Evan Szymkowski sees their outfits as an extension of their personality. The performing artist, dancer, model and cellist – whom you might recognize from many Milwaukee Public Library TikToks – likes to wear bold, expressive outfits, starting with a monochromatic look, then adding in different pieces to change it up.
“I’ll mix and match other things together until I find something,” says Szymkowski, who models in Milwaukee. “If I feel like I can wear it confidently on the runway, that’s when I know it looks great.”
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Double Strap Heels
Szymkowski bought these heels for the Goblin King Masquerade Ball … and didn’t end up wearing them. But Szymkowski wears them all the time now when rehearsing as a model for fashion shows because they’re comfortable and easy to walk in.
Orange Mesh Crop Top
“I bought that piece because it was orange and bright,” Szymkowski says. They usually wear this shirt as part of a monochromatic orange outfit but wanted to try something new. “I can’t do the same thing too many times. I like to challenge myself.”
Now or Never
Confidence and body language are crucial to pulling off an outfit, Szymkowski says. They say it takes a lot of practice, looking in the mirror and digging deep to find that energy. “If I don’t have the confidence to wear this outfit now, when will I ever wear it? … Now is the moment, and it’s important to respect myself in that way because I’ve got this life to live.”
Black Denim Pants
“I’ve had these since 2018 or 2019 but I never wore them because I didn’t like the way that they looked … [but] I have changed my mind, I really like how they look now,” Szymkowski says. “I like the cutoff at the bottom.” The pants are starting to fade, but washing them inside out has helped them last longer.
