If you have ever met me, or seen me in the halls, then you would know that I tend to dress a little odd. Some days I leave the house and think, “Should I really have put this outfit together? Is this even stylish?” I’m sure you have thought the same thing too, if only once or twice. The answer to both of these questions, however, is yes. And I’m gonna tell you why this is the only correct answer.
First off, let me explain to you the difference between fashion and style. Fashion is a popular trend; whatever is currently in season or being shown on New York Fashion Week. Style, however, is much more fluid, as it is relative to each person. This is why the phrase “I love your sense of style” makes so much more sense than the phrase “I love your sense of fashion.”
I do not consider myself a fashionable person by any means. I think I wear quite unique pieces that not many others would pick in the store. I don’t keep up with trends or popular pieces to wear. However, I do think of myself as stylish, as I like the way I dress, and it suits me. I think this way of thinking can actually make quite a difference in your confidence in what you’re wearing.
If you like how you dress and you like what you’re wearing, then you’re stylish. End of story. Wearing what you feel is right over what everyone else tells you is right is so important. Fashion is a form of self-expression, and it should be freeing, not confining. Wearing what you believe you look good in will make you feel taller and seem more confident, which is what makes you stand out, not necessarily what you’re wearing.
A lot of people care about their appearance, as it is how people first perceive you before they meet you. But it is also important to consider how you perceive yourself when you dress. Do you like what you wear? Do you wear it because you feel comfortable, or because a fashion blog told you it was trendy this season? Honestly, there is no wrong answer or choice when it comes to fashion because it is all relative to what you enjoy wearing. If you think you look nice in this season’s trendy shirt, or a pattern that is popular at the time, then you go for it. If reaching for pieces that are a little more on the unique side is how you like to dress (like me), then you do you. And if not necessarily caring how you appear and maybe just wearing jeans and a t-shirt is what makes you feel the most comfortable, then wear it and rock it!
Let me give you an example. Homecoming was on the 28th, so not too long ago to forget what you wore. Think about what you picked out. Did you wear it because it was what everyone else would wear, did you wear it because it was what no one else would wear, or did you wear it because you loved the way you looked? People tend to wear short dresses to homecoming. Did you stick to this theme because you didn’t want to be ostracized, or did you maybe bend the rules because you saw a maxi dress you fell in love with?
Wear what you want, not what everyone tells you to wear. Not what Instagram models are being paid to wear, not what the Kardashians are caught wearing on the street, not what any fashion magazine tells you to wear. You know what you like and what you don’t. Embrace your style. Own it. Love it.
Now, taking the steps to dress as you please is not as easy of a task as it may sound. People are quick to judge based off of appearance. I can’t tell you how many looks and comments I get for dressing the way I do. Most are positive, which really amps me up! Some, however, are not, which can be hard and make me uncomfortable. And either way, the attention is sometimes almost embarrassing, whether it be good or bad. But those positive comments I receive really do help to reassure me, even if the compliment is from a friend. While it is important for you to like what you wear, we all need a little validation sometimes.
I’ll say it again, though. Wear what you want. Even if you don’t get the validation. Even if no one else would ever think of wearing it. Even if everyone else is thinking of wearing it. Wearing what you want will help you be more confident and self-assured. And confidence looks so good on everyone!
So, when you look in the mirror and think to yourself, “Should I really have put this outfit together?” You should have! It’s what you felt was right! As long as you like it, that’s all that matters! It is stylish, because it’s you!
