From High School Fun to Fashion Success: The Inspiring Journey of Samantha Elise

Once a high school student in Missouri, Samantha Elise began sharing photos of her outfits on Instagram as a casual activity. This playful venture unexpectedly led her to a vibrant career as a stylist in Chicago. Currently, she describes this phase of her life as one of self-celebration and liberation. Samantha emphasizes the joy of embracing her true self, stating, “I’m finally getting to a place where I can celebrate who I am and what I do.”

This article explores five of Samantha’s outfits from a recent week, alongside her insights on fashion, her experiences with ballet, her journey as an adopted individual, and her recommendations for finding the perfect blazers.

Outfit Inspirations: Everyday Looks

Casual and Comfortable

One of Samantha’s favorite outfits is her “no-fuss uniform”. This ensemble typically features loose jeans from Madewell, a cozy sweater from ASOS, and a stylish shirt from Everlane. Vintage accessories, including her mother’s hand-me-down watch and glasses from Jimmy Fairly, complete the look. This outfit’s versatility allows her to feel comfortable, whether visiting a museum or enjoying a sunny day outside.

Playing with Layers

Another striking look includes a tailored vest from Madewell paired with pants from Naked Wardrobe. Samantha encourages others to experiment with layering, suggesting that a vest can be worn solo or over a basic tee or turtleneck. “Fashion is about the journey of trial and error,” she notes. “No one finds their favorite outfits on the first try.”

Reflections on Ballet and Identity

Samantha’s past as a ballet dancer profoundly shaped her identity. Beginning her dance journey at three, she spent countless hours practicing, often in a leotard, which limited her casual clothing options. “During my six years at the Boston Ballet School, I felt immersed in a world that was incredibly competitive, similar to what you might see in the film Black Swan,” she recalls. This intense environment left her longing for a different sense of style.

While living in Boston, she seized the opportunity to explore street style and office chic, noting the stark contrast to her hometown of St. Louis, where comfort often took precedence over fashion. “In Boston, I admired the sophisticated office wear I saw everywhere, which inspired my own fashion choices,” Samantha reflects.

Fashion as Expression

As an adopted child, Samantha has always grappled with her identity. Growing up in a predominantly white family, she often felt out of place in ballet, where she was one of the few dancers of color. “It took me a long time to find my voice, but I discovered that I could express myself through fashion,” she explains. Her outfits became a canvas for her personality and individuality.

After stepping away from dancing, a newfound freedom washed over her. “It felt like the moment in that TikTok video where horses run freely on the beach,” Samantha describes. She embraced this liberation by cutting her hair and rejecting anything skin-tight that reminded her of her ballet uniform. Tattoos began adorning her body, and she committed to selecting outfits that resonated with her evolving self.

Thrifting and the Perfect Blazer

One of Samantha’s wardrobe essentials is a well-fitted blazer. She loves the confidence it brings and believes thrift stores are the best places to find unique pieces. “I’ve discovered vintage Ralph Lauren blazers for just $5!” she shares. Her thrifting philosophy includes scouring the men’s section for oversized blazers, which add a dramatic flair to any outfit.

Reflecting on her childhood shopping experiences, Samantha fondly recalls treasure-hunting for clothes at Goodwill with her mom. “Each trip felt like exploring a treasure chest,” she reminisces. Her thrifting rule is simple: never skip an aisle, and always bring a playlist to make the experience enjoyable and therapeutic.