Your Style: Emily Filos

Emily Filos is a library assistant in the youth services area of Rochester Public Library, a role that impacts her daily choice of garb.

“If you have a ‘conversation piece,’ kids are a little more confident in approaching and asking questions, about the library or just about your outfit,” she said.

Emily’s secondary title is that of visual artist. She said it's part hobby, part job, depending on her motivation.

“Mostly, I just end up doodling animals and fantasy creatures on scratch paper at work, and leaving them around for co-workers to find — low-impact graffiti.”

While she's a big fan of black for her apparel, Emily has a strong penchant for plaid, rainbow stripes, and colorful flair — all reinforced by a fervent nod to the early 2000s.

Describe your style.

I just wear whatever feels right each day, although I particularly like things decorated with flowers, bugs or unnecessary metal grommets. In the fall, I always end up full skater girl, via the tied jacket, fingerless gloves, Converse and band tees. (I’ve never once been on a skateboard.)

How does your job impact what you wear?

I wear a lot of black, but I make a special effort to include a bright color or fun design on days I’ll be working in the children's area.

Whose style do you admire, and why?

Celebrity-wise, I admire people who can rock an “edgy” persona, but still look cute when they feel like it. Lil Nas X and Remington Leith from the band Palaye Royale come to mind.

What colors and patterns do you find yourself gravitating toward most often?

Anyone who’s known me more than a week could probably answer this. I love black, white and red, and plaid patterns that incorporate all three. Usually, I throw in some rainbow stripes for flavor when I’m wearing black, though.

What decade is your favorite as it relates to fashion?

I can't deny that I trend toward the ‘00s in my own wardrobe, but really, every era has had some cool style elements that are worth incorporating.

Thoughts on today’s fashion scene?

I think everyone in my age range right now is a little concerned about how the worst parts of ‘90s fashion are coming back to haunt us, but half my wardrobe is straight out of Hot Topic, so who am I to judge?

Item worth the splurge?

Get yourself some thick, comfy, cute socks that will last a while.

What’s been your best secondhand find?

Years ago, I found an amazing knee-length brown skirt with like, six pockets; it was basically cargo shorts in skirt form.

Best clothing purchase you’ve ever made?

I think I’m obligated to mention my holographic raincoat. You would not believe how many complete strangers have stopped me on the sidewalk, in the grocery store, in the parking lot, just to ask me where I got this coat. People have leaned out of moving vehicles to tell me they like my raincoat!

Most sentimental item you own?

A bracelet that I got at an art fair back home (shoutout to Decadence Jewelry). It’s just a little brass bracelet with the number “515” etched onto it, because that’s the area code for the part of Iowa I’m from, as well as the street number for my old library, and for the city hall in my hometown.

Fill in the blank: I feel my best when I’m wearing _____.

An outfit with a cohesive theme, whether that’s a color spectrum or repeated pattern, or just a general vibe. That’s the artist in me — concerned more with the aesthetics of the outfit itself than the functionality or how it actually looks on me.

Parting advice?

Don’t feel obligated to hang onto items that you don’t feel good in anymore, but don’t be afraid to keep something “outdated” that you really love, either.

Jeanette Caban has her finger on the pulse of fashion. See her work twice a month in the Post Bulletin. Do you know someone who's got special style? Send nominations to life@postbulletin.com with "Your Style" in the subject.