Dawgs with Style: Megan Grady

Megan Grady expresses her bubbly personality through her bright wardrobe. Photo by Abbie Mederich. 

ABBY KIDWELL | ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR | arkidwell@butler.edu 

College fashion is constantly shifting in order to accommodate function, follow trends in form and reflect the changing nature of the world that students live in. Here on Butler’s campus, students are finding new ways to merge their leisure time with their professional life. Read on to discover the next of our Dawgs with Style through a Q&A style interview. 

Megan Grady, Butler’s associate director of academic partnerships and an adjunct professor of English, incorporates bold colors, eclectic accessories and a complementary set of polished nails into every look. When assembling an outfit, Grady focuses on having fun and choosing a wide array of elements she loves instead of boxing herself in on a specific aesthetic. For Grady, fashion is first and foremost a creative outlet. 

The Butler Collegian spoke with Grady about her fashion evolution and personal recipe for stylistic success. 

THE BUTLER COLLEGIAN: How would you describe your personal style? 

MEGAN GRADY: I think my style is polished enough, but always with a pop of something playful or daring woven in. There’s always a little something extra, whether it’s statement earrings, funky boots [or] patterned nails. I also think there are characteristics about people that make them look good in certain clothing, and so my naturally curly, kind of wild hair lends itself to a boho chic vibe — so maxi dresses, layered necklaces and funky boots. But I also really appreciate the crisp lines of a pencil skirt and a tailored blouse, especially if I’ve straightened my hair. There’s also this layer of 90s-inspired things woven in, so black hosiery, rum raisin lipstick and deep jewel tones. My style is all over the map, and I think that speaks to who I am as a person. I’m someone drawn to many ways of seeing, being and expressing. Don’t fence me in. Let me have fun.

TBC: What elements of clothing lend themselves to a professorial or academic style?

MG: I’m admittedly not great at that style. When I think of that style, I think of cardigans with elbow patches and pipes and things, and that’s just not who I am. Anything that doesn’t distract students too much from [course] material is probably the safe bet. I wear what [feels like] me in a classroom setting and don’t pay attention to [traditional academic aesthetics]. 

TBC: How has your style evolved over the years? 

MG: Over the years, I’ve become more comfortable with what I enjoy, regardless of how it’s perceived by others. My style is more highly curated. I do seasonal refresh boxes through Stitch Fix or Dailylook. Basically, I take style quizzes and indicate my preferences, and then someone puts a box of clothes together for me. I get to pick what I want to keep and send back what I don’t. That’s been really helpful. I hate shopping, so having that and not having to go to a mall is great. 

Grady’s signature accessories and a matching set of nails always complete the look. Photo by Abbie Mederich.  

TBC: Who are your greatest style influences?

MG: I draw inspiration from a lot of different people. I really appreciate an [actress] from ‘The X Files’, Gillian Anderson. She has a very polished [and] sophisticated style. I don’t associate my inspiration with a particular person. It’s more [my] creative mindset — what I’m reading or what I’m listening to music-wise — that inspires me with color palettes and things like that. 

TBC: Is there a particular season that you enjoy dressing for the most? 

MG: I used to say fall, so I want to say fall 1759286431 because I love boots, scarves, sweaters and all of that. I’ve also really enjoyed dressing for summer. Lately, I’ve been exploring brighter color palettes, which are more common in the summer. I discovered late in life that pink is one of my colors. I never used to wear it. Summer brings a lot of pink, and I appreciate that.

TBC: Does how you dress reflect a major part of your identity? 

MG: Yes. As far as my identity is concerned, we all contain multitudes, and I think that the clothing I choose to wear and how I present myself is an expression of varied aspects of my personality. I’m the type [where] one day I’ll wear a maxi dress and funky boots, and the next day I’ll wear something really tailored. [It] just depends on what I’m feeling.

TBC: Do you have any controversial style opinions? 

MG: No, unless people are offended by bright colors or find that controversial. I’ll make the wrong style decision for the venue. Sometimes, I wear my fun stilettos to Butler, and then I immediately regret it because [they] hurt my feet, but I enjoy them.