Flagler Girl Fits: Weaving Style and Community
Image Courtesy: Instagram
One of the most powerful things I have experienced being a part of Strike is the amount of energy that comes with uplifting other people, especially those with similar core values and interests as you. It is intriguing how so many groups of people, small or large, take these attributes and express them differently. Strike Magazine STA wants to highlight communities that align with our values on our Instagram, entitling it "Strike STA's Local Spotlight." Our first guests of honor are located on Flagler College Campus, and they are as cute as buttons.
Flagler Girl Fits is an Instagram account run by Ella Arvidson, a junior studying elementary education and minoring in fine arts, and Holly Zufelt, who is also a junior studying strategic communications and English, based in Saint Augustine, Florida. The pair started the account as a new and exciting way to match their outfits and dig out any of those hidden gems hiding in the back of their closets. They point out that "clothing sustainability, especially in fashion, has become an increasingly hot topic over the past few years and has made us more passionate about creating our mission with Flagler Girl Fits." The account began in February of 2024, and since then, they have featured themes such as "Western Wednesday," "Thrifty Thursday," and even "National Anthem Day," which was the theme that the most people participated in. The duo takes most of their influence from movies and films and always aims to keep their ideas fresh.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Accounts like these that focus on uplifting small communities are essential in the mission to cultivate connection, especially on campuses like Flagler College. As of 2024, the school had only 2,438 students enrolled in Saint Augustine compared to the neighboring University of North Florida's enrollment of 16,575 students. The small classes are one of the college's highest selling points, which is why accounts like Flagler Girl Fits are so beloved and contribute immensely to the culture of the campus. The girls note that, "Making sure our content is representative of the student body at Flagler College is incredibly important to us. Although our account is called Flagler Girl Fits, we ensure everyone dressed on the theme is featured. Our goal with the account is to make sure everyone feels comfortable and can express themselves in their most authentic way. We love being able to represent that on our account."
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Fashion has become a critical factor in many young people's lives, and the overall culture of fashion lovers allows moments like these to bloom. From experience, people who enjoy clothing and styling quickly form bonds, even if it is just a momentary "I like your dress" across the sidewalk. From my perspective, this is essentially what Zufelt and Arvidson are doing with their account. From a quick glance at their page, the aura that radiates is impactful. It looks and feels sweet, simple, and reminiscent of childish girlhood—in the same way as throwing on your favorite crazy pair of socks and marching into school with no shame was.
The girls aim to photograph as many people as possible to feature on their account. Their main goal will never be their follower count, but to create a fun and inclusive community on campus to connect with other students. Their commitment to fostering a vibrant campus culture highlights the impact of their efforts. Seeing these girls' overall message and drive, incoming students at Flagler have something to learn from them. Their main advice is to get out here, do it, and take the leap. The account has been so influential in their lives that they push others to do something similar if it is their desire.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Running the account has not only transformed the community but themselves. Holly points out, "Flagler Girl Fits has transformed getting ready for school into an enjoyable and exciting way to express my personal style and connect with other students at Flagler College." Similarly, Ella says, "With Flagler Girl Fits, I have found that so many of my peers share this passion. I am constantly inspired by those around me with unique styles. My personal style reflects not only who I am, but also those who have inspired me, too." Through their dedication, the girls have created a space that encourages students to embrace their individuality and find inspiration in one another.
As for the future, the girls plan on teasing a few new things in the upcoming weeks. Their goal is to collaborate with on-campus clubs like the Down to Earth club on their clothing swap. The girls swear by the fact that the most rewarding aspect of running Flagler Girl Fits has been the community that has developed from it. Their initiative not only highlights the importance of local connections but also demonstrates how personal passion can foster a supportive and inclusive environment. As Flagler College students continue to embrace and celebrate their unique styles, Flagler Girl Fits will undoubtedly remain a beacon of creativity and community spirit on campus.
Follow @flaglergirlfits on Instagram!
Strike Out,
Jessica Giraldo
Editor: Maya Kayyal
Jessica Giraldo is the Editor-In-Chief of Strike Magazine STA. She loves mint oreos, her best friend would even describe her aura as “cheetah print”, check her out @jessica.giraldo on Instagram, and follow @strikemagazinesta.
