Written by Mikayla Buneta

Photographed by Rishita Nannapaneni

Models: Mikayla Buneta, Katya Polansky, and Miu Cline

As new microtrends quicken their pace, rushing in to create new winter basics, a returning and unrecognized expression emerges– subversion. The usual equation for a nice outfit is simple– layering patterns, textures, and diversifying silhouette weight to elevate an outfit. With the rise of accessible wear like SHEIN, it’s easy to fall into the notion of collecting statement pieces with no match. The subversive style is completely the opposite of this and hopefully will slow the need for constant new wear.

Subversive returns to the idea of basic wear, but deconstructs it in a way that opens an eye to creativity and experimentation with shapes and silhouettes. The basic use of neutral colors and fabrics is elevated through cutouts, mesh, crochet, woven, or strung accessories. 

The idea of subversive fashion was intentional towards drawing positive attention to the body. Instead of using clothing to style a body, the body styles the clothing. Intentional and tasteful cutouts give new meaning to the body’s silhouette. A form fitting approach accentuates natural curves and angles, while a baggy layered moment provides an asymmetrical look, unlike the customary styles that carefully balances the weight of clothing. The active influence of lingerie also plays a part in this style, utilizing transparent stockings throughout the body, layering bras, corsets, and underwear; challenging modern societal gender roles. 

Freedom of expression has been relentlessly exercised in the current age of clothing. The line between the binary becomes blurred as “rules” dissipate. Is there anything stopping you from wearing a skirt as a top or stockings as sleeves? The idea of subversive is to completely tear apart the norm of why we wear certain articles of clothing in the first place– opening a way to repurpose the same pieces in different forms, perhaps easing the battle of overconsumption. 

The subversive style is easy to participate in, even on a budget. Simply put, the clothes are your canvases, and to your heart's content, make something new! All you need are tights, yarn, a basic tee, a pair of scissors, and a dream. DIY is in, and it develops a personal niche sense of style. Use tights to accentuate a silhouette and yarn to make a crochet top or accessory. Cut up a shirt or weave fabric in new intricacies. Trying this style out can easily repurpose old clothes and encourage others to do the same. 

Fashion is coming to the forefront for so many people, so it is only logical to be just as conscious of our consumption and execution while wearing our clothes. Anything and everything is fair game to our clothing choices, and subversive becomes a new statement in our society– bodies are not so basic.