Horses, History, Hospitality- the city of Paris. A welcoming town- a great place to raise a family and enjoy life. From the outside, Paris may seem like your average small town, with no personality. However, if you take a step into the city, and look towards the Eiffel Tower, you may realize Paris, Kentucky is pretty similar to the famous Paris, France.
Paris (Ky) is one of the most fashionable cities in the state. Located near Lexington, it’s easy for citizens to get their inspiration from good ol’ UK sportswear, Keeneland’s spring and fall fashion line, and Kentucky-related boutiques. Throughout the seasons, both men and women in Paris look quite fashionable. From their stylish boots to the shiny jewelry all around, women around here are admired for their great taste. However, it isn’t just the adults with smart fashion choices. Deep inside Bourbon County High School, past the dirty jeans and muddy boots, some students are bringing fashion to the next level. Dresses, skirts, khakis, purses, jewelry, and heels are seen throughout the halls. Students in the high school are expressing themselves through their clothing, and showing what it truly means to be confident.
Dressing nice at school isn’t as acceptable as it used to be, which some girls have already had experience with. A student, who chose to remain anonymous, recalls the first time she dressed nice to school. She was in 5th grade and had been shopping at Justice- a popular store for young girls. She made eye contact with a blue, flowy, skirt and fell instantly in love with it. Walking into school the next day, very excited might I add, she wasn’t greeted the way she thought she would be. Comments like, “Why are you wearing that?” and “You look childish” surrounded her and followed her all day. It was enough to bring her to the point of throwing the love of her life, that flowy blue skirt, into the trash. It wasn’t just that day she experienced hatred for the way she dressed. When she began finding her style in high school, she was approached several times and questioned why she looked so nice. Though it seems like a harmless question, asking why someone looks so nice is quite offensive. “I am strong enough to know that anyone who hates, is jealous and doesn’t deserve to ruin my day. When someone gives me a dirty look, I just remember my outfit is cooler than theirs.”
Senior, Alyssa Sanders is another girl in school known for her stylish outfits. She dresses nicely every day and likes to switch up her style with 90s and 2000s fits. Alyssa also participates in school dress-up days and has encouraged students to join in. Since she was little she has had a “passion for fashion” and has heard every comment out of the book about what she chooses to wear. If you know Alyssa, you know she doesn’t get embarrassed and takes pride in what she does. A little comment about her “outfit being way too nice for school” isn’t going to bother her. “Times are changing, and people need to change”, says Alyssa. This school makes it easy for people to stand out if they are dressed up. Alyssa owns it and encourages girls to do the same.
If you are looking for outfit inspiration, look for Madolynn Morgan, a junior here at the high school. You’ll know you see her if she has a gorgeous outfit on with heels and a purse on her side. Madolynn struts through the halls and doesn’t think twice about people who may judge. She explained to me that a few years ago, it was embarrassing for her to dress up, but now her mindset has changed. She feels most confident when she is dressed up. If you are looking for help to include accessories into your daily fits, Madolynn should be your go-to person. She always has the right hair clips and purses to match the outfit of the day.
There is so much personality that can be expressed through outfits. Both girls and boys at Bourbon are discovering their true selves through fashion and can easily be considered an inspiration to younger students. They’re encouraging people to be themselves and dress the way that makes them feel confident.
