SZA: Music Videos and Their Contribution to The Fashion Industry.
Image Courtesy: Rolling Stone
In April of 2018, I was a senior in high school, feeling like my life was over because I hadn’t been asked to prom. I was devastated. But then, I heard this song:
“I could be your supermodel
If you believe
If you see it in me
I don’t see myself”
“Supermodel,” SZA
SZA’s words made me feel seen and understood, with her music videos only reinforcing that feeling. Since the beginning of her career, SZA has been pushing the boundaries of music and lyricism. Along with the power of her music, she has a killer sense of style that is rooted in her authenticity.
Image Courtesy: Youtube
SZA stated in an interview with Complex that she grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey as the “token Black girl.” Her town and school were mostly white, and her community was not very supportive of her. (She later returned to her old high school where she had been bullied to speak and sing to the current students.) It would only be later in her adulthood that she would grow into her stylistic intuition and lyrical prowess.
Since her rise to fame, there have been countless fan-made accounts on Instagram attempting to recreate her signature style. (Because, duh.)
Below are four simple ways to start dressing more like SZA:
Oversized T-Shirts and Hoodie
Image Courtesy: Youtube
SZA talks a lot about prioritizing her comfort, and oversized t-shirts are the first step. For extra points, try something recycled and/or tie-dyed, like from SZA’s own clothing company- Ctrl Fishing Co, which focuses on sustainability and saving ocean animals from harmful materials like plastic.
Baggy, Low-Rise Jeans
I know, I know. You’re shaking over the thought of low-rise jeans. But they’re baggy...so they’re more doable, no? SZA likes to pair these with a small, form-fitting top or bra. But you could also pair them with an oversized hoodie for peak 90’s nostalgia.
Mix and Match Patterns
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Want to know how to look extra chic? Combine patterns! To quote Stacey London, “It doesn’t have to match, it just has to go”. Above, SZA combined two different camouflage patterns just to be extra tongue-in-cheek and playful.
Lots of Bright Colors
Dressing in bright colors is a foolproof way to lighten up your day, especially in this gloomy February weather. SZA likes to wear colors that aren’t normally worn every day, such as orange. It’s easier to start out with just one item of clothing that introduces a pop of color to your outfit.
SZA uses clothing to constantly reinforce and redefine her personal style. She’s honest about her experience, all the way back to high school when she didn’t fit in because of the color of her skin. She writes songs about insecurity and inner strength heard in her songs such as “Garden,” “Drew Barrymore,” and “Supermodel.”
If you still haven’t listened to CTRL (what are you doing if you haven’t?), listen. Then come back and refer to this so that you’ll know how to complete your first step in becoming more like SZA.
Strike Out,
Writer: Ellie Lynch
Athens