Zealous Magazine Issue 2: Authenticity by Zealous Magazine

EDITORS NOTE:

The idea of ﬁnding yourself is a daunting task itself, and when social media algorithms, unsolicited advice from strangers, and that looming thought of ‘Am I doing enough?’ slither their way into your every day, ﬁnding your true self becomes an even more complicated journey.

It is a bit ironic that we often turn to such outlets– social media, strangers, and those pesky peaks of self-doubt– to try and grasp what makes us who we are. Not to say such conduits are not adequate forms of discovery, but where one must draw the line is when those outlets of inspiration shift to commands from society.

For our second issue of Zealous, we decided to challenge those commands in the spirit of celebrating and discovering authenticity. Letting go of societal expectations that hover constantly and embracing the history of who we are, and where we come from, served as an outlet to unlock the hidden truths about our identities.

As you ﬂip through these labors of love assembled into pages, we hope Issue 2 inspires you to be uniquely you and fall in love with the journey to being your authentic self– just as we learned to do while creating it <3

With love, Abby & Zealous Team

ByMarylRees

Throughout my life, I’ve been interested in the rich history and music of alternative subcultures. The spirit of resistance and raw individuality they embody—punk’s anti-establishment rebellion, the gritty authenticity of grunge, Riot Grrrl’s radical feminist-punk fusion, among many others—has long been a source of inspiration and empowerment in my journey toward self-deﬁnition. And now, in the digital age, many of these once-niche movements are experiencing a rapid revival.

Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have revolutionized the way these groups can grow, by creating a global community where anyone can access the music, fashion, and political philosophies that deﬁne these movements. In the past, if someone was into punk rock or grunge, they might have felt isolated unless they lived in a city with a thriving scene. Now, you can ﬁnd people coming together from across the world to share their collective interests. This connectivity has sparked a renewed interest in the aesthetics and ideologies of these subcultures, one which overcomes geographical barriers.

There’s a new energy in this digital age, and it’s reshaping how identities are formed and expressed. A variety of approaches have emerged—some dedicate themselves to preserving the core principles of original punk ideologies, striving to maintain the practices and attitudes of earlier generations. Others, however, choose to adopt punk aesthetics without diving into its political and cultural foundations.

Because of this diversity of thought, one of the most interesting aspects of the revival is the way it navigates the tension between fundamental do-it-yourself values and the rise of fast fashion. Historically, many alternative movements have been deeply rooted in principles that emphasize individuality, creativity, and a do-it-yourself approach to outward expression. For followers, the act of sewing your own clothes, customizing your gear, and mending what you already have serves far more than a practical purpose. It’s a profound form of self-distinction that can’t be replicated by store-bought items. This do-it-yourself ethos stands as a rejection of consumer culture, championing a more sustainable approach to fashion that values authentic, personal style over the “trendier” standard.

However, we now live in a world where, with the dawn of online shopping, it’s possible to buy whatever you want in an instant. With just a few clicks, you can order a punk-inspired jacket or a grunge band tee, often from fast-fashion retailers that churn out cheap, mass-produced items. This new phenomenon raises some important concerns: is it actually all that countercultural to brandish anarchy patches bought oﬀ a site like Shein? Can you reconcile taking on the title of “punk” while relying on fast fashion, an industry in direct opposition to the movement’s values?

Within the varied answers to these questions, we ﬁnd the fundamental debate underlying this new era of subcultures: the interplay between politics and aesthetics. Many alternative movements emerged in response to social and political issues, possessing a vibrant non-conformist resolve that critiqued mainstream norms and manifested itself in their respective artistic and clothing styles. Yet, in our current digital landscape, the line between genuine political engagement and aesthetic expression can become blurred. Some individuals may wear alternative styles purely to appear “edgy,” without an understanding of—or commitment to—the political philosophies and ﬁghts that drove the movements they belong to.

But, many believe that such participation in a culture is inauthentic and superﬁcial. In their eyes, adopting a clothing style without recognizing where it comes from dilutes and disregards its heritage, an issue that is only exacerbated if the clothes are bought through fast fashion. Still, others argue that personal expression should be valid regardless of its source or motivation. But regardless of what you believe, it’s essential to strike a balance between enjoying the aesthetic elements of a subculture while also respecting its roots. Embracing the spirit of these movements means far more than just pulling on a pair of combat boots—it demands a recognition of the cultural signiﬁcance behind them.

This conflict of ideas has also encouraged innovation, inspiring people to find ways to incorporate do-it-yourself practices in their lives, despite the culture of commodity that dominates our society. For instance, some share tutorials on social media about how to upcycle clothing, encouraging creativity and promoting sustainability rather than feeding into fast fashion’s endless cycle of consumption. Others, by blending vintage finds with modern pieces to create unique styles, stay true to their singularity while drawing inspiration from a movement they admire.

Ultimately, engaging with alternative subcultures today demands a thoughtful, introspective approach. The digital age oﬀers unprecedented access to these movements, but it also requires contemplation of authenticity. Is it enough to wear the clothes and listen to the music, or is there a deeper level of engagement that comes with it? When you claim a term like “punk” as part of your identity, what does that mean to you?

In our ever-evolving artistic, aesthetic, and societal landscape, the power of self-discovery and expression remains at the heart of alternative culture. In truth, nothing is more radical than knowing who you are and living by that shamelessly.

the distressed divide

written by abbie urban

blue-collar workwear, class, and the commodiﬁcation of struggle

In the evolving fashion world, the trend of blue-collar distressed styles has sparked an important discussion about class, authenticity, and identity. High-end designers often transform practical workwear into expensive, sought-after pieces, frequently stripping away the original signiﬁcance and context of these garments. As these items are integrated into modern fashion, they carry historical narratives that reﬂect the experiences of workers over decades, often without awareness from the consumers.

Brands frequently gentrify blue-collar styles, transforming them into expensive items that only the rich can access. This now common process often involves taking practical, functional clothing originally designed for laborious jobs and reinterpreting it through a high-fashion lens, eﬀectively distorting its original signiﬁcance. The high-fashion adoption of workwear not only romanticizes the aesthetics of these styles for wealthy people, but also trivializes the genuine struggles faced by real workers, commodifying their experiences in a way that feels disingenuous.

In April of 2024, Jennifer Lopez was spotted in New York City wearing $750 high-end Acne Studios jeans that were designed to look muddy and distressed. With a net worth of $400 million, it feels almost inhumane for Lopez to wear an outﬁt that mimics the clothing of working-class individuals, especially while carrying a luxury Chanel bag. multi-millionaire cannot truly understand the realities of someone who wears jeans that are genuinely muddy from hard work, rather than crafted for aesthetic purposes. From a logical standpoint, it’s perplexing why anyone would choose to portray an impoverished lifestyle that is, for many, marked by struggle and hardship.

Consumers may wear these trendy pieces seeking to embody a certain ruggedness or resilience, but this aesthetic choice often comes at the cost of the original context. When people adopt these styles, it creates a disconnect; the rich might wear distressed jeans as a fashion statement, while the working class may have no choice but to wear them out of ﬁnancial necessity. This juxtaposition reveals a troubling irony: while the wealthy can curate their image around hard work and struggle, those who actually endure those realities are often left unseen and unheard. It's classy if you're rich, but trashy if you're poor.

"it's

classy if you're rich,

but trashy if you're poor."

Imagine how blue-collar workers feel when their hard work is overlooked. They dedicate their lives to essential jobs, yet their practical clothing is often transformed into a trend, reducing their contributions to mere dirty jackets and pants. I imagine this commodiﬁcation can evoke frustration and feelings of invisibility, as their sacriﬁces are turned into fashion statements. Ultimately, this raises important questions about representation and respect. We must reconsider how we honor blue-collar workers, ensuring their voices and hard-earned labor are acknowledged in society.

Traditionally, blue-collar workers such as mechanics, electricians, and plumbers have been predominantly male-dominated ﬁelds. However, in recent years, women have begun to reclaim these typically masculine garments, using blue-collar clothing as a means to assert their identities and challenge societal norms surrounding femininity. This shift serves not only as a statement of strength and independence but also aligns with broader movements for gender equality and empowerment through fashion. Many pieces of workwear and distressed clothing are often found only in second-hand or vintage markets, oﬀering a level of individuality that mass-produced fast fashion simply cannot match. These garments have the ability to be worn over decades. Workwear, designed for practicality and durability, includes items like overalls, jackets, and sturdy pants crafted to withstand the rigors of labor-intensive jobs. Unlike most fast fashion items, which are often disposable and lacking in quality, these vintage pieces are built to last. In this context, can we really blame anyone for opting to create a quality, sustainable capsule wardrobe that can last?

In closing, the intersection of blue-collar styles and high fashion challenges us to reflect on issues of identity, class, and sustainability. As luxury brands appropriate workwear, we must remain mindful of the authentic stories behind these garments and the workers who wear them out of necessity. It's a difficult topic. By choosing vintage and second-hand pieces, we honor their history and craftsmanship while promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion. It is essential to uplift the voices of blue-collar workers, ensuring their contributions are recognized and valued. In doing so, we can create a fashion landscape that truly reflects the richness of diverse experiences rather than fleeting trends.

A Guide

to Finding Your Personal Style

written by camille hubly

The phrase “personal style” is becoming something that feels more commonplace to hear around nowadays. Whether it be in a fashion TikTok you scroll past, a conversation you have with a friend, or a phrase you hear mentioned in a YouTube video, the concept of fin and having your personal style seems to have become inescapably important. The issue with this is so often we hear how important it is to have personal style, but know little about how to find it. As someone who has continuously found myself caught in the web of endless trend cycles, niche style aesthetics, and enough splurges to leave me with a significant amount of buyer’s remorse, I’ve had to learn a few things about finding my own personal style. I hope that in sharing some of the tips I’ve picked up, you’ll feel as though you have a starting point in finding your true style!

Think and look at what inspires you!

Have you ever been watching a movie or TV show and just been totally distracted by how much you love what a character is wearing? There’s no harm in trying their style out for yourself! Carrie Bradshaw might have made some questionable life decisions, but her fashion choices were rarely one of them! Taking inspiration from your favorite (or least favorite) character is such a fun way to test out new styles!

Browsing a magazine such as Vogue can also help spark ideas, particularly regarding silhouettes, fabrics, and colors. I’m also a big fan of looking through old issues of FRUiTS magazine for a more playful look.

Finally, never underestimate looking to your own life for inspiration. When you imagine your dream lifestyle, what are you wearing? Most of the time, people we see as style icons earned that title by dressing in a way that pairs with and reﬂects who they are. Dressing for you, your lifestyle, and your experiences is key!

Don’t feel pressure to follow the trends

This can be a hard one to stick with when trends seem to be unavoidable, but there are a few things you can do to ﬁght oﬀ that urge to buy the newest, hottest product. Instead of immediately clicking “add to cart,” add it to a wishlist you’ve created on your Notes app or Pinterest! Sitting on an item for a while and revisiting it when it isn’t all over your Instagram feed is a great way to gauge if you really like it, or if the trend cycle is just doing its thing!

Think about speciﬁc elements you like about various trends or aesthetics rather than the pieces they’re advertising you! Oftentimes, people’s personal style is made up of many diﬀerent elements that are found in multiple aesthetics.

Invest in quality over quantity

Clean out that closet! Sometimes it can be hard to think about what your current style is when looking at a closet full of pieces that you no longer reach for. Put those old pieces up for sale on Depop or drop them oﬀ at your local Goodwill. Clearing out clothes that no longer resonate with you may lead to a clearer mind when it comes to your wardrobe. Doing this also allows you to ﬁnd which staple pieces you do or don’t already have in your closet.

Staple pieces are often the pieces that make up a capsule wardrobe, as they are built with textiles that will withstand the test of time, both in quality and style. Having a good set of staples ensures that you can always return to them instead of feeling pressured to buy the newest thing. The best style is often mixed with both staple pieces and, of course, some unique items that reﬂect individuality.

Shop secondhand!

Finally, never underestimate the power of thrift or vintage shopping. I credit my local Goodwill with being one of my earliest playgrounds when it came to ﬁnding my personal style. Thrifting allowed me to try out new styles with low stakes, as it was more cost-friendly.

More importantly, shopping secondhand is more sustainable than retail shopping! Overconsumption within the fashion world is one of the major pitfalls when trying to ﬁnd your personal style. Instead of rushing to the newest piece that social media is advertising to you, look for a local ﬂea market, or pop into the nearest thrift shop! If you prefer the comfort of shopping from your bedroom, you can try sites such as Depop, eBay, ThredUp, and a multitude of other secondhand shopping sites.

Along with being more environmentally friendly, buying secondhand styles gives a new life and story to your wardrobe. There is something so special and genuine about knowing the closet you’ve ﬁlled has been created totally by you, and not an algorithm! Clothes that might have belonged to so many others and been through so many cycles are now part of your own life, coming together to tell a story that is completely yours.

SWIPE RIGHT

How to be Authentic in the Unauthentic World of Online Dating

Written by Samantha Wirth

As someone whose close friends are all in multi-year, long-term relationships, I have often felt pressure from friends and family to “get out there.” Usually, I prefer to walk around campus mysteriously with my headphones on, ignoring strangers and hoping to attract them with my aura. However, after two and a half years on the University of Iowa campus, I’ve learned that this particular method of attraction is highly ineﬀective. Therefore, I decided to take charge of my destiny and download popular online dating apps such as Hinge and Tinder.

For those of us who hate talking to strangers, online dating seems like the perfect solution. Once you input your desired age, gender, and location radius, you’ll be greeted by a plethora of profiles. The “dating” aspect of these apps is fairly straightforward– swipe left if you dislike them, swipe right if you’re interested, and a match is created if both individuals swipe right. Although the concept of online dating excited me at first, I, like many others, ended up feeling very unsatisfied. Overall, I believe that my dislike for online dating stems from a lack of authenticity. As a chronically single person, I may be the worst person to give you dating advice, but I’ve had enough lackluster experiences on dating apps where I can safely say I have some authority on how to be your most authentic self on platforms that algorithmically discourage it.

Interests

Often, we don’t want to be perceived as “weird” on dating apps, so we select interests that seem to be the most socially acceptable. So inevitably, every time I open a dating app, I am met with proﬁles that read "enjoys traveling, bars, and sports.” While there’s nothing inherently wrong about those interests, they do not reveal anything interesting or unexpected about you. I, for one, would much rather learn about the niche and uncommon interests that I might share with a random stranger, such as the fact that we both have Costco memberships (this has gotten a lot of attention) or have a shared love for the Disney Channel original movie, Lemonade Mouth.

To improve upon this, I recommend showcasing your actual interests and getting speciﬁc about what matters to you. Although there’s a possibility of some people thinking that you’re weird (oh no!), there’s also the possibility that someone could relate to your niche or micro-interest. This shared interest could spark a conversation, and possibly a relationship.

Photos

One’s success in the world of online dating greatly hinges (pun not intended) on their selection of photos. One thing about dating apps that greatly annoys me is when people post only group photos, and I have no clue who I’m actually matching with. More common photo-fails include outdated photos (please stop using high school senior photos when you’re about to graduate college), and solely pictures where people can’t see your face at all. Although you may want to put your “best quality” photos online, it’s more important to be authentic in how you display yourself. It’s important to build a relationship based on trust, and catﬁshing potential matches will set a hypothetical relationship oﬀ on the wrong foot.

To showcase yourself authentically, add recent photos to your profile that showcase your personality. This will show off not just your physical appearance, but the inner beauty that radiates through photos where you’re truly living your best life. Not only do you want to be authentic on dating apps, but you want to appear confident as well.

Conversations

One of the first things I learned through online dating was that a lot of people don’t want to message you at all. This felt extremely ironic to me– shouldn’t people on dating apps be looking to date? However, I all too often match with someone and we never speak. Both of us are either too scared or uninterested to start a conversation, and our match lives in limbo until it expires. Personally, I dislike conversations on apps as they don’t flow as easily online as they would in person. While I feel like more authentic connections can be formed in real life, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to happen online. By sending a message to a new match about their profile or common interests, you can start an online conversation that eventually can be continued in person.

However, it’s important to stay safe when having conversations on dating apps. Many users are often harassed on dating apps, leaving them scared to message others in the future. According to a 2019 study published by the Pew Research Center, “60% of females between the ages of 18 and 34 say someone on a dating site or app continued to contact them after they said they were not interested, while 57% report being sent a sexually explicit message or image they didn’t ask for.” When faced with the possibility of harassment, it can be hard to let your guard down and be truly authentic. My tips for overcoming this barrier? Report their account, take a small break from the app, look for potential red ﬂags in your matches (pressuring you into something? Bye!), and understand that those who are so bored they feel the need to harass people on an app are the problem, not you.

In a technology-driven society, it can be hard to make strong interpersonal connections. If you’re someone like me who has felt unfulﬁlled and disappointed when dating online, know you’re not alone. However, I hope these tips have encouraged you to let people see the real you, even when it’s uncommon to do so. Taking a risk and deviating from the norm can be scary, but it is sure to lead to a much more fulﬁlling and promising relationship, better than you ever thought imaginable!