Fashionista of the Month: Ava Navales

You might know her from the NHSN… our October Fashionista Ava Navales! Ava is a senior and undoubted fashion icon. Keep reading for her fashion takes!

What is your favorite fabric? 

I like denim a lot for its versatility and practicality, but if I want to dress up a bit, a silky dress or blouse is super fun. 

Mini or maxi? Dress or skirt?

Mini dress, maxi skirt. A mini dress is so versatile because you can add tights and a sweater if it’s cold or wear it plain if it’s hot. And I just love the look of a maxi skirt and a cute little top. 

That’s such a good answer. What is an Ava Navales staple piece?

My favorite pair of jeans. Or my Doc Martens. Like I said, denim is super versatile, and I like my outfits to be comfy but also cute, and the right pair of jeans are both of those things. And Docs are just cool and timeless.

I agree, good jeans are so crucial. Animal prints: yes or no?

For me personally, no, they’re not at all my style. But if you like them, wear them!!

Who is your favorite fashionista/fashion inspo?

I’ve got so many picks - Emma Chamberlain, Florence Pugh, Kat Stratford in the movie 10 Things I Hate About You, beabadoobee, and Jenna Allard are just a few. I like people who wear masculine clothing in a funky feminine way, even if my personal style doesn’t match theirs. I also highly recommend Pinterest as a place to get outfit inspo (my outfit Pinterest board has like 300 pins).

I love Emma and beabadooobee! And I have to say, I’m embarrassingly obsessed with Pinterest myself (my outfit Pinterest board has 1.2k pins). What do you think of people, especially on social media (and Pinterest) exchanging shoe laces for ribbons?

I was actually going to change the laces on my Docs to ribbons. I think it adds a cute girly flair and I like it! Plus it’s not a huge investment, so if it is just a micro trend then whatever.

Ribbons on Docs would look so good! What is the most underrated accessory?

Earrings. I have quite a few piercings and I love styling my jewelry to match my look. I think it’s a pretty small detail but it’s always so fun to add. And if you don’t want piercings, clip ons and cuffs work just as well!

I was thinking of buying a cuff. Do you prefer cold weather fashion or warm weather fashion?

Cold weather for sure. In the summer I dress to go to the beach so my outfits are usually just swimsuits. The winter gives more options for layering and I like pants more than shorts anyways. 

Pants are definitely better than shorts. Platform shoe or high heel?

What about platform heels? They can give you the height bonus of high heels with a less extreme angle (I have a white pair that I adore). If those don’t count, then platform shoes because high heels make my feet hurt and I can’t walk well in them. I highly recommend platform Doc Martens or Converse! So cute and easy to style. Mine are my two favorite pairs of shoes.

Platform heels definitely count! What is your guilty pleasure?

Good British chocolate and binging Criminal Minds. I love true crime but sometimes the podcasts can be too depressing. And American chocolate just isn’t anywhere near as delicious. 

You’re right, Europe definitely does it better. What is the weirdest thing on your for-you page?

Minecraft parkour AITA videos. 

Finally, what is one thing besides your phone that you have with you at all times?

My carabiner. It holds my waterbottle, spare hair ties, AirPods, my keys, and sometimes my wallet. Except if I lose my carabiner then I’ve also lost all those things, so it’s a little risky.

Wow, maybe I should get a carabiner. Thank you Ava for sharing all these insights. NHS, stay tuned for more fashionistas this school year, and DM @hilltoppernhs on Instagram to nominate yourself or a friend as a future fashionista!