Fashion is what you make it. We all want to be part of the next big thing but you can’t lose your identity in the process. Wear what makes YOU happy, not what someone tells you looks good. The worst thing to do is wear something that’s “on trend” but makes you feel insecure. Clothes should accentuate how you feel about yourself. They are the first thing people recognize when meeting you and often make a first impression before you open your mouth.
“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.’ – Coco Chanel
It’s okay if your style evolves — and to be honest, it should. Over the years, I’ve been obsessed with all kinds of things. When I was young, I couldn’t get enough of polka dots (thank God that passed…lol). Throughout my high school and college years, I had a pretty casual style. My options were a little limited because there was only one tall store around (The Tall Girl Shop — now called Long Tall Sally). I remember wanting to wear things like “stretch denim/jeans” soo badly but not being able to do so because they weren’t readily available in tall sizes. Because of that, I evolved to wearing skirts and dresses as a more regular part of my attire. Despite this infusion of skirts/dresses, I still kept it pretty casual. I remember looking at the girls who wore 6-inch stilettos to class like they were crazy. Ha! Now I realize that they were just expressing their own personal style. I think part of me was intimidated by their confidence — the sheer belief that they were fly because they were unapologetic about who they were and what they liked.
Now in my “good and grown” life, I take more risks than I did in high school and college. While I’m still pretty tame in my style, I love mixing it up every now and again. Right now, I’m obsessed with textures. I love mixing fabrics and patterns. In this outfit, I’m mixing the thick woven texture of the jacket with the sheerness of the top. Instead of being concerned about what others think of me, I’ve learned to just dress for myself. What’s right for you may not be what’s right for me — and I’m finally okay with that. So if you want to wear your hot pink pants with a cranberry/wine colored sweater, you go right ahead. Strut your stuff honey.
As a wise Instagrammer said, “People are going to stare — might as well make it worthwhile.”
What’s your personal style? Comment below.