Fashion is a big part of everyday life for many students, but for junior Zoey Rogina, it’s much more than that: it’s a form of self-expression and confidence. Rogina said she feels her best when she dresses in a way that reflects who she is. For her, getting dressed is “kind of like drag,” complete with makeup and fun outfits that lift her mood. She said she would “feel really sad” if she couldn’t dress the way she does.
Rogina began developing her distinctive style in middle school as a way to stand out rather than blend in. She has always loved experimenting with color and coordination, but over time, she has learned more about how to build a cohesive look. “I’ve learned different key elements to style, like texturing, color, and basic formulas to make it interesting,” she said.
She describes her fashion sense as alternative and whimsical. While there isn’t one outfit that makes her feel especially confident, she said jewelry plays a big role in how she feels each day. “I feel weird if I’m not wearing earrings,” Rogina said.
Most of Rogina’s clothing comes from thrift stores and hand-me-downs from family. “Basically everything I have is secondhand,” she said, adding that she has “a lot of cool relatives” who pass down unique pieces. Thrifting, she said, is one of her favorite ways to find new outfits.
When it comes to inspiration, Rogina turns to Pinterest, where she follows trad-goth (punk and gothic fashion, influenced by Victorian mourning dress, glam rock, and horror cinema) and alternative fashion creators. She especially likes how those communities use layering to build dynamic outfits, and she has applied some of those techniques to her own wardrobe.
Compliments on her fashion never go unnoticed. “I get a lot of compliments on some of my better outfits,” Rogina said. “It makes me feel good, since I put a lot of effort into the things I wear.”
Looking back, Rogina laughs at some of her early fashion choices. She remembers a “really bad phase” in sixth grade when she was obsessed with neon colors. “My outfits were so ugly,” she said, shaking her head. “I had biker spandex shorts and big shirts, and everything was neon. It was terrible.”
For Rogina, fashion continues to be a joyful way to express herself and boost her confidence — a reminder that clothing can be both creative and empowering.
Kora Hendrie
Kora Hendrie is currently a junior at Ukiah High School. She was born and raised in Ukiah. This is her first year taking journalism, and so far she really enjoys writing about her hometown. In her free time, she enjoys reading and hanging out with friends and family.