huge glasses and braces with blue and yellow elastics. Let me tell you, this gained me instant popularity for the wrong reasons. Moving on...

What is a piece of clothing or accessory from high school that you still use today? My dad gave me a silverfaced Tag Heuer when I was 15 and I still wear it today.

Michelline Syjuco Jewelry designer

Generation/era when you were in high school-college: I was in high school in the ‘90s and college from 1999-2003

What mold did you fit? In high school I was a total misfit. Didn’t fit in anywhere, really. You could say I was practically invisible, mostly because I didn’t like my school or the people in it. In college I switched things up and became a campus superstar. I was the VP of the student council, leader of the Music Organization of Bedans (MOB), I was an academic scholar, represented the NCR in the Young Leader’s Congress, won the campus singing competitions, was asked to be the school muse, etc. Basically, I fit in everywhere.

Who were your style icons? In high school, it was Dolores of the Cranberries. I dyed my hair partially green. In college, it was Wynona Ryder.

On weekends, I wore plaid miniskirts and flat Benetton boots. I wore some beads and hanging chains too. LOL.

For prom, I wore a vintage dress with a fur stole, 1920s style shoes and I cut my own hair for my first prom. For my second prom, a rainbow pink — Barbie pink— Chinese collared dress with pink boots. My classmates must have thought I was totally weird because they wore traditional prom gowns.

What is a piece of clothing or accessory from high school that you still use today? My dad made me a beaded necklace that I wore during my band days, and I still use it today. Some things never go out of style.

Is there something you regret wearing in high school? I don’t really regret wearing anything. I regret that I did not know how to put on makeup, though. Haha.

Rhett Eala Designer

What mold did you fit? In high school, I was prep, while in college, I was “prunk” (preppy and punk).

My style icon was David Bowie and Paul Weller

On weekends, I wore Oxfords and plaid shorts and Topsiders.

For prom, I wore a tux made by my dad’s tailor.

Describe your personal style then and now. It really hasn’t changed much. I’m a conservative dresser.

Is there something you regret wearing in high school? Pink pants.

Sidney Yap Celebrity stylist

Generation/era when you were in high school-college: Graduated in 2001 and 2005

In high school, I was active in arty things and was active with different orgs (I don’t think I fit in a specific mold),

While in college, I was active in organizing parties. Haha. I was in business school so I was so into marketing, etc. 

Who were your style icons? In high school I wore a lot of Sean John — like everyone! Then I was also into the millennium/ raver look with the widest elephant pants, nylon and even spikes! I didn’t really idolize anyone in particular. 

On weekends, I wore carpenter pants or cargo pants with caterpillar work boots and loose polo sport T-shirts.

For prom, I wore an all-black suit, tie and shirt and black patent monkstraps.

Describe your personal style then and now. I went from loose cargo pants to 40-inch elephant pants to slimmer more streamlined silhouettes. I think my style has been editing itself to be more sleek simple and streamlined. I guess it comes with age and maturity (LOL) but I also have fashion phases. Or the time I was so into western shirts, and then military shirts. I had an all-gray monochromatic phase. Haha. I guess it just evolves with you. 

Is there something you regret wearing in high school? Well, it felt cute and right at that time but maybe I could’ve ditched my Hot Topic elephant pants phase.

What is a piece of clothing or accessory from high school that you still use today? I have these Japanese wooden clogs from high school that I still use.

Pauline Camille Prieto Model

Generation/era when you were in high school-college: 2006 to 2010.

What mold did you fit? In high school I was girl-who-was-mostly-in-detention-during-lunch.

In high school, I was an average student.

In college I was a part-time student.

My style icons were Lissie Trullie, Alice Glass, and Freja Beha Erichsen. My ex can actually vouch for that.

On weekends, I wore lack shirts, black denim pants, and a pair of black All Stars. I was rocking Taong Itim at 13, yo.

For prom, I wore a champagne, knee-length, fluffy cocktail dress and a wool grandfather cardigan.

Describe your personal style then and now. The all-articles-of-clothing-were-stolen-from-my-imaginary-boyfriends-closet look.

Is there something you regret wearing in high school? A â€œNo Smoking” top.

What is a piece of clothing or accessory from high school that you still use today? My first pair of Cheap Monday jeans. One word: LOVE.