Island Lookbook: Chloe Aquino

Chloe Aquino is no stranger to glam. The Hawaii Pacific University student, who was raised on the Big Island and Oahu, regularly models, walks in fashion shows and competed in the 2016 Miss Hawaii Teen USA Pageant as Miss Teen Kailua.

This fall, Aquino has put aside her tiara to major in psychology at HPU. “Right now I see myself mostly focusing on schoolwork and completing my education,” Aquino said via email. “I will still work on my music and modeling careers because they are a part of me and they’re something I love to do, but right now it’s more of a side project and school is my No. 1.”

Like many young women her age, Aquino balances comfortable outfits for school with trendier pieces of the moment, peppering her look with skater/surfer girl accents. Platform high-top sneakers, high-waisted skirts and crop tops are staples in her wardrobe.

Cool for school: “What I wear to school usually depends on how I feel in the morning. If I feel really good and would like to put some effort into my look, I usually go with a dress or an A-line skirt and a top. But if I’m a little lazier, skinny jeans or shorts and a casual top, paired with some cute flats or sandals, are my go-to. Sometimes classrooms can get cold so I also like to bring a light jacket.”

Concert attire: “You can never go wrong with shorts and band T-shirt with some killer sneakers. If the event were to be a little dressier, I would say a nice blouse and skirt paired with sneakers or sandals. If I’m going to be standing for a long time, I don’t want to be in heels. But if it’s for a sit-down concert, I will tend to wear something with a little more heel. It can get really hot with the crowd so I like to stay as cool and comfortable as possible.”

Wardrobe MVPs: “I tend to grab my backless, elephant-print halter dress, my dark, high-waisted skinny jeans, and my all-black T-shirt dress from Forever 21 a lot.”

Shoes to choose: “Those who know me know I’m a shoe fanatic. I have so many different pairs. But if I had to choose, I would say my pink Aldo wedge sneakers because they are absolutely adorable and they go with almost any outfit in my closet. From shorts to jeans to dresses, I have found myself reaching for them a lot since I bought them.”

Hair-care must-have: “The one and only hair product I use daily is the Garnier Fructis Marvelous Oil Deep Nourish 5-Action Hair Elixir. It is absolutely amazing! It tames split ends and flyaways, adds shine, replenishes dry, damaged hair and so much more. I’m in love!”

Now trending: “I really like the contemporary chic look at the moment. Pairing crop tops with floral skirts has also been my go-to this past summer. I really like bodysuits and pairing them with high-waisted stuff. I have also been in love with the surfer/skater girl look with shorts and high-top sneakers, but I have never been able to pull it off as well as some other girls have.”

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By Erin Smith, special to the Star-Advertiser. Island Lookbook is a weekly feature that spotlights local trendsetters. Contact features@staradvertiser.com.