As a junior at my high school, I was required to complete a project in order to graduate. Being the fashion-obsessed person that I am, I chose to do mine on how historical events influenced the clothing of the ‘20s, ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s. Any excuse to research fashion, right? It was a fascinating assignment, and through it, I came to understand how exactly style has evolved throughout history. But beyond the research, one of my favorite parts of the project was stumbling across this quote:

_“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”_

This famous quotation by the legendary Coco Chanel embodies everything I find true about style. Fashion can often seem like a frivolous part of our growing consumer culture, but behind the all the frills and expensive price tags lies a true reflection of who we are.

It is no coincidence that military-styled clothing came into fashion in 2002, right as the country attempted to cope with the devastation of 9/11. And if you want to witness the effects gained freedoms for women in the 1920s, look no further than their flapper dresses and boyish silhouettes.

Of course we can observe history through textbooks, pictures and videos — but one of the most tangible artifacts from a zeitgeist? Clothing.

So as Tongue in Chic comes to an end and I leave all you wonderful readers in the hands of the next fashion columnist (whoever that may be), I challenge you to examine your relationship with fashion or even how you view it as part of everyday life.

I know clothes can sometimes seem like a necessity — something you need to throw on in the morning just so you can be a normal, functioning member of society. But clothes and style can be a means of expression and a representation of your personal history.

For me, fashion is my constant puzzle — figuring out which pieces fit where, how I can put them together in new ways, all while creating a pretty picture. It’s my paintbrush and canvas, as cheesy at that sounds.

And as I track the progression of my style, I can see my own personal evolution. That year I only wore sweatpants and T-shirts to school? The last vestige of my self-proclaimed “tomboy” stage. That time I accessorized my sparkly prom dress with a candy bracelet instead of a corsage? My attempt at rebelling against the ridiculousness that often is prom.

But maybe fashion isn’t your means of expression, and that’s OK. We all choose to express ourselves in different ways, whether that be through words, music, art — however we can show the rest of the world who we are. Either way, you can’t deny that your style reflects something about who you are and how you choose to live your life.

As we ease into summer and classes start to dwindle down, take some time to think about what your personal style says about you, or maybe even what you want it to say about you.

Summer is the perfect time to peruse online blogs, vintage stores or even your best friend’s closet to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. Fashion is all about trial and error, so don’t be afraid to make some mistakes along the way.

On a completely different note, it feels so weird to be dispensing my last bits of fashion knowledge to all of you, and I can’t help but feel like I’ve forgotten something. Was it to remind you that you should always make sure your behind is covered when you wear leggings? Or that sparkly UGGs are never a good idea? Or maybe that all guys out there should use caution when venturing into V-neck territory?

Nevertheless, I’m sure you’ll all figure it out.

Here’s wishing you all a summer filled with popsicles, slip-n-slides and enough cute outfits to make even the hottest of lifeguards swoon. Make me proud, guys.