Life and Work with Summer Horchem

Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Horchem.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Summer. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in a medium-sized town smack dab in the middle of Illinois. I began to be interested in Fashion when I was in junior high school and watched Project Runway religiously. I said I wanted to be a fashion designer- however, after taking a home-ec class and having extreme frustration over sewing a simple pencil pouch, I figured maybe that wasn’t for me. I took an interest in the way I dressed, though, and obsessed over never wearing the same thing twice. By sophomore year of high school, one of my favorite hobbies was trying on outfits. I lived for mixing different patterns and colors that generally wouldn’t go together. I liked walking into school and making a statement. I would often go see my dad (who lived in California) and go shopping/get inspiration and bring it back to the Midwest with me. Some styles wouldn’t hit Illinois until a few weeks or months after my return, so I loved getting to look unique from my peers. People at school would often tell me “Summer, only you could pull off that outfit.” While this was a nice compliment, I wondered if people actually thought this and why. I started up a fashion blog called “Only You Could Pull That Off”, based on the belief that anyone can “pull off” anything with a little bit of confidence. I was bold with my outfits because I was confident in myself- I didn’t care if someone thought they were weird or if my colors clashed. My outfits were my personal form of expression and nobody else really got a say in them. I discontinued my blog, but still aimed to dress well as much as possible.

My senior year in high school, I got a scholarship to Arizona State University. I had no idea what to study, but I thought maybe a fashion related degree would be a good idea. Unfortunately, ASU didn’t offer any fashion degrees, so I chose to go for business communications. Before graduating, I was nominated “Best Dressed” and “Most Likely to Become a Fashion Designer” in the high school yearbook. This outside validation made me question if I made the right decision to not try an obtain a fashion degree, but I really needed to take advantage of the scholarship I’d been awarded, so I went off to ASU for business. I realized halfway through my freshman year that I absolutely hated business and switched my major to Psychology. I wanted to start up a fashion blog again but decided to go the Instagram route. I began a page called “Summers Closet” where I reworked and sold thrifted clothing for a cheap price. After a while, I change the account to “Styled By Sum” which focused more on displaying my styling abilities, along with selling a few items here and there. Then, miraculously, I found out from a friend that Arizona State had added a fashion major. I was absolutely belated, as Psychology still didn’t feel “right”, and I was still in love with clothes and styling. I switched my major to fashion and studied abroad in Manchester, England for the start of my fashion degree. It was an absolutely life-changing semester; I got to see fashion across the world and how it differed from American styles. I was so inspired that I knew immediately I was finally on the right path. I’ve been pursuing my fashion degree here at ASU ever since while running my “Styled by Sum” Instagram. I’ve recently begun working toward building my professional wardrobe styling portfolio by collaborating with local photographers and styling myself/others for photoshoots.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This road has been extremely difficult and confusing for me. I felt for so long that I had made the wrong decision by not following my heart in trying to find a school that offered a fashion degree. I thought about it constantly and often felt very sad and like I would end up unhappy in life. In the end, the fashion degree literally came and found me- like it was meant to be. I got a second chance early on, but not everyone does. If I could give any advice it would be: take the risk, and it sounds so cliche, but seriously- follow your heart! Sometimes, pursuing creative futures seems scary because they aren’t considered “secure” futures or they aren’t promised to bring much money. But I truly think that being happy in life doesn’t have a price. You’ll spend forever regretting your decision if you don’t choose happiness. Plus, my dad always told me, “Be happy and the money will follow” (and hey- dads know everything)

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Styled By Sum – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Styled By Sum is my wardrobe styling page on Instagram. As a wardrobe stylist, I’d say I’m known most for dressing outside of the box. I don’t like to fit in with those around me- I’d rather be the center of attention when it comes to outfits. I wear bright colors (you will RARELY see me in all black) and busy, strong patterns. Styled by Sum also focuses on sustainable fashion- over 80% of my clothes are from Goodwill. I love thrifting at places like Salvation Army, Goodwill, or garage sales and finding unique gems to style myself and my friends in. I will often rework the clothing by cutting it, sewing it, or adding my own little touches like buttons or zippers. I personally love an androgynous look, for example, mixing oversized, boxy clothing from the men’s section with heels and feminine jewelry. However, I try and make it a point to style myself in all kinds of looks, as I want to be as diverse as possible for potential future wardrobe styling clients. Styled By Sum is also planning on creating and selling scrunchies and earrings in the future. Whether it be creating looks, reworked items, or one-of-a-kind pieces, Styled By Sum is all about individuality.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Social media is a huge networking factor. Instagram has connected me with so many models and photographers who will ultimately help my portfolio get to where it needs to be an aid me in getting a job after college. I also recommend messaging any and everyone, even if you think they won’t answer. I’ve reached out to several famous celebrity stylists on Instagram and few have gotten back to me and are very willing to give their thoughts and advice. As for finding a mentor, I’d start with looking in your high school or university for a teacher/professor willing to help! If you don’t attend school, going out to the community and reaching out to people in your field can never hurt! You have to get used to putting yourself out on a limb sometimes- if you don’t reach out, they won’t know you’re there.

Contact Info:

• Email: summerhorchem@yahoo.com
• Instagram: @StyledBySum

Image Credit:
Elijah Butler

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