These boots were made for walking: students flaunt fabulous footwear

At Lewis & Clark, it is rare to find students who do not fit into the liberal arts aesthetic. It is even more rare to find students whose styles have not changed since they came to LC. 

That is not the case for Victor Cho ’24, who is one of the kickers on LC’s football team. Cho was born in South Korea but moved to Texas when he was young, which greatly influenced his style. Around campus, he is most well known for his classic Texan outfits: Jeans and cowboy boots. 

“A classic outfit? I mean it depends on the situation,” Cho said. “If I’m working on the car or working on something I just wear dirty jeans and the boots. If I’m going on a date or going out I wear clean jeans and the boots.” 

For Cho, wearing jeans and cowboy boots is a form of dressing up and in his words, it “shows respect for others.” Although he has been told he looks country, Cho does not identify with any particular style or fashion. He just hopes the way he dresses is a subtle nod to other Texans.

“For me it means something,” Cho said. “If I’m wearing the fancy boots it is kind of showing respect to someone who’s looking at me. It’s a good connection.”

His cowboy boots are his favorite piece of clothing. And almost any animal can be turned into boots. Currently, Cho owns a pair of ostrich boots but he has also for sometime had his eye on some alligator boots. 

The Texan takes a lot of pride in his shoes, and they play a vital role in his outfit plans. For Cho, there are only two types of boots that he wears: work boots and dance boots. The dance boots are shiny and only to be used for dancing and special occasions.

Since arriving at LC, Cho’s outfits have evolved to become more country since he missed his home. He does not foresee himself changing his sense of style anytime soon.

“In 10, 20 years I’m still going to be wearing what I’m wearing right now,” Cho said.

Another student who has had a consistent style throughout her time at LC is biology major Channing Stirrat ’21. Drawing inspiration from her mom, Stirrat wears whatever she wants often incorporating bold color combinations and stripes into her looks. 

“I’m usually in jeans and T-shirts and athletic clothing, but I did that before I got here,” Stirrat said.

If you see Stirrat around the Symbolic and Quantitative Resource Center or the Writing Center, she is most likely wearing one of her many grey sweatshirts matched with her red horsehair Dr. Martens. She got these shoes from her mom during her sophomore year of college and has worn them so much they have started balding in patches.

“They have that nice worn-in vibe but they are still a fun color,”Stirrat said. “They’re not too bright and they go with everything. They are the perfect staple for a Portland winter.”

These boots exemplify the essence of her fashion philosophy: to be like her mom, not out there, but still creative. She is a big proponent of colors and patterns. Some examples are navy and black, florals and stripes and bike socks and tennis shoes.

Although Stirrat’s fashion has been consistent throughout her time at LC, there are big changes on the horizon.

“I am going to work for an economic development non-profit after I graduate, which is exciting and I am definitely going to have to up my fashion when I do that, because I will not be able to slide by in what I usually wear,” Stirrat said.

Stirrat’s tip for students who want to be more fashionable and confident is to “wear what makes you feel good.” 

“If you feel good and you like the way you look in it, wear it even if it’s not something you’ve seen a lot of other people wear,” she said.