Style 101: Discovering the True You in Your Wardrobe
Let’s get one thing straight: style and fashion are not the same things. Fashion is what you see strutting down the runway—fast, fleeting, and often impractical for anything other than, well, a runway. Style, on the other hand, is personal. It’s that little voice inside you that says, "This is me," when you slip on your favorite pair of jeans or that funky jacket that somehow goes with everything. Style is what makes you stand out in a crowd, not because you’re loud but because you’re uniquely you.
My Journey to Owning My Style
Now, let me take you back to my teenage years…yes, we’re going there. Picture this: I’m at a screamo concert most likely at Chain Reaction (a venue in Anaheim, CA), sitting on this ledge that separated the stage area from the bar area of the venue, sporting a t-shirt that screams, “I’m the coolest person in this room”… LOLLLLL or so I thought?! But here’s the plot twist - I was also hanging out with a another group of friends who lived for Hollister hoodies, velour Juicy Couture tracksuits, and Ed Hardy everything. Talk about a huge fucking identity crisis (but also, that’s what being a teenager is all about and I understand that now). I felt like I had to swap out my wardrobe depending on who I was with, like some kind of fashion chameleon trying to fit in everywhere but never really standing out.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve finally cracked the code. You see, I spent years trying to fit into boxes that were never meant for me - literally and figuratively. I mean, how many of us are guilty of trying to squeeze into a pair of jeans just because we were that size a decade ago? Who are we kidding? No one sees the tag but you! MAKE IT MAKE SENSE!
So, what changed? Confidence. I realized that style isn’t about impressing others or fitting in; it’s about feeling good in your own skin - whether that’s in a band tee or a preppy sweater. Once I stopped worrying about what others thought and started wearing what made me feel like I knew what I was doing (even if it was just in my head at first), everything clicked.
Finding Your Own Style
So how do you find your style? Here’s the fun part - it’s all about experimenting and there are truthfully no rules:
Look to Your Past: What did you love wearing as a kid/teenager/even your early 20’s? Maybe you had a favorite pair of sneakers or a jacket that made you feel invincible. Incorporate elements of those into your current wardrobe for a touch of nostalgia and authenticity. For me, it will forever be band t-shirts and vans.
Embrace the Power of No: Not every trend is meant for you, and that’s okay! Learning to say no to something that doesn’t resonate with you is just as important as finding what does. Low rise jeans are back… doesn’t mean we should all jump on that bandwagon. I can assure you I will be staying as far away from this trend as possible, but hey, if low rise jeans are your jam don’t let me stop you.
Raid Your Own Closet: Before you hit “add to cart” on that cute dress you saw online, think about what’s already hanging in your closet. Can you recreate the look with what you have? Not only will this save you money, but it will also make you more creative with your outfits.
Closet Cleanse: If you’re not feeling what’s hanging in your wardrobe, it might be time for a refresh. Go through your clothes once or twice a year and be brutally honest - if it doesn’t make you feel fabulous, it’s got to go. This way, you’re left with pieces that truly represent your current style and make you excited to get dressed each day. I do this twice a year - this also helps me make room for more clothes 😅
Mood Board Your Life: Create a mood board (Pinterest is your friend!) of styles that catch your eye. Over time, you’ll notice patterns, colors, cuts, and themes that consistently appeal to you. That’s your style trying to tell you something!
Get Inspired by Unlikely Sources: Don’t just stick to fashion blogs or Instagram influencers. Look at art, nature, architecture, the people around you, or even movies for style inspiration. Sometimes the most unexpected places can spark a new direction in your wardrobe.
Own Your Size: This is a big one. Wear clothes that fit you now, not the size you were or wish you were. Confidence isn’t about squeezing into something too tight, it’s about rocking what fits and feels good.
Mix and Match Your Style: You don’t have to stick to one style - embrace your versatility! Love wearing band t-shirts and vans one day, business casual the next, and a chic dress with heels on the weekend? Go for it! There. Are. No. Rules. Your style can be as multifaceted as you are, so wear what makes you happy, wear what makes you feel good, wear what resonates with who you want to be, and wear it whenever you want. I mean, I wouldn’t wear a bikini to a job interview but then again, depends on what you are interviewing for 😉
Finding your style is a journey, not a destination. It’s about trying new things, making mistakes & laughing at them years later, and most importantly, being true to yourself. Remember, style isn’t about perfection; it’s about expression. So go ahead, mix that band tee with a pencil skirt, and strut your stuff. After all, confidence is the best outfit you can wear - everything else is just accessories ✨💁🏼♀️