We’ve heard quote and saying all our lives telling us to be true to ourselves in all areas including fashion. While that sounds straightforward enough to do, it underestimates the era we live in where we’re constantly bombarded with fashion images in online articles, magazines, and television. From the Kardashian sisters to the Golden Globes, how and who the celebrities are wearing is constant, with brands continually churning out content persuading us to buy in.
Even in this space, there can be a merging of the messaging we get through various mediums and with who we are. A person working at a barber shop and another in the justice system can both find ways to look and dress the part but still, to the acknowledgment of others, do so in a style individual to them. How does one find their real sense of style in a world with so many choices?
They say that fashion is a form of self-expression. Let’s dissect that for a moment; it is a statement of who we are, but how can we show the world the true us if we don’t know who we are? Most people assume that settling into who we are coming with age, but you don’t have to wait for that to wear what you love. When you become self-aware, we learn to work around our insecurities and eventuate what we love about ourselves. One person may have a flat stomach and opt for tight or cropped tops while another chooses shorts or knee-length dresses to show off their legs.
Knowing who you make self-expression second nature and picking up what suits your fancy becomes a lot easier when shopping. You instantly know what works for you and when to give items of clothing that are not necessarily “you” a shot. Others may act as inspiration, but you go beyond their put together look to find your unique style. Apart from your renewed confidence, those around you will begin to note and appreciate how your clothes are an extension of your personality.
How do you get from the current predicament to what we’ve just talked about? We’re not asking that you go off into a long journey of self-discovery (though everyone is encouraged to do that), but a close look at you and your closet goes a long way. Step outside your body or get feedback from those around you as to what your outfits say about you and make necessary changes. Make the conscious effort to present the best version of yourself, even on bad days.
