LK Cox Portfolio

LK COX

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Fashion has been a constant pillar in my life, allowing me to express myself throughout all its phases. Whether in the dance studio or walking to class, the clothes I wear reflect who I am and the many attributes of my life. Growing up, I read magazines under the covers with a flashlight, dreaming of one day moving to New York City to become the hardworking fashion writer I always wanted to be.

I am eager to continue growing as a writer and editor, bringing my passion for fashion journalism into a professional space. I am driven to excel in my career, establish my reputation, and make a meaningful impact in the fashion world.

Read more at https://www.lilykatherinecox.com/

COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAMES ARE THE NEW SOUTHERN FASHION WEEK College football games are becoming fashion runways.

Hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars are spent on outfits that may only be worn once at the OU-Texas football game.

Girls are spending more time and money on their outfits than ever. Planning what they will wear months in advance has become the popular course of action. Girls are surfing the web looking for the perfect game-day attire.

The fall football season is crucial to the student bodies of southern football schools. Schools from the SEC and Big 12 conferences have students that go all out for every game day. The University of Oklahoma is no different. Girls from OU spend hundreds of dollars to look their best on game days. They buy new outfits for every football season and permanently save that extra special outfit for the annual OU-Texas game.

"To me, it's a huge part of my self-expression; I get to show off who I am in all of my outfits," says Avery Bennett, a University of Oklahoma senior.

Bennett is extremely fashion-forward, always looking her best and put together. She creates power points for outfits months in advance, utilizing what she already owns and adding pieces to make her wardrobe look new.

"Especially now that we are older, I feel like you don't want your closet just to be a sea of red going into our lives after this, so I feel like I've tried to pick out pieces for these past two years that I could see myself wearing in the future," says Bennett.

While social media makes it seem everyone buys new outfits yearly, that is not always the reality.

Students here at OU will often use items from previous years and add accessories like pins and stickers to make their outfits seem brand new.

"I wanted to make some (stickers) that were nonGreek so everyone can wear them," says Mollie Kate McClendon, a University of Oklahoma senior.

McClendon started an online business selling Game Day stickers to students at OU to fill a gap she saw in the world of game day fashion. Greek organizations run most buttons and stickers, and she created a space for those who aren't a part of Greek life to dress up and enjoy the game.

Game day shopping affects the boutiques in the Norman area. These stores cater to the wants of college girls and offer a wide range of game-day attire.

On a night game day, we can make upwards of $4,000," says Alyssa McPhetridge, a University of Oklahoma junior who works at the Clothing Bar

"One vital factor of OU game day culture is the importance of the OUTX game. The outfits worn for this game are considered the most important of the season. Girls will buy new outfits just for this one game.

While OU students commit significant financial investment to their game day attire, it still does not compare to the intensity of larger SEC schools.

Girls who attend schools like UT, Ole Miss, LSU, and Alabama spend thousands of dollars a year on their game-day attire.

"OU-Texas is like the biggest fashion show because you also have to impress the UT fans because they spend probably a lot more money on their game day outfits than we do," says University of Oklahoma senior Lexi Conley.

With OU joining the SEC next fall, not only will the stadium become more of a runway, but the game day atmosphere will also intensify to match the culture of future rivals.

A recent survey shows that OU students spend anywhere from $200 to over $1000 on game-day clothing. Some individuals have even reported spending over $3,000 at OU.

RELIGIOUS PROTESTING ON OU’S CAMPUS THREATENS TO TURN STUDENTS AWAY FROM RELIGIOUS GROUPS Recent religious protests on campus hurt the university's many religious groups by tarnishing their reputation and teachings. Protestor Daniel John Lee, a Christian Fundamentalist, came to campus at the end of March to preach, "Stop sinning, believe the gospel," while verbally harassing onlookers and passersby. He came to campus for several days in a row, holding a large sign and shouting through a megaphone.

Additionally, he had a GoPro attached to his chest to film the crowd and his interactions with students. Other Christians on campus say he took teachings out of context to gain media attention.

His protests caused said Christians to take to social media and other platforms to defend their religion's values and pedagogy.

"It hurt me to see someone actively being the reason why people turn away from that goodness and being loved unconditionally." Brianna Hernandez, OU sophomore.

The University of Oklahoma is in the bible belt.

According to the Pew Religious Landscape Study, Oklahoma has a majority of Christians, 79% of whom are Christians. Most students identify as Christian but are beginning to follow the national trend of leaving their religion. As of 2020, the number of people identifying as Christian has dropped from 90% in 1970 to 64%. The Pew Research Center states that many sites leave their religion due to disenchantment with organized religious hypocrisy, misalignment with beliefs, and misinterpretations of Christian principles.

Demonstrators like Daniel John Lee traveled nationwide protesting and preaching at universities. The messages are often the same:

condemning students and calling their lifestyles sinful. Protestors gain media attention for their polarizing views and techniques.

Some usually preach against LGBTQ+ groups, others preach against women's rights, and others condemn different religions. Usually, they claim to speak the valid values and beliefs of Christianity, but, in reality, these are why young students choose to turn away from the faith.

"Those types of performances only confirm for so many of our students why they do not belong in certain religious spaces and why spirituality for them is impossible." Assistant Professor Dr. James Howard Hill Jr. of the OU Department of Religious Studies.

University of Oklahoma Sophomore Brianna "Bri" Hernandez originally attended this university for its active religious groups. Organizations such as Fill the Stadium and Crossover allowed her to freely express her faith on campus. OU's free speech policies enable many students to openly practice their faith on campus with organizations as diverse as the University Buddhist Organization and the Muslim Student Association.

Hernandez was disturbed by the words and actions of Daniel John Lee. The words he preached and his perspective diminished, in her eyes, the Christian faith she loves and subscribes to.

“This man was going out and being all the reasons why people hate Christians; he was doing all these things, preaching condemnation, making people afraid, like fearful." Brianna Hernandez.

Hernandez speaks about the valid message of her faith as one about love and personal connection to a higher power. She further states Christianity does not discriminate against any groups and only seeks

to share the love Christians feel through their worship practices. For a religion that centers on community and personal relationships, an active antagonizer challenging the standard view of their faith is devastating.

The Pew Research Center predicts that by 2070, only 35% of the U.S. population will identify as Christian. With a steady decline in individuals participating in organized religion, Christian groups must educate effectively and create consensus if they expect to continue.

According to Assistant Professor Dr. James Howard Hill Jr. of the OU Department of Religious Studies, protests like those mentioned above are anti-intellectual performances that cannot be scrutinized.

"The University of Oklahoma, as the flagship university within this beautiful state, has a responsibility, has a mandate to confront hate and anti-intellectualism at every turn." Dr. James Howard Hill Jr.

Dr. Alan Levenson, director of the Schusterman Center for Judaic and Israel Studies at OU, has a similar opinion on the role of educators and faculty for religious education on campus.

"Any of us who have some say in who gets invited to campus, I think we have a responsibility to bring people to campus who are going to educate because if we're not educating, then I don't think we have any function whatsoever as a University."

Dr. Alan Levenson, director of the Schusterman Center for Judaic and Israel Studies at OU. OU Faculty and Staff wish to cater more toward educating students on religion in a productive way.

The Religious Studies (RELS) program at OU continues to hold events inviting students to participate in different religious practices. RELS also hosts lectures that center around various religions and spiritual events. Their goal is to further students' spiritual education to ensure more academic and productive discussion.

THE FASHIONABLE EFFECT OF SOUTHERN CULTURE Students attending school out-ofstate immerse themselves in a completely different culture t.

Culture is defined in many ways, but fashion is a unique reflection of everyday wear. While the United States is considered a homogenous culture, the other regions often have their customs, values, social structures, and even languages. The University of Oklahoma has many students from out of state, providing a breeding ground for acculturation and ideas colliding.

A fundamental factor of a culture is the fashion that it represents.

The South is no different. With its unique history of trends and basic values, Southern culture influences the way young women dress in Southern society. The ideas were ingrained through many years of influence and cultural cultivation, culminating in defining what it means to be a desirable woman in the South.

"I dress more Southern here. There are a lot of misconceptions coming from Wyoming. People think I should be more Western since I was born in the "Wild West." People here tend to wear boots and hats, and I never did that growing up in Jackson." said Ellie Frantz, a University of Oklahoma student from Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Fashion is crucial to the life of a young Southern woman. She dresses in a way that displays her values and aligns with the current trends. Appearing "put-together" is a skill taught to women at a young age. The obsession with being perfect and likable in their environment is at the forefront of young girls' minds.

"Young Southern white ladies have long been encouraged in the feminine arts, and aspects of beauty have been taught in female academics, charm schools, and modern modeling salons." Beauty, Cult of, The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture: Volume 4: Myth, Manners, and Memory.

Young Southern women's dress trends and ideas are often foreign to out-of-state students.

Students cite the different styles of casual dress as shocking when attending OU. Athleisure, athletic wear worn as everyday clothing, is worn on a whole new level at OU. Students, especially females, often wear very similar things: leggings, tank tops, etc.

The dress style for more formal events is often categorized as more girlish. With the popularity of oversized sleeves, floral prints, and bright colors, out-of-state students often have to shop locally in Norman to achieve the Southern look.

"I shop at more boutiques because they are more frequent here than in the Midwest," said Rheagen Nevins, a University of Oklahoma student from Missouri.

There is also the idea of constantly showing off the excellent items one's family can afford.

Lovely jewelry and shoes are often accompanied by casual and comfortable clothes. Even if individuals cannot afford these items, they seek out copycat items that look as if they were real. Wearing fake designer jewelry and shoes allows young Southern women to appear upper-class and fit in with the masses.

"Stores like Golden Goose and Lululemon were not heard of until a couple of years ago, and even then, only the upper class will even think to purchase merchandise from there," said Emily Swipes, a University of Oklahoma student from Wilmington, Delaware.

The idea of the Southern Bell is the perfect Southern woman full of grace and confidence. Southern Bells hold a beauty unlike no other, with refined taste and adequate social standing. Though seemingly archaic, these ideas have defined Southern fashion's statements in the modern age, affecting those who attend Southern universities.

The popularity of beauty pageants in the South tremendously influenced young Southern women's appearances. This idea of being a "fake perfect" is reflected across the board. The obsession with extreme blonde hair and fake tans are ways young Southern women express beauty unlike anywhere else. The idea of being the "perfect and beautiful" young lady, combined with the pristine outfits and the obsession with causally owning designer, provides a way for all young women to model the upper class and look as such.

Many out-of-state students witness this behavior and wish to fit in with the Southern beauty standard. The clothing style, jewelry, and cosmetic requirements to be the perfect young woman influence their habits.

"That is how everyone else dresses around me; I wanted to fit in," said Amari Norman, a University of Oklahoma Student from St. Louis, Missouri.

For those out-of-state students who join sororities, their experience is heightened.

Sororities have been a longstanding tradition of being Southern upper-class individuals. Even for those who don't have enormous wealth, emulating the style of those who do in these societies is imperative. Joining a sorority and purchasing vast amounts of material things allows everyone to look like an upper-class Southern girl.

"When coming to OU, I adopted more of a Southern look, a Southern sorority girl chic," said Norman.

The weather plays a significant role in the aesthetics of Southern fashion. The warmer climate influences the popularity of light fabrics and brighter colors, allowing people in the South to wear "less" clothing. The idea of shorter shorts, cropped tops, and lighter fabrics seen in everyday Southern fashion indicates a summer vacation.

"Often, people in the south will wear every day what people in the north would only wear on vacation," said Professor Lloyd E. Cracknell, Associate Professor of Costume Design at the University of Oklahoma.

The weather's effect on Southern fashion has been evident throughout history and into the modern age.

Wearing less clothing isn't always a means of keeping cool in warmer weather. For young women especially, wearing little clothing can be seen as provocative.

"Missouri dresses more modestly; I didn't start wearing crop tops till I got here," said Norman.

This idea of little clothing has become something more. Showing off one's body through the clothes they wear affects the way college students dress casually. Wearing LuluLemon's leggings or athleisure wear in an academic setting is common in Southern schools.

A provocative style of dress has been introduced to Southern culture. A part of the Southern idea of beauty is a woman's sexuality—showing off one's body to show one's natural beauty. While the South is homogeneous with a conservative Christian culture, the idea of wearing shorter shorts, cropped tops, and tighter clothing has proven to resemble a woman's innate sexuality within the Southern system.

"People wear leggings like 25/8 up there to show off their asses and tight clothes," said Swipes.

At a Southern university, game day is an event.

The tailgating, the rituals, and the outfits are all part of the experience. Young Southern girls use game days as an opportunity to dress to impress.

Especially in the Greek life system, dressing nice for game days is a must.

"Up North, game day outfits are just what is most comfortable," said Swipes.

The idea of wearing cowboy boots as game-day footwear has influenced many out-of-state students to purchase a pair. Adding this element to their wardrobe provides a sense of Southernness. Cowboy boots and hats are homogeneous with not only Southern culture but Texas culture, so adding these boots helps transform an everyday wardrobe into a Southern fashion statement.

"I never thought about wearing a dress and boots to a game or jeans and a cute little top to go out. That's just not what happens back at home," said Norman.

The hallmarks of Southern fashion are unique in how they represent the growth of Southern culture. Western wear has maintained its popularity and resembles a way for everyday people to remember their region's heritage. The presence of cowboy boots and hats as every day or even formal attire is unique

to this region of the United States. While many places have Western roots, this style is a defining influence on Southern fashion and not a statement to wear for specific events.

Southern culture is often defined by its people's political opinions, accents, and history, but it is much more. A rich culture developed uniquely to reflect the environment surrounding individuals,

Southern fashion is a hallmark of Southern culture.

The influence Southern culture has on the fashion of educational institutions is formidable. This fact influences out-of-state students attending Southern universities such as the University of Oklahoma to change their dress and fashion choices.

AMERICAN ROYALTY The epitome of the American dream, decked from head to toe in red, white, and blue, the Kennedy family is the epitome of American class wealth and political power.

Ambassadors, Presidents, and fashion icons keep this more relevant than even the most influential political families. This family made a name for themselves from humble Irish beginnings by taking their Hollywood glamor to the political world. In 1938, Joseph Kennedy left the world for Hollywood producing to serve our nation as ambassador to the United Kingdom. He and his family embodied the grace, Elegance, and, most importantly, glamor of the United States, immediately enthralling all those who met them.

The Kennedys represented America on the rise, and everyone had the opportunity to get ahead and make a name for themselves that would last a lifetime. They were nothing short of the poster family for how you can By: LK Cox do anything in the States.

1960s style icon and the original political it girl, Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis, was a New York socialite who became the epitome of what it meant to be a classic American woman. She was an accomplished rider, well-educated, and captivating, making her the perfect First Lady.

She married John F. Kennedy in 1953, was a writer for the Washington Times-Herald Newspaper, and was about to be the senator of Massachusetts. A few years later, she became First Lady of the United States at 31, prepped and ready for a life of shaking hands and attending state dinners. Her

elegant and understated style accompanied a gracious passion for the arts. She focused on making the white house a place for the "Great American Arts," highlighting the homegrown artistic talent instead of focusing on European design.

"Once in a great while, an individual will capture the imagination of people worldwide. You have done this, and what is more important, through your graciousness and tact, you have transformed this rare accomplishment into a vital asset to this nation."

Her style was modeled after that of Audry Hepburn, another American sweetheart. The combination of old Hollywood glamor and infectious personal style made her the most influential American woman in 1960s fashion.

She stuck to the basics, everything tailored just right. Her uniform was classically tailored suits, lady-like dresses, and intense, solid colors. Pinks, yellows, reds, and ivory—she always knew what colors looked best on her to highlight her features.

She was an international success with her unique and refined wardrobe. She often wore sleeveless dresses, wrist-length gloves, and a simple strand of pearls for day-to-day wear. Around the White House, she was more laid-back, wearing high-waisted trousers and a trim blouse or turtleneck. Her iconic black oversized sunglasses became a staple for the decade, playing off her dark hair and bright-colored outfits.

Some of her more famous fashion moments are her evening wear. She stuck to single-colored dresses with bateau necklines or sheath off-theshoulder gowns. A pair of white opera gloves always accompanied her.

Her arguably most iconic outfit is also her saddest. A watermelon pink suit paired with her trademark pillbox hat, worn on that fateful day in Dallas, TX. It was a replica of a Chanel suit made with Chanel fabric but made by American hands.

Jackie lived in the limelight, became a political icon, and is today known as fashionable and influential. It's no coincidence that this family attracts the most fashionable people. Taking over the 90s, Carolyn Basset Kennedy inspired the new age of minimalist style. "Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn BessetteKennedy," A book by Elizabeth Beller, recounts a tell-all of the 90s style icon Carolyn Basset Kennedy, the next generation of chic and classic. She was the publicist for the iconic Calvin Klein; she had her foot on every trend and event. Kennedy joined the political dynasty in 1996 when she married John F. Kennedy Jr., the white house born attorney.

Cultured Elegance is the term coined to describe her style. She pioneered minimal and clean-cut Elegance and is known for her classic looks and simple yet elevated style. She never did too much; she was always natural and chic. That is not to say she didn't change her appearance.

Kennedy had a knack for what was in and what was out. After the 1980s, she did away with her natural blonde hair and opted for a more bright and platinum blonde. She went to the salon often to avoid grownout roots, making her hair appear naturally blonde.

Her accessories stayed simple and stayed classic.

Her classic black Prada bag was her everyday staple, not to say she didn't dabble in the vast world of handbags with a Birkin or two. However, they were always simple and mostly black.

Tortoiseshell headbands, oval-frame glasses, and tousled hair were staples of her everyday look.

Kennedy often wore thin-strapped minimal heels with silk slip dresses and an array of beige and black clothing in every shape and fabric possible.

She wore a classic red lip with strappy dresses, and her hair pulled back perfectly for formal occasions.

With Kennedy's new age on the political rise, one wonders who will be the next style icon of this great political family and whether they will succumb to yet another case of the Kennedy Curse.

THE PARISIAN WINTER WORDROBE

I

f a recent trip abroad has taught me anything, it's that Parisians know how to dress for the weather. Christmas in Paris isn't all sunshine and sightseeing; there are cold and rainy days in a city built for walking, not knowing when the next downpour will happen.

Walking the city, I began to note what the locals were wearing and what high-fashion solutions our French-speaking friends had made to combat the constant chill. After a while, I noticed a simple solution I saw at every turn: a winter uniform adopted by those running to work or walking the streets with their friends.

A long wool-tailored coat of brown or black, a thick warm scarf you can cover your hair with, and a thick-soled boot. The Acne Studios scarf was a clear fan favorite in bright colors and tartan patterns, and I haven’t seen so many Doc Martin boots in years.

While simple sneakers were another option for younger passersby, the winter boot was the overall style winner.

No matter what was worn underneath, I noticed rather quickly that the vast majority of Parisians wore this same combination.

They covered their hair with scarves when there was an unexpected downpour and walked through puddles without care of ruining their favorite shoes.

There are no puffer jackets and earmuffs, just simple, tailored, and put-together looks.

While the French idea of put together is quite different from our stateside views, we can look across the Atlantic for inspiration for our wintery wardrobes.

HUNTER’S BACK

I

reminder quite clearly begging my parents to buy me a pair of black Hunter boots in 2013, to wear with my monogrammed vest, skinny jeans, and socks that foldover the top of my boots.

At the time, my mom simply said I would never wear them

again, and here I am now, entering 2025, searching the web for the perfect boot. Rainboots are a staple, and a long-standing, reputable brand such as Hunter is perfect for an investment piece.

The popularity of the Hunter boot follows the recent trend of Barbour Jackets playing off the Old Money English aesthetic or rainy and cold winters on a Scottish estate.

The Hunter boot is seen in many reference pictures of a new trend, the “Fisherman's Aesthetic.” Now, don’t worry; this style of dress isn’t fishing shirts and horrible sunglasses but a combination of an East Coast aesthetic and the recently popular bohemian style.

As I have seen in my lifetime, Hunter boots come in and out of trend but will always remain a classic and lasting piece. So, if you’re looking for a new boot to add to your wardrobe, it's safe to say that Hunter boots are here to stay.