In terms of her interests, sophomore Iria Garcia seems like the typical Elon University student — an active member of the Love School of Business, the house captain of her sorority house for Zeta Tau Alpha and a lover of Cook Out hot dogs. Though she spends her days roaming around campus and being heavily involved in her sorority, Garcia has a unique, hidden talent.

She happens to be proficient in five languages: Spanish, English, French, Chinese and fashion.

Born in the small town of La Coruna, Spain, Garcia is no stranger to European fashion influences and incorporates it into her daily style. 

She found her “look” was different from her peers’ after learning the English language at a very young age and attended boarding school in the United States.

The quirky business major can often be spotted donning fashions the average Elon student might label too “risky” or “out there” without even a second thought.

In the following Q&A, Garcia explains the do’s and don’t of her own European style.

How would you define your personal style?

“In one word, I’d say baggy — both for my everyday fashion and nighttime style. Loose fashion cuts are very popular back in Europe, and the trend is finally making its way to the states — thank God. Tight clothing hasn’t really been in style overseas since the nineties.

“Not only is it incredibly comfortable, but baggy fashion also gives a very laid-back vibe no matter what the occasion.”

What does a typical outfit look like for you?

“I’m a big advocate of jogger pants and cropped tops, paired with a unique-looking coat. I love leather, fur and menswear influences. Also, about 90 percent of the clothing I own is black or gray.

“I prefer muted colors for my clothing with maybe a bright pop of color in my makeup if I’m feeling like being a bit more risky.”

What is your favorite item of clothing in your wardrobe?

“Definitely my Adidas Stan Smith shoes. I got them back in December and I swear I haven’t taken them off since. These shoes are my clothing staple because of how clean they look.

“I can wear them in a very casual setting, and can also throw them into a more dressed up outfit to make it less intense. They can be worn in any season and really in any atmosphere.

“In the ’60s to the ’80s, Stan Smith was a popular American tennis player. In ’71, Adidas asked him to make his own shoe design. He created a very simplistic design that I appreciate a lot. People are always asking me where I got them.

Who inspires your personal fashion?

“I take a lot of my inspiration from the Jenner sisters, along with Gigi Hadid and her entire posse. I’m also a huge fan of Zara, which is a Spanish clothing brand based in Galicia. 

“It’s funny because back in Spain I can get Zara brand clothing for a fraction of what I need to pay for it here.

“Simplicity is my thing, and I feel like it is very on-trend these days, which helps. I wear a lot of simple colors and cuts — lots of grays, navy hues and cottons — which seem to be very popular in young Hollywood.”

What would we find in your handbag?

“Two pairs of sunglasses — because I can never decide. A bottle of my favorite perfume of the moment, called ‘LOEWE.’ It’s a European brand that I don’t think you can get around here. Also, probably a Kit-Kat or two — or three.”

The worst fashion faux pas according to you?

“Lily Pulitzer. 

“This will probably offend a lot of my classmates, seeing as though Elon has a lot of people interested in Southern prep brands, but I don’t see the hype. It looks like a coloring book exploded.”