Student MaryKate on Flushing Avenue. Click for more. — Photos by Nicole Wasilewicz.

It’s not always the way you dress that determines your style, but the way you carry yourself. This week I stopped MaryKate as she was practically skipping down Flushing Avenue during one of the coldest days of our winter thus far. More important than her literal take of a flower girl dress (lace slip exposed), she seemed especially happy — like a modern day Gretel with a belly full of gingerbread.

MaryKate, 23, Graduate Student

Although MaryKate’s favorite accessories (her dulcimer and a vintage cigar box carried as a purse) were down the street at a friend’s apartment, I could imagine the extra whimsy it would have added to her already heavily ethereal sway. Her oversized to-Grandmother’s-house-we-go cape atop a densely layered petticoat, brought an air of ladylike charm to her Neverland attire. And though she could presumably pass as an extra in Les Misérables, don’t be fooled — those boots are Jeffery Campbells.

What would you say is your fashion prerogative?
I don’t really ever wear pants. I’m in the habit of wearing skirts and dresses because I was in dance, Argentinean tango specifically, and I just ended up with a lot of dresses. Besides they’re prettier and more comfortable. Also, I don’t really spend money on clothes, I tend to get everything secondhand — when you buy stuff like that it’s interesting to think about the people who wore it before.

In 5 words or less, describe your style.
It’s weird to be asked these questions… I like clothes that make me laugh a little when I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror.

If you had all the money in the world, what would be the first article of clothing or accessory that you would buy?
A WWII leather aviator helmet — I’ve just always really wanted one. I saw this Japanese summer aviator once that I thought was really cool. Plus, I have a lot of hair so it’s hard for me to find hats that I like. I feel like a helmet might be the answer.

Do you have any standing rules about what a guy can or cannot wear? What do you find most attractive on a dude?
I don’t think men should wear sneakers outside athletic activities, but there are exceptions (depends on the shoe). Men should really care about their footwear more than they do — it’s important… I like boys with mustaches. That’s kind of like an accessory for the face, right?

If you were to be reincarnated as any fashion icon, who would it be?
If Huck Finn and Wendy from Peter Pan had a baby, I’d want to be that baby — but not an actual baby.

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