Fashionista of the Month: Katherine Calton ('26)

Happy November! This month, our fashionista is of the youngest generation in our school. She loves a good pair of jeans and was nominated for fashionista by the NHS freshies of Charles River Ballet Academy. Please welcome first-year Katherine Calton to the Needham High fashionista community!

What would you consider to be a Katherine Calton staple piece? In other words, what is something in your wardrobe you cannot live without?

A Katherine Calton staple piece would be my jewelry and a good pair of baggy jeans. Jewelry always spices up a look in a way that gives it a sense of put-together-ness and I find that a go-to pair of jeans are always great for mix and matching outfits and also last minute outfits as well.

I totally agree. Describe the coziest piece of clothing you own.

The coziest piece of clothing I own currently is a Loyola [University] zip up sweatshirt that I kind of stole from my mom. It’s so worn out and soft that I almost wore it every day last year.

What motivates you to dress up every day?

My motivations for dressing up are that I want to be presentable and feel good. I always want to be comfy but also fashionable for school or activities because I find that I tend to be more confident and happy about myself when I wear clothing that makes me feel unique.

Makes sense. Skinny jeans: yes or no? What are your thoughts?

Well, I used to hate skinny jeans when I was in elementary school, but now I can understand why they would be worn in outfits. I still don’t like wearing tight skinny jeans, but if I ever find a good pair I will definitely wear them!

Describe your favorite piece of clothing you had as a child.

My favorite piece of clothing I had when I was little was a leopard pajama dress with a feathery trim. Now that I think of it, it was so ugly, but I LOVED it when I was little. My twin sister and I used to fight over who would get to wear the dress each night.

At what stores did you buy your most favorite pieces of clothing? Think about your favorite jeans, favorite sweaters, favorite tops, etc., and specify where you got what.

No one would believe me, but the jeans I actually have gotten the most compliments on are from the dreaded SHEIN. I know it’s shocking, but their jeans are much better than you would think. Also, I love to thrift and I’ve found some solid clothing pieces through thrifting at Savers and Goodwill.

Interesting. Have you always been into clothing? How old were you/when did you start figuring out your personal sense of style?

I didn’t start caring about my style until around 5th grade. I was kind of bullied for being very tasteless and not having a good style, so I started to care about it. However, now, my care for style comes from the feeling of wanting to put my best self forward and always showing my true style within myself. And I’ve also realized how throughout my self esteem issues and struggles with finding my confidence I’ve rooted my style to become something that makes me confident and happy with myself.

I love that! Who is your favorite fashionista/fashion inspo?

A lot of my inspiration comes from Pinterest, and I also take some inspiration from my older cousin who lives in New York. She’s felt like an older sister to me and has always given me light to new styles and trends and how to use pieces to their full capability.

That’s sweet. What kinds of clothing do you feel the most comfortable in? What colors, fabric materials, and silhouettes make you the most confident?

I’m most comfortable wearing baggy jeans and a cute sweatshirt with some jewelry of choice. [That outfit is] comfortable and casual but with a good choice of jewelry and shoes it always looks clean and fun.

What are your favorite TV shows? Movies?

I’ve been so focused on school recently I haven’t watched much TV, so I normally rely on YouTube. I find my main late night entertainment on there. But I always love a good DreamWorks movie, especially the Prince of Egypt!

What is something about you that people don’t usually assume at first glance?

Most people don’t know that I’m a huge KPop person, and that I’m also an identical twin. Most of my friends would say that I’m slightly annoying when it comes to singing KPop every second, but it kept me sane throughout quarantine, so I’ve really relied on it. I love it. I’m even a part of the KPop Club at Needham High! And with being an identical twin, there’s always the question of “have you ever done a switcheroo prank?” and the answer is “kind of…” …I can leave you with that.

If you could add anything cool and unconventional to your home, what would it be? Think giant slides, secret rooms, etc.

I would love to add a cool garden balcony that hangs on the backyard side of my house. Or to make it more budget friendly, having hanging plants in my room would be awesome!

Sounds cool! Thank you so much for the great responses, Katherine! Stay tuned for more fashionistas this school year, and DM @hilltoppernhs on Instagram to nominate yourself or a friend as a future fashionista!