Si Ting Chen

Each “pillar” of the “Stepping Stones for Style” column is named with a rock-related pun related to what I consider a fundamental principle of fashion. As this column is the fourth and second-to-last of its kind, I suppose I owe readers an explanation.

Beyond these titles stemming from my childhood interest in geodes, I desired to really drive home the idea that these pieces of advice are, to me, total gems. The theme of each column being a “pillar” also relates figuratively to certainly more grave advice, like religious movements. This column uses devices like commandments, precepts or codes to model the ideal life. In this case, these “pillars” model the wardrobe of your best self; “pillars,” of course, since they’re rock-related too. Talk about writing “material.” Badum tss.

Besides being this week’s convenient pun that I managed to relate to a new dressing technique, being a figuratively “holographic” individual is a state people unknowingly embody through the power of symbols on their belongings.

I’m certainly not an expert in the field of optics, but certain key aspects of this unique attribute can be attributed to iridescence—a variety of visible colors from different angles—along with a redefined perception of depth frequently exemplified by lustrous minerals.

While I could rave exclusively about how in the English language we idiomatically associate colors with personal values, this idea of dialecticism in personality—the coexistence of seemingly different, often opposing, information simultaneously—is demonstrated through this variety of angles (perspectives), too. This is not to mention the combined aspect of depth, which in many figures of speech is a spatial characteristic associated with profundity and legitimacy.

This is also known as the “a picture is worth a thousand words” doctrine.

To exemplify this concept for my loyal readers, let’s explore our lovely thrifted find from SSFS’ last article, “Sedimentary: The Art of Layering,” a “Johnson Family Reunion, Cincinnati, OH 2008” top.

A couple of pieces of information reveal a likely story about the original individual who wore this garment from solely the content of this description: They have a common last name of English origin and are Midwestern, and so maybe value the region’s emphasis on spending time with your loved ones.

The dialectical aspects begin to fall into place with more visual and contextual information. If the text of the tee was a serif, Times New Roman-esque font instead of a playful Comic Sans, then I would assume the event would be a bit more formal than just a backyard barbecue. Being an Ohioan AND choosing a country club banquet over a tailgate? Traitor.

Knowing as well that the t-shirt was found in 2025 at a vintage store nearly two decades following the alleged event creates another hypocritical narrative. Attending a family reunion AND discarding a sentimental object at a whim? Also a traitor (to the Johnson bloodline).

Like I said, through wearing any type of design, there is undoubtedly increased nuance added to our preconceived notions of others.

Of course, to finally reflect on my own relationship with the lovely realm of graphic tees and give some pointers, there are plenty more case studies.

For example, the Los Angeles-based Instagram clothing shop OGBFF’s shirt I begged my confused parents for on my sixteenth birthday exemplifies my contradictory character with its text:

“Yes I am just a wide eyed girl so stop putting pressure on me i do not like completing tasks i just like to stroll around and eat and drink and pee and play on my phone all day and look around and pet a kitty and sleep I’m a simple girl and life shouldn’t be as hard as it is.”

Besides looking like a walking Vegas billboard wearing dozens of unique typefaces, the shirt serves to redefine my try-hard self as absurdist and, dare I say, camp? If you know me, I do not just “pet a kitty and sleep.” I am a workaholic at times.

Also, knowing that I am a prospective language and literature major, the run-on sentence and lack of capitalized “I’s” consuming the entire shirt is ironic too.

Like, yes, she does in fact enjoy a little creative leeway outside of grammar. “What a complex and esoteric gal!” they all said in unison…

Are you a Chiefs fan? Did you grow up watching the Smurfs? Rae Dunn quotes catch your eye? Happen to be an open book …that simply tends to be written in gibberish?

“Building” the temple around our precious bodies by compiling all prior SSFS advice—finally taking that value assessment, embracing the layers (especially cherishing those that seem to contradict each other)—invest in that JPG mesh top, Flow Society lacrosse merch or Custo Barcelona halter.

A biological human need to be identified through image—like early European kingdoms with their Coats of Arms, the families of ancient Persia with their medallions, and the Lapita people with their incised patterns in terracotta—combined with existence as a personified walking hologram: a perfect pair.

This is the fourth pillar of “Stepping Stones for Style.” Until next time, “rock” on!