As summer changes to autumn and the California weather gets increasingly more difficult to predict, students and teachers alike return to the freezing classrooms and burning quad of FHS. In California, a state known for its year-round sunny weather, mastering the art of back-to-school fashion presents a challenge. How can one stay both stylish and comfortable under the Sunnyvale sun? 

One history teacher has been quietly making waves not only for his passion for teaching history, but also for his impeccable fashion sense. FHS U.S. History, Government and AVID teacher Geoffrey Wen has become something of a style icon at FHS, as well as an inspiration for those unsure of how to tackle the weather. He stresses the importance of following one’s own sense of style in order to create the perfect fall look.

“Fall is my favorite season, or winter because it allows us to wear different layers to school and wear outerwear, which I have a lot of,” Wen said. “The weather is weird in California too, it’s a little hot and then it starts getting a little cold and you have to dress in layers.” 

Wen recommends layering, the art of styling pieces over one another in order to stay comfortable throughout the day. He also discussed some of his favorite pieces for back-to-school wear and some key elements that really fit together, including shoes, pants and outerwear, perfect for the crazy Northern California weather. 

“If it’s a little bit cooler, a nice hoodie or crewneck is great,” Wen said. “I’m a big fan of those, and if it has a kangaroo pocket, even better because that’s where I like to put my hands instead of just in my pants pockets.” Wen also shared his favorite footwear to accompany his top-notch outfits. 

“Probably the Birkenstock Boston’s, which are my favorite pair of Birkenstocks ever,” Wen said. “For a slightly dressier, upscale outfit, I’ll wear a pair of loafers, either penny loafers or lug sole loafers.” 

In terms of shirts, Wen has it all figured out. He experiments with many different styles.

“I’ll often wear a graphic t-shirt, usually a slightly oversized T-shirt as of right now,” Wen said. 

He also has been venturing into new kinds of fashion, including dress shirts called popovers. These trendy shirts button halfway down the front, providing comfort and style. 

“They’re like dress shirts, except they only have half of the buttons. I have a couple that have a collar or a few that don’t have a collar, they’re very loose and flowy,” Wen said. 

For Wen, fashion is a way to express himself and his personality. He puts a lot of value on personalizing one’s style.

“I think personal style is personal. I think you should wear whatever you want. If it makes you feel comfortable, wear it,” Wen finished, with a general message to both students and teachers. “That’s the purpose of fashion.”