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How Activist Candace Reels Expresses Herself Through Fashion

by BUST Magazine

 

In our Fashion Nation series, we talk to trendsetters, trailblazers, and creatives about their personal style.

Candace Reels
Activist & Content Creator
Los Angeles, CA 

Tell us about this look.

The orange blazer, blue beret, and zebra turtleneck are all from & Other Stories. The jeans are from AGOLDE, and the mules are Vince Camuto. I like to mix stuff that you don’t usually see as going together, just so I know that I’m not gonna go somewhere and have on the same outfit as someone else. 

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Very bold and colorful—I like to change things up. Whether it’s women’s clothing or men’s clothing, I think that we shouldn’t have borders around what type of clothing we wear. There’s no such thing as “I can’t wear that because it’s a women’s or a men’s thing.” I’m definitely a person who will just rock whatever item I like.

Talk to me about the gorgeous hats and blazers!

I really don’t remember why, but I started wearing hats in high school. Honestly, if I go outside without a hat I feel naked, which I know is weird, but it’s almost like my safety blanket. And as for blazers, I think they’re just a great throw-on when you want to go out and look fancy. Putting on a blazer will upgrade any outfit from just your basic “whatever” to “you look pulled together.” It just makes you feel so powerful—put on a blazer or a full-on pink suit and it’s like you can conquer the world. 

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How do you see your activism influencing your style?

I’ve always been a very shy person, so I express myself through my clothing. I wear tees with statements on them just to let people know how I feel without having to speak. I feel like wearing bold clothing lets people know that I have bold ideas and I believe in certain things. 

Who are your greatest style icons?

I’ve always loved Audrey Hepburn, so she’s one. And I love Zoë Kravitz and Rihanna. They do things that other people don’t do and they rock it so well!

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1. The Supa Phreek Sunglasses in Kiwi/Amber, $79, Crap Eyewear
2. Jamais Tie Top in Plain Chestnut, $149, Faithfull The Brand
3. Smith Overall in Ivory, $178, Reformation
4. Lennon Women’s Beret, $48, Zappos
5. Double Breasted Plaid Blazer, $149, & Other Stories
6. María II Sandals, €159, Paloma Wool

 

By Noa Wollstein
Photographed by Lauren Crew
This article originally appeared in the September/October 2019 print edition of BUST Magazine. Subscribe today!

More from BUST

Tacocat’s Emily Nokes On Her Personal Style, On And Offstage

Copywriter Briana Hernandez’s Aesthetic Is All About “Feeling Visible”

Designer Akina Sato Is “Having The Most Fun With Fashion”

 

 

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Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

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