From The Editor: The Lion, the Witch and the Editor’s Pitch

Welcome to Lavender’s 2026 Fashion & Style issue! For those who noticed the absence of my column over the last couple of issues, worry not, I’m still here. Or, if you had been enjoying the peace and quiet without me, sorry to burst your bubble.

Our cover feature for this issue is on Winona, Minn.-raised pageant contestant Casely Vang and her journey to competing in Miss International Queen USA 2026, a pageant celebrating trans women. Casely’s story is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of self-expression through clothing and beauty. 

However, you don’t need to compete in pageants to actualize your identity through fashion and style! (It’s not easy after all, which is why we’re publishing a story about it.) No matter what your background is, there is so much you can do to express who you are through what you wear. 

Maybe you’re thinking of a complete wardrobe overhaul to signal a major change — the entrance to Narnia was in a wardrobe, after all. Personally, I’ve been investing in a whole lot of button-down shirts and wool sweaters as I attempt to update my closet to reflect my transition from student to freelance writer to managing editor. A major refresh could help demonstrate any change in social position, whether it be a change in job, age, relationship status, social attitude or gender expression.

But let’s be realistic — a complete wardrobe overhaul? In this economy? Unless you win the lottery (or an insider trade on a prediction market), probably not. For the majority of us who aren’t so lucky, there’s still a lot we can do to express ourselves. 

If you have the budget for a few new pieces but not a whole new wardrobe, you could consider shopping strategically to choose items that can be spread across many different outfits to maximize their impact. Or, you can even make changes without spending a nickel (the penny no longer being an option, to the great delight of my high school gov teacher). A different cuff on your pants, a different hairstyle with the same hair or new combinations of your same old clothes could help your style feel brand new.

That’s probably more than enough fashion advice from your friendly neighborhood editor. I’ll leave the rest to the experts, and you can read all about it in this issue.