Meet Rafia:

Rafia Rehman is a pisces from Andover, MA, and she is a freshman here at SDSU. Her major is currently undeclared, but she’d like to help underprivileged communities and underdeveloped countries. Rafia loves animals and making people laugh, and her biggest pet peeve is when people don’t say “please” and “thank you.” Her top three most played songs on iTunes are “Summer Friends,” by Chance the Rapper, “Ultralight Beam,” by Kanye West, and “Robbers,” by the 1975. “Forrest Gump” and “13 Going on 30” are two movies she could watch every day. So far, Rafia’s favorite memory of 2017 is going to her first drag show at Lips in North Park. 

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Urban Outfitters, Free People and LF. I rarely make it to LF, but they would make my dream closet. I really like thrift stores because you can find one-of-a-kind things that you can’t find anywhere else. I love shopping in my mom’s closet. She has great jeans and sweaters. I love vintage things, so it’s cool to find pieces in her closet that are actually from the ’80s.

What influences your style?

The weather, definitely. I always check the weather before I get dressed. I also like looking at old trends. I’m not really into following current trends. To be honest, my everyday style depends on what time I wake up in the morning. I’ll either feel like putting makeup on before class [and wake up earlier] or roll out of bed, put on a sweatshirt, and be on my way.

Who inspires you?

My dad. He’s the type of person who could be someone’s hero. He gives everything to his family and the people he loves. He’s taught me that you have to work for what you want. My dad’s grown so much as a person, and he’s shown me that it doesn’t matter where you come from – that doesn’t define where you’re going. He’s living life right, and that gives me hope. (Rafia would also like to give a special shoutout to her mom). Dogs also inspire me because they’re the most pure, innocent beings. All they do is love, and that reminds me to love everyone and keep an open mind and heart.

When you get dressed for the day, how do you like to make a statement?

I like to take something simple that a lot of people have and put my own spin on it. I’m my own person, and I like to convey that through whatever I’m wearing. I always have one article of clothing that I make my staple piece, and I’ll base my outfit around that.

Which accessory can we always find you wearing?

My nose piercing – I feel incomplete without it.

You live on two opposite coasts. What are the biggest differences in style that you’ve noticed?

It’s edgier on the East Coast. Weather is a big factor in how people dress, so you’ll always see cool jackets and a lot of layering. It’s more chill on the West Coast, and less is always more because of the sun. In general, I think people in California care more about what they wear and put more thought into their outfits. I like that I live in two different places because it’s made my style versatile. Having the option to switch up my style depending on where I am, where I’m going, and who I’m with, is fun.

Which trend would you like to see make a comeback?

Bell bottom jeans. I love vintage style. Fashion in the ’70s was so simple, but people always looked so good. You can wear the most simple things with bell bottoms because they’re a staple item – they’re always turning heads.

What is a hobby that people don’t really know you have?

Drawing. I really like art. It’s the only thing that I can do where I don’t really have to think. It’s the best way to take my mind off of something – it’s cathartic. My grandmother got me into drawing. She lives in Cape Cod, so lighthouses are the first thing I learned how to draw.

What are you looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to Coachella in April and Boston Calling in May. I’ve never been to a music festival, so it’s cool getting to go to two in a few months – one in California and one in my hometown. I’m also excited to make memories with the people I love, and learn and grow as a person. I miss my dogs so much, so I’m excited to see them when I go home this summer.

Rafia also loves music. Check out her SoundCloud playlist here.

Featured Image by Lauren Wheatley.