It’s a warm, sunny day on the East Circle. But even if it wasn’t, her smile was bright enough to illuminate the entire campus.
Tiffany Maxfield, an undergraduate business administration student and unofficial Texas A&M University-Commerce style icon, greets people with smiles and hugs-and-kisses on the cheek. She looks at me, winks and whispers, “I’ll be on my way to do the interview, but I’ve got to say hello to everyone first.”
What you see is what you get with Maxfield. Underneath the array of colors in her wardrobe, multitude of hats that she dons on her head and a personal style admired by many lies a humble, sociable fashionista with a spirit that warms everyone she comes into contact with.
Fashion is only one layer of her life; there’s so much more to Maxfield. She took the time – between attending class and writing a paper for class – to sit with me and answer a few questions.
Q: In one word, describe your style.
A: Eclectic
Q: You’re known as one of the most fashionable and stylish people on campus, but you’re also personable and friendly. How do you stay humble and grounded when people are always watching you because of your creative personal style?
A: My background helps me stay grounded. My dad is a perfect example for me – he keeps me grounded and humble. He’s also my style icon and someone I can draw inspiration from. The biggest thing I try to remember is to be nice to everyone and stay grounded because you don’t know when you may need someone to help you out.
Q: You were voted as a senior class favorite in high school and best-dressed at this past spring at the NAACP’s annual Unity Ball. How do the awards and accolades make you feel?
A: It feels good to be recognized, however, that’s not what it’s about to me. I’m just myself.
Q: Everyone wants to know: When did you start wearing those funky eyeglasses without the lens?
A: My sophomore year in high school. It fits my personality. I was just having fun.
Q: What’s your favorite quote and why?
A: “Don’t let the devil steal your joy!”
Q: Besides shopping, what are some of your hobbies?
A: I love listening to music, going to church – not only mine, but other people’s. I also enjoy being around my Zeta Phi Beta Sorority sisters.
Q: What are your plans after college?
A: I plan attend to mortuary school. It takes two years for most people, but I think I can finish in one. My dad has his own funeral home, and he’s been teaching me the basics for as long as I can remember. Once I finish, I want to own two or three funeral homes. I also want to design a fashion line – that’s my “plan B.”
Q: Do you have a style icon and why?
A: Nicholas Moore. He’s a young designer in Dallas. He’s a true fashion student. His attention to detail is amazing. He’s also humble and down-to-earth.
Q: You wear neckties, men’s-inspired slacks and footwear – but always with a feminine flair. Talk about how you’re not afraid to push the envelope, take chances and wear things people wouldn’t expect.
A: I’ve been this way all my life. I was the only person in the hospital born on my birthday, so I’ve always been an individual. I don’t concern myself with other people; I just wear what I want.
Q: What advice would you have for students at A&M-Commerce trying to create their own personal look?
A: Don’t be focused on what your peers may think of you. If you want to wear pajamas to class, wear them to class because you want to – after all, it doesn’t matter what people think.