In a world of micro trends where it’s a sea of gorgeous instagrammers modeling silhouettes and accessories I haven’t looked thrice at since 2003; one I’m obsessed; two I’m overwhelmed. So many items look great on others, how does one sift through the tides of modern fashion to find your own personal style that really feels like what you want to express to the world?
The answer is in you: corny but real. Do you remember the music you resonated with at 13 to only abandon & rediscover at a later age? The same goes with personal style. Perhaps you didn’t have a sense of style at 13 (who does for real) but what is there is authenticity. Something we lose as we move into the world, through college and early careers to feel more approachable, comfortable. We as women, and queer folk, blanket ourselves in whatever makes us feel most blended with the masses. For me, it was oversized polyester cardigans from Forever 21, dark skinny jeans and a clashing polyester tunic in whatever color I saw fit. Ballet flat / TOMS were the norm.
No one teaches you how to get dressed the way we’re taught to color within the lines or identify elements on the periodic table. It’s often a third or fourth thought; reserved for special occasions. In my family, dressing up meant black pants and a “nice top”. When I started expressing interest in fashion and styling at a young age, I was often met with the typical parental questions other millennials my age suffered: “Why are you so dressed up?”
Why did that question feel like a personal attack to so many of us? I’d make an effort by styling my favorite jeans, top and cardigan to only be met with my father saying “you don’t want to draw attention to yourself” and my mother would lower her eyes. Girls objectification started in my own household, when I was a child. Of course, I didn’t know or understand it then, so often it ended in protest and tears on my end.
THE POINT IS
We, collectively, don’t owe anything to anyone but ourselves. Today, I dress for 13-year-old Meghan. She would absolutely lose her mind over the closet I’ve invested in over the past decade, and really I’ve done it for her. Honoring our own inner children & inner artists is how we will survive this new cruel world. I believe in hope & change; & certainly am not ambivalent to history.
Dressing is a political statement. Fashion is political. Anyone who says otherwise is uneducated or in denial.
Today, I dress for me. I center myself and my comfort over others eyes. Finding your personal style is exactly that: personal. Only you know who you are. Your favorite prints. What makes you feel alive. The music that heals you. Your favorite colors, scents. What moves you. I invite you to dress for you too.
Where to start; experiment: shop online. shop in stores, try things on that intrigue you especially items outside of your comfort zone that you actually like. You don’t have to buy anything, but try it on. The best way to find your personal style is experimenting. My rule when shopping: if I don’t love it; it’s not coming home with me.
Shop small. No fast-fashion. Unless you’re a college student, fast fashion like SHEIN should never be an option. Taking size inclusion into matter; choose sustainable brands like:
- summersalt
- reformation
- aritzia
- farm rio
- KOTN
- sezane
- ABLE clothing
- beyond retro — classic tees
- & more here
Thrifting is another great resource, I use Poshmark often when looking for a certain style or an item I know is sold out. Often you can find hidden gems if you take the time to sift through items.
In conclusion: your style is extremely personal. Only you will know what you feel best in, the colors that represent you best regardless of what your “season” is; what shapes you prefer over what’s trendy, and most importantly, how you want the world to see you.
Personal style is a choice, every day; like a healthy relationship. Only you can decide how you want to show up for yourself.
I’m always here to support — please inbox or dm me, anytime.
x <3 meghan