Welcome to Humans of Weldon, where we explore the interplay and connections between a sense of self and style of expression.
Sybil Danyk-White, 2L
Inspiration lately...
I find inspiration everywhere lately — from people on Agricola Street or at the local market or my cousin Connor in 1L, who always shows up in some crazy fit. I’m also inspired by older, middle-aged butch women because I used to be so fearful of looking like them when I wasn’t out yet. They were really masculine, big, working-class, and unafraid to lean into those parts of themselves.
Inspiration comes from taking in the overall vibe and from watching movies, the music and visuals, as well. I’ve been inspired by this disco record I thrifted from Value Village and have been spinning on repeat every day. I love the energy of disco — upbeat, fun, and kind of funky — it puts me in a good mood.
Also, after visiting Berlin this summer, I often think back on what people there wore as well as their general attitudes. They had the core basics down, but their accessories really elevated their fits. The uniqueness of what Berliners were wearing stood out. They were reclaiming items from ten years ago and wearing them in intentional and interesting ways. Though the items themselves were “cheugy,” their styling intent transcended their fit and connected it back to their vibe.
Style journey...
My style journey is wrapped up in my queerness and becoming the person I want to be. I used to try not to look gay — especially when I wasn’t out. But even once I was out, I had to unravel a lot of internalized homophobia, which showed up as resistance and tension. My style was characterized by trying not to appear “too queer.” I had long hair until about a year before I came to Schulich.
As I began to accept myself, my style evolved — though not smoothly. I first dressed like a “hey mama” lesbian with pin-straight hair under a hat, skinny jeans, and a basic tee. I was trying to fit into this new part of my identity and what was cool to wear at the time in Queer Alberta. Once I cut my hair, I was more willing to try different silhouettes and change up the way I thought about clothes.
I really started finding my style when I became accepting and proud of what I looked like, especially as a larger person. Plus-size women’s clothing is “cheug-city,” and I was always told to wear things that were “flattering” on my body—baggy but not too baggy, fitted but not tight. I now wear baggy clothes not to hide my body but as resistance against the idea of what’s supposed to be flattering on a larger body. In embracing my queerness and my size, my confidence began to flow—I became proud of myself and no longer felt there was a part of me that I had to overlook.
Go-to outfit combos...
I love a big pant—like workwear—and a basic tee combo. I used to be afraid of collared shirts because they had a harder shoulder and a crop, which wasn’t considered a flattering silhouette. But I’m not shying away from clothes that excite me, especially if they’re comfortable. I recommend the Abercrombie & Fitch cropped essential tee for its weight, silhouette, and shape retention! It’s all about being comfortable and moving in the fit throughout the day without worry. Once I have my core fit, I like to build it up with accessories like shoes, hats, and jewelry.
Wise words...
There’s this analogy I found on socials—it’s called climbing cringe mountain. Cringe mountain requires you to “climb the cringe” to get to the peak where everything you do becomes cool. Climbing requires discomfort and risk—once you overcome the fear of your outfit not hitting, you’re over the top. Everything you do is then perceived as cool, and you leave the cringe behind. I like that this analogy breaks down the process: you have to take incremental steps and risks to find comfort in your authenticity.
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