By Bella Omar Asst. Arts & Features Editor Since Nancy Niemi was appointed president of Framingham State in 2022, she has inspired students not only through her commitment to social and educational equity, but through her incredible campus style. Here is what she has to say on putting together authentic, yet professional outfits. How would you describe your style? “Professionally eclectic!” How has your style evolved? “We’re surrounded by all the images and messages about how men are supposed to dress professionally and how women are supposed to dress professionally. Then you got direct rules and unwritten rules. I had to navigate all those different messages about what I wanted to look like and what constituted professional, particularly in this role. I don't want to lose my eclectic and a little quirky sense of style but still demonstrate respect for the position.” What is your method for putting an outfit together? “A friend who is also president in another state said she puts all her outfits together at the beginning of the week and never deviates. I can't do that. It's a creative process every day, and in part, it's about who am I meeting with and what's the weather like? But mostly it's about who I am meeting with. Is it something where I really need to be in a suit - and even my suits are a little offbeat - but is it that I just need to wear a suit and look that part? It’s really about, ‘What do I want my clothes to say about today?’ I also wear so much black and gold, so it's fun.” Walk us through today’s outfit. “I got this black Quince turtleneck because I’m always cold. I wanted something that kept me comfortable but also was not casual. I probably have five different black pants that just rotate depending on what occasion. But then the vest - a colleague actually had the same vest - and it is made by Metamorphoza, which has really funky clothes. I love this because it is just off-center. I like being off-center, and so I like the angular look, and I'm tall enough that I like long looks as well. And then I can wear something monochromatic underneath. And so you can pay attention to the funkiness of the vest itself. Then my boots are John Fluevog, they're very comfortable, and I really like his style.” Where do you typically shop? My time is so limited that going shopping is a real treat right now, and because consignment shopping particularly takes time, I've learned that if I need a basic piece, particularly pants, I will go to like J.Crew or something. But I've been in Sister Thrift, which is so much fun. And there is DC Consignment. In fact, when they had an event there with the Fashion Club last year, I went and that was fun too. And then there's one in Wellesley called Élan Fine Consignment. Who is your style inspiration? “I actually watch a lot of what people are wearing on campus, because I know that there's so much design around us, and how could I not take advantage of that? I think I'm always paying attention just to see who's wearing what, but I think I'm probably less influenced by whatever is trendy and more influenced by whatever seems to fit me.” What is some style advice you have for students? “That people notice. I think people notice more than we think they do. And so don't lose who you are, but definitely do match your dress for what your occasion is.”
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