Cassidy's Three Words

Name: Cassidy Zachary

Profession: Co-host of Dressed: the History of Fashion, PhD Student University of New Mexico

How I describe myself in Three Words: Curious. Passionate. Ambitious. 

How I express my Three Words through my style: I do not consider myself particularly stylish or fashionable, although I will say that my curiosity about and passion for fashion history has inspired me to start to incorporate more vintage into my wardrobe, as has my decision to only purchase ethically-made, sustainable products. Second-hand and vintage clothing are all part of the slow fashion movement, after all, and a lot of my inspiration in dressing/shopping is about moving away from the fast fashion industry that is polluting our planet! I really only buy maybe five pieces of clothing per year and I am very particular about those pieces. If it’s not second-hand or vintage than I am buying it from a local artisan or designer. My career ambitions are perhaps reflected best in my "professional" wardrobe which diverges from my usual everyday look of thrifted blue jeans and cotton t-shirts and engages a lot with a mixture of vintage skirts and second-hand tops. However plain my clothing is, however, I always make sure and accessorize with jewelry. It is with wearing jewelry that I only ever feel completely "dressed." 

In a 1970s vintage suit from Off Broadway Vintage in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This was worn to the iHeart Podcast awards in January where Dressed was nominated for Best Fashion Podcast.

Words of advice on how to develop the confidence to be who you are: Dress is such an important part of identity making and can really help to establish a person's confidence and self-esteem. I only ever suggest wearing clothing that makes YOU happy and feel beautiful, not what the fashion press or favorite influencer thinks is beautiful. Finding out what that clothing is can take some experimenting but that’s the fun part! I highly suggest doing a clothing swap with your group of friends or community. It is a great way to keep clothing you no longer want in circulation--and out of landfills--and also a fun and cost-free way to experiment with different types of clothing.