One of the most underrated parts of growing up is realizing that personal style isn't something you're born with. It's something you discover, lose, reinvent, and rediscover over and over again.
Think about it.
Most of us have lived through several fashion eras. The teen years when I wore whatever I thought was trendy at the time (butterfly clips, fan ponytails and glitter over my eyes lol ). Now, it's not about trends for me, I am the trend.
In college, I really started experimenting with my makeup (my eyebrow era was insane and I couldn't have had real friends then jk jk).
The twenty something year old me experimented with different aesthetics. I went through a blazer and pencil skirt era, 6inch heel era, the unique era where I would mismatch purposely, "urban" and a "nerdy" era.
That brings us to my 30s when I finally just do what feels right to me. I started choosing to be even more bold, loud, chic, fun, and a fashionista (which I always had a touch of-I really do get it from my mama).
Ive been all of those women.
Over the years, Ive learned that style isn't about having the biggest closet or keeping up with the latest trends. It's about figuring out what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and most like yourself.
Versatility matters. Years ago, I would buy an outfit and wear it exactly one way and how it was intended to be worn. Now, I can look at the same pieces and create multiple looks simply by changing the shoes, adding jewelry, throwing on a jacket or sweater, adding hair accessories, pairing it with a unique looking handbag.
A simple black dress can feel casual with sneakers, or dressed up with heels, you can add a jacket depending on the weather or add accessories to your hair for a funky, chic look. The outfit necessarily didn't change, however switching up with accessories can absolutely create multiple different looks.
To me, fashion became less about buying more and more about buying unique, quality pieces that you can wear 10 different ways. We call it, shopping your own closet. It's fun because if you are a creative (like myself), curating different looks is just another outlet to show off your personal style.
Style has always been another form of self-expression. Just like writing, traveling or indulging in my hobbies, it's a way you can tell the world who you are without saying a thing.
Some days (most days, let's be honest) looks like a bold lip color. Other days may consist of a sleek bun (my go to...in between hairstyle), statement jewelry, accessories or a colorful outfit or a neutral color outfit with a pop of color.
I love fashion because there are no rules.
You are allowed to outgrow a style that no longer feels like you.
You are allowed to cut your hair (pictured above...had a Brittany Spears moment lol).
You can always grow it back.
You are allowed to switch it up and wear bright colors after years of wearing black.
Be fun. Be unique. Be you.
Style evolves because we evolve.
The woman you were at 18 shouldn't be the exact same woman you are 35.
Growth and maturity should look different.
So, if you're in a season of experimenting, changing, or figuring out what feels right, don't be afraid to switch things up.
The most beautiful thing you can do is wear the confidence that comes from finally dressing like yourself or the person you are becoming.
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