Fitted By Friends: Emerson Quarles

I'm wearing sweats today.

I threw on a black hoodie, sweatpants, and white socks that someone had left on top of the communal laundry machine. (They were there for two weeks, I don't think anyone wanted them.) (1)

That's all to say that I typically don't put much effort into my outfits. I stick to the same accessories, the same silhouettes, and the same colors. I know what I like, and I know what I don't.

This type of dressing leaves little room for outfit experimentation, precisely the antithesis of Fitted by Friends.

Every week, I'm bringing on a new friend to put together an outfit. I do not give them rules or limits to what they can create, and in turn, my friends push me out of my comfort zone. They have free rein over my hair, makeup, and anything else that might come up.

During high school, I lived in Portland, Oregon, and met many of the amazing humans I'm honored to call my friends. Amongst them is the remarkable Emerson Quarles.

Emerson's a riot. When we called for two hours two weeks into March, I knew how unproductive the call would be. Emerson and I can talk for hours and hours about everything and anything, only pausing to catch our breath. I missed them dearly, as they're currently attending Western Oregon University in Monmouth. However, they are going to Queens College next year as a part of the National Student Exchange. Transferring about 3,500 college students annually, NSE matches tuition at over 170 colleges across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. I cannot wait for them to be only a subway and bus ride away this fall! Emerson and I met in an elective theater class our sophomore year of high school. I distinctly remember their bright red hair, their wardrobe full of spunky graphic tees, and their energetic presence. I thought they were the coolest kid in the world, and I so desperately wanted to be their friend. Flash forward to our call, they're still the coolest, and we're amazing friends! I don't know what I would have done without Emerson in high school. From tech week for the musicals to ranting in the dressing rooms, they have supported me through so much, including this week's edition of Fitted by Friends.

Anika Raine

Before our styling session, Emerson sent me a Pinterest board full of loafers, motif necklaces, and scarves. I understood their vision immediately, and pulled out of my closet every accessory I could find. We experimented a lot with layering on my top half, switching out bandanas for bags for sweaters.

Emerson also wanted to incorporate a jacket, but unfortunately, nothing in my closet matched their vision. We decided that I would go sans jacket, and instead wear this fitted black vest from Raintown Thrift in Astoria, Oregon.

For the past few months, my Doc Martens loafers have sat in my dorm closet, collecting dust next to an uncomfortable pair of flats. Emerson understood they had to be brought back into my shoe rotation, so they styled the tassel shoe with my Levi's Low Loose jeans.

Honorable mention goes to the maroon belt I purchased a year ago at a thrift store in Northeast Portland, the bag of the same origins, and the gold necklace I found on eBay when I was fifteen. Full disclosure, I fully thought that I had lost this necklace for six months in 2023, only to find it stuck behind my desk in my childhood bedroom.

Emerson describes themself as a "fashion novice and Emilia enthusiast," but I disagree. They are anything but new to fashion. Take this outfit for example. It's a muted-monochrome marvel, a casual classic creation. The scarf is giving early 2000s Disney Channel fashion, and the vest is Soho-baddie-must-finally-work-in-corporate. She's in your local cafe but somehow a teacher's assistant at the preschool around the block. She's a go-getter yet easy-going, and when her hometown friends are in New York, she'll take them to Berl's Brooklyn Poetry Shop. Undeniable wit sold separately, she's only $29.99!

In all seriousness, it was so much fun to put together this outfit with Emerson. They're the light of my life and make for an incredible support system. Thank you so much, Emerson, as well as Anika, my wonderful roommate who took the photo of me. Here's to friendship and fashion and fun!

Until next time, 404 Error!

Footnotes:

1. Hit my line if the socks are yours. Then send me the link. They have fantastic arch support.