The halls of Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA) act as a runway for the student body to express themselves through fashion each and every day. The lack of uniform and the pressure of conformity lifted by the school’s atmosphere allow students to wake up and get dressed for school in a way that represents them.

For four years, senior visual artist Phoenix Barber has watched as students around her come to school dressed to the nines in a wide array of outfits. Barber herself has followed suit in the fashion world that is the halls of BSA. 

When asked about her process of getting dressed in the morning Barber said, “Sometimes I just go with the vibes, like, what am I feeling today? I don’t really plan my outfits out unless I have somewhere to go… I just kind of pick something out and I’m like ‘Oh! This looks good.’”

On a random Wednesday in February, Barber wore a blue head wrap, her ex-boyfriend’s sweatshirt, a sheer floral skirt with leggings underneath, her grandmother’s antique jewelry, and a high-end vintage purse. 

Her outfit, a mix of name brand and second-hand items, is a style Barber follows pretty religiously. The mix of the feminine floral skirt and her ex-boyfriends sweatshirt is a technique she uses when sourcing her wardrobe too. 

“I do like high-low things, like, sometimes I’ll step into more of a luxury item and then I’ll mix it with a cheaper style,” said Barber. 

This style philosophy is not unlike many other BSA students. In fact, sophomore stage designer Kai Harris follows a very similar style and sourcing method.

On the same Wednesday in February, Harris was wearing a turtleneck from their grandmother, a thrifted belt, a retail-bought skirt, red 70’s style glasses, and their brown boots.

When asked about where they get their clothes, they listed their grandmother, thrifting, and every once in a while, retail shopping. 

It could be argued that Barber and Harris’ styles could not exist or be an everyday thing at other city schools. Restrictions like dress codes and uniforms get in the way of other Baltimore City students showing off their own fashion flair at school. 

Students at BSA know they are lucky to be one of the few Baltimore City schools without a uniform mandate. Barber said, “I feel like I couldn’t get away with half the outfits I wear now if I went to another school. I feel like sometimes I put on an out-of-the-box outfit and I feel like if I was to wear those outfits [at uniformed schools] they wouldn’t understand.”

BSA’s lack of uniform allows students to express themselves through clothes, and this looks different for every student.

“I’ve seen so many different styles. Most styles are very reminiscent of the past generations. Like, a lot of 90’s inspired stuff and early 2000’s,” said Barber, “It’s just so eclectic, like, if I had to choose a word the word would be eclectic.”

Harris has a similar take on BSA student style. “I would say it’s definitely a non-judgmental zone,” they said.

Some would argue that uniforms in schools promote comfortability for the students and push students to focus on their learning. For Barber her outfits make her comfortable and allow her to express herself. 

“Honestly, if my outfit makes me happy, then I’m able to be happy,” said Barber.

To contact this writer, email Muse Newspaper at musebsa@bsfa.org.

Featured photos by Jude Harvey for The Muse.