Mouth of the River

For some, the hallways between math and English classes are not just a route to get from point A to point B, it’s a runway. During passing periods it’s easy to spot certain individuals that stand out because their style speaks louder than the crowds of bustling students. I talked to some of the most standout dressers of Oyster River High School (ORHS) to get past their signature looks, and into the thoughts behind them. 

Drew Sharp

Drew Sharp (’26) dresses like he has somewhere much cooler to be, and honestly, he probably does. For Drew, fashion is a soundtrack that synchs with the music he’s been listening to lately. When the song switches, so does the fit. When Drew’s listening to Avant-Gard electronic, he’s in all black. The next day he’s experimenting with color that reflects a Japanese Americana look. Sharp’s style tip is to trust your instinct, not the algorithm. “Wear what you want, but don’t follow trends,” Sharp advises. He’s not chasing a look; Drew Sharp is just following the music. 

Bailey Everett

Bailey Everett’s (‘28) expertise in fun colors and patterns is a breath of fresh air in ORHS’s monotone hallways. Her eccentric combinations of bold pieces paired beautifully with delicate accessories creates looks that very well could be categorized as art. But, what’s almost as cool as her look, is her mindset. “I like dressing different from everyone else,” stated Everett, “I don’t really care what other people think.” Her style doesn’t blend in, and that’s exactly the point.  

Aaron Yu

Effortless, comfortable and rooted in what matters to him, Aaron Yu (‘27) is always dressed in intention. Yu enjoys fashion as it gives him a way to show people what he likes. The Urban Outfitters connoisseur leans for a cozy but stylish vibe but isn’t afraid to take inspiration from the people around him. Yu mirrors elements that his older siblings passed to him. Yu said, “I look up to my siblings, so a lot of what I wear is taken from them.” Clearly, fashion is in the family. You can usually find Yu in the hallways sporting his favorite pair of New Balances and signature smile, making being style savvy look simple. 

Larkyn Clapp

Effortlessly cool is pretty hard to pull off, unless you’re Larkynn Clapp (‘29). Clapp’s outfits reflect herself perfectly, quietly confident. The freshman fashionista likes to wear fun pieces like statement jewelry and fun graphics to elevate her style, while still keeping the modest look overall. Clapp gives credit to Pinterest and Instagram for style inspo, and says she uses social media as a way to discover and create. She explained, “Fashion to me is dressing in a way that best represents myself.” Her outfits aren’t meant to turn heads, but they do in the best way. 

Jude Mackenzie

Not everyone can pull off authentic, but Jude Mackenzie (‘27) does it with ease. For Mackenzie, fashion is completely self-expression. Using clothing as canvas to paint himself as true to him as possible, Mackenzie is a fashion artist. When Mackenzie was asked how he would describe his personal style as he said, “My style? It’s me. That’s my style.” Right now, you can often find him wearing cool graphics, statement jackets or something he lowballed on Depop. A little bold, a little thrifty, but entirely Jude.  

Livia Fox

Liv Fox’s (‘27) fashion sense may have started at home, but it’s clear her talent and ambition will take her much farther than her closet. Fox’s polished and feminine style is an ode to the fashionable women in her life that taught her fashion wasn’t just a hobby, but an art. “I grew up around really unique styles,” said Fox, “when I was younger, I was influenced by my mom and grandma, they were really into fashion too.” In Fox’s pursuit of expressing herself, she hopes to encourage others to go out of their comfort zone as well and normalize dressing up for everyone. Fox hopes to go to school for fashion in the upcoming years. Make sure you appreciate Liv Fox’s everyday elegance while you can because it’s going far beyond the halls of ORHS. 

Ryan Keyes

Whether it’s thrifted, reworked, or entirely handmade, Ryan Keyes (‘29) can pull it off. His style is regularly shifting, but some things stay consistent; Keyes always gravitates towards pieces that pull him out of his comfort zone. His signature look is still something he’s figuring out, “my style is kind of all over the place,” explained Keyes, “but we’re working on it.” Keyes is taking his time landing on one perfect aesthetic, and in the meantime, exploring every possible option. His look may alternate, but the creativity behind it is authentically organic. To Ryan Keyes, fashion sense is built, not bought. 

Avery Baumgardt

Is there a day when Avery Baumgardt (‘26) doesn’t look put together? (The answer is no.) As a devoted thrifter, Baumgardt has the talent of making a secondhand piece a flawless statement gem in her look. Leaning into a femininity and chicness, she’s mastered the execution of an effortless but clearly curated vibe. “I always feel better when I like my outfit,” admitted Baumgardt. When she loves what she’s wearing, her confidence settles in a quiet but unmistakable way. Baumgardt may call it getting dressed, but the rest of us call it pulling off perfection 

-Elsa Svenson