Student Keisha Green doesn't let clothes’ original intent confine her. She's cut up a dress or two to make blouses out of them. Alicia Wagner Calzada | Contributor

Wifebeaters are the foundation of Keisha Green's wardrobe. She layers them underneath everything — from strapless tops to cropped jackets to T-shirts.

“I like to layer, and I buy in pieces, never entire outfits,” she said.

A full-time student studying fashion merchandising at the University of the Incarnate Word, Green describes her style as a mix of classic and trendy or somewhere in the middle.
you strictly follow the trends,” said the 26-year-old, adding that she's selective about which trends she embraces. Right now, it's leggings and skinny jeans.

Occasionally she peruses the racks at Forever 21, but most of the time she surfs her favorite e-tailers, shopLAstyle.com and shopintuition.com, for must-haves-of-the-moment. Thrift stores and vintage shops in Austin are high on her list of shopping haunts.

DRESS,INTERRUPTED
Green sometimes reinvents what she finds. Take this Gucci silk top — it used to be a dress. "It wasn't very flattering (as a dress), but I knew it would make a nice tunic. It looks great with jeans or leggings, and I can throw a belt around it for a different look."

LADY IN RED
"I haven't worn this (Valentino) dress yet because I need to have it tailored. But it's my favorite dress, which is ironic considering it didn't look so hot on the hanger. It's one of those pieces that looks much better on."

RIP IT UP
"I'm a T-shirt and jeans kind of girl, but my style and clothing choices often reflect my interests — contemporary art and music ranging from eclectic to underground hip hop to jazz to soul. This T-shirt had a great worn-out look, but the neck was too high so I cut it out." Voila! Instant attitude.

REINCARNATION
"Since I'm petite (short), prints overwhelm me. As a dress, this didn't look good, so I cut it in half and turned it into a great top." And, it's perfect for layering over — you guessed it — a wifebeater.

SHE'S A LADY
"This is what I wear when I want to be taken seriously. I'd probably wear a simple silk blouse underneath it. Of course, it looks just as cool with jeans and a wifebeater."

Jeanie Tavitas-Williams