Square Spotlight: Sarah Bonifant
Square Spotlight: Sarah Bonifant
By: Grace Logan
Sarah Bonifant, a sophomore from Arkansas, has used her love for fashion and her experience in retail to become an inspiration for others. Her spunky, feminine style has developed into a representation of her personality. With potential aspirations of creating fabrics and clothes, Bonifant is a name to remember for her style.
Having three older sisters, Bonifant was introduced to fashion magazines at a young age. “I developed my own taste in clothes,” Bonifant said. “It became a game to combine outfits, following a certain essence needed.”
Using that healthy competition and research, Bonifant began to dip into trends, old and new. “Trends are what fascinate me the most,” Bonifant said. “Some trends have stayed in circulation for a while and that’s another reason I stay in tune with the fashion world.”
Her style is a combination of it all. Bonifant believes it isn’t just one style. “I love fun and lavish colors, but on the flip side, I love the classic London chic look as well,” Bonifant said. “Clean lines, tailored coats, and hats are a major obsession of mine.”
The girl that can rock a hat and a feathered look at the same time, Bonifant is a jack of all trades. Her ability to dress classic, chic, and add a “spice of the unexpected,” as Bonifant said, makes her unique. “I credit that to being a type four,” Bonifant said.
Her style is continuing to evolve and according to Bonifant, “if it isn’t then I would be concerned.” Her advice for achieving great style is to never stay stagnant.
“Try new things or go crazy in the dressing room tasting all different sorts of pieces you wouldn’t normally try,” Bonifant said.
While being a full-time college student, Bonifant has used her bubbly personality and love for clothes while working in local retail in Oxford at JANE which has expanded her knowledge of the industry.
“I’ve learned what looks best on me and makes me feel most comfortable,” Bonifant said. “Also, working at JANE has let me learn the style for older women and sophisticated my style as well.”
Due to her love of the fashion world, Bonifant is considering a career in the field. “I ponder that thought a lot. Part of me would love to create fabrics and possibly actual clothes,” Bonifant said. “I love it but is it just a hobby for me or could it be more? I’m still trying to figure that one out.”
Her influences include Carrie Bradshaw, Blair Eadie, and Mary Ralph Lawson. All of these fashion icons have similar styles that Bonifant strives for. For Bonifant, fashion has shaped her in multiple ways.
“[Fashion] has given me confidence alongside a spark to be creative,” Bonifant said. “Clothes are just a material but they hold value to my character and are a part of me, especially certain pieces I have. It’s cliche to say but almost like it captures truly who I am.”
Stay up to date with Sarah through her Instagram @sarah.bonifant and read more spotlight pieces on www.umsquaremagazine.com/lifestyle. Don’t forget to keep up with Square Magazine on Instagram for daily content.
Photos provided by Sarah Bonifant.