collage 1b9a5

Photographer Michelle Norris On Her Bright, Bold Style

by BUST Magazine

BUST v2 Adobe1998 1 fbd46

In BUST’s Fashion Nation series, we talk to people about their personal style. 

Michelle Norris 
Photographer, Tropico Photo 
Atlanta, GA 

Tell me about this outfit.

The earrings are by Wasted Effort. Both necklaces were made for me by my mother-in-law—the T stands for Taco, my dog, and the other one says Forrest, my husband! I wear them almost every day. The pink jacket is a vintage find from I Am That Shop online. The purple vintage sleep top is from…I can’t even remember where! The trousers are vintage from a shop in Savannah called The Future on Forsyth. The zebra slides are Sabahs. I’ve become obsessed with animal prints and slides for their comfort

Were you always drawn to fashion as a form of self-expression and creativity?

Yes! Since I could first dress myself I’ve been a fan of bright colors, anything shiny, and all the patterns. It’s an integral part of who I am. I haven’t always implemented colors in the most tasteful ways but I knew I wanted them around. My relationship to color is constantly changing and I find that it can be a reflection of my emotions or whatever phase of life I’m in. 

Does your style influence your photography or the other way around?

I think they influence each other. Sometimes I’ll find a great location and I’ll build a look for it. Other times, there will be something I’m dying to wear and I’ll throw it on and go in search of a great shot. With my photography company, Tropico, the look and feel of the overall shot comes first and style complements it. At that point, it becomes more about the color story than anything else.

Do you have any advice for folks who want to have more fun with their style?

Just jump in! Maybe start with a few bold accessories or try mixing pieces in your closet that you hadn’t imagined together before. I think it’s important not to take it too seriously and be open to experimenting. Sometimes I wear something that I might not repeat, but at least I had a good time! –Nina Karin

IMG 5081 AdobeRGB1988 189d8

Tell Your Own Color Story With Michelle’s Bright Picks

2020 10 14 090819561 df2de

1. Take Shape Studio Matisse Plant Beaded Earrings, $128, takeshape-studio.com

Azalea Colourblock Trench Coat 3 3ca63

2. Hope Macaulay Wonderland Chunky Knit Cardigan, £320, hopemacaulay.com

Azalea Colourblock Trench Coat 3 3ca633. Livia Rubin Azalea Colourblock Trench Coat, £295 (SOLD OUT), oliviarubinlondon.com

MINI MIKADO 1 01c3a4. Mala Studio Mini Mikado Bag, $210, studiomala.com

IMG 8390 095595. Nikki Chasen Lou Skirt—White Zebra, $198, nikkichasin.com

PAZ Lilac 841ee6. Charlotte Stone Paz Clog Boot In Lilac, $272, charlotte-stone.com

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2021 print edition of BUST Magazine. Subscribe today!

More from BUST:

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

Alok On Why Their Fashion Is Political

Photographer Najva Sol On Her Bold, Saturated Personal Style

You may also like

Get the print magazine.

The best of BUST in your inbox!

Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter

About Us

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.

©2023 Street Media LLC.  All Right Reserved.